Movie Gives Speech Therapy the Royal Treatment

Stuttering Foundation founder had only one role model in the 1940s: King George VI

NEW YORK, Nov. 26, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "I am delighted that The King's Speech will introduce a new generation of young people to the inspiring story of King George VI," said Jane Fraser, president of The Stuttering Foundation. "He continues to be a powerful role model whose broadcasts of hope kept the spirits of the British people alive during the dark days of World War II. Moreover, he inspired my father, Malcolm Fraser, to found the Stuttering Foundation in 1947."

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101126/DC07613)

King George VI was the only role model Fraser had in the 1940s because people didn't talk about disabilities in those days. Today, an extensive list of famous people who stutter can be found at www.stutteringhelp.org.

With today's release of The King's Speech, starring Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush, it is most timely to highlight the plight of those who stutter and the resources that are available to them. This incredibly complex disorder affects more than three million people in this country alone.

Fraser felt the same dread of speaking in public that the King experienced in the 1940s. A successful businessman, he went on to establish and endow the 64-year-old nonprofit.

"While the film will be viewed as entertainment by the movie-going public, it will particularly resonate for people who struggle with stuttering on a daily basis," Ms. Fraser added.

Today's research shows that stuttering does indeed have a biological cause and can be treated effectively. There are speech-language pathologists worldwide who can help, and the Foundation provides a list of these specialists and other free resources at www.stutteringhelp.org  or by calling 800-992-9392.

SOURCE Stuttering Foundation