Bancroft NeuroRehab Awarded National Grant for Parkinson’s Disease Speech Program

Parkinson Voice Project awarded Bancroft NeuroRehab 2021 SPEAK OUT!® Grant to improve services for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

SPEAK OUT!® & The LOUD Crowd® is a therapy approach developed by the Parkinson Voice Project for individuals with Parkinson’s disease to help them improve their speech and voice. The program consists of one-on-one therapy sessions with a certified speech-language pathologist, followed by graduation into a group therapy component where individuals can join others in the program to maintain skills learned together. 

The grant provides SPEAK OUT!® & The LOUD Crowd® training for a speech-language pathologist, support such as with a Parkinson Voice Project clinical outreach coordinator, training for speech pathology graduate students, and resources such as workbooks, clinical webinars, and a sound meter. 

Vanessa Edwards, M.S., CCC-SLP, CBIS, the speech-language pathologists trained in the SPEAK OUT!® approach, believes the program will benefit individuals experiencing speech difficulties.“One of the biggest differences the SPEAK OUT!® program offers from other Parkinson’s-specific programs is the cognitive intervention that is interlaced with using an intent voice,” Edwards says, “It allows a client to transition from structured therapeutic activities to unstructured activities while maintaining their learned strategies for effective communication and volume. This program also relies on the commitment of the client, as they will require daily practice and follow-up sessions to reassess their skills.”

More About SPEAK OUT!®

The SPEAK OUT!® therapy regimen is designed to help individuals with Parkinson’s improve their speech and voice. Following the expertise of a speech-language pathologist, individuals in the program will complete speech, voice, and cognitive exercises with an emphasis on speaking with the intent to improve the volume and clarity of speech. The program typically consists of 12 speech therapy sessions as well as home practice, followed by the individual transitioning to The LOUD Crowd®.

More About The LOUD Crowd®

The LOUD Crowd® is a group therapy component of the program where individuals meet weekly after they graduate from SPEAK OUT!®. The group sessions allow individuals to continue to SPEAK OUT!® exercises to maintain skills learned in the program. Additionally, the program provides support and encouragement from other individuals with Parkinson’s. 

How can I receive services?

SPEAK OUT!® & The LOUD Crowd® is offered at Bancroft NeuroRehab’s Resnick Center at Mt. Laurel and Toms River outpatient locations. 

I have Parkinson’s Disease. When should I begin treatment?

Research shows that nearly 90% of individuals with Parkinson’s disease have affected voice and speech disorders. Early treatment is recommended to help individuals preserve and maintain communication skills as the disease progresses. Speech-language pathologists can help individuals plan for the progression of Parkinson’s disease while supporting maximization of function and independence and maintaining quality of life. 

How is treatment covered?

Bancroft NeuroRehab will bill your insurance for SPEAK OUT!® treatment services provided. Before scheduling your appointment, an Admissions Specialist will help you understand all of your funding options to help get your rehabilitation program started as soon as possible.  

For more information on SPEAK OUT!® & The LOUD Crowd®, visit the Parkinson Voice Project.

Call 844-234-8387 to schedule an appointment with Bancroft NeuroRehab.