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From: Judy Kuster
Date: 10/5/02
Time: 7:29:34 AM
Remote Name: 65.29.28.137
Alan,
Thank you for your comments. I value what you have to say.
You asked:
>Would it not be advantageous for SLPs to seek membership of one (or more) of the stuttering-related Internet groups?
Good point. Yes, there is much to be learned from participating, or even simply "lurking" on the various lists and in other Internet discussion forums. That is why I insist students in my classes sign on. Some semesters they gain a lot. Other semesters, not so much, unless they are assigned to search the archives, which contain a tremendous store of information. If SLPs have the time to devote to the discussions, there is much to be learned from them, particularly from a consumer's perspective.
They can learn several important lessons from these lists -- very helpful resources and ideas, also some things to "watch out" for, and the importance of critical thinking skills when making use of the lists (or of the entire Internet for that matter).
You didn't mention children or adolescent's potential participation, which would need much more careful consideration I would think. There have been middle-school age participants in the past (12 year olds). Several list members mentored in wonderfully supportive ways. But, in general, I would not recommend that children join many of the lists. At times there have been members, who are benefiting from the lists themselves, who seem to forget that anyone can join these lists. . . . . Just my opinion. This has occurred more often in the past, than lately!.
Judy