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From: Jerry Carlson
Date: 10/22/03
Time: 6:40:16 AM
Remote Name: 216.251.169.23
As a PWS (and also a SLP) I have always had the dilemma of when to advertise and when not to. I think Mr. Hicks' comment that not everyone focuses on our stuttering as the most important part of a communication interaction. I agree that it is critical to start off a talk to a group with some kind of an explanation, but often I have thought it would be easier (and therapuetic) to wear a button that says something to the effect of I am a stutterer. The physically disabled are generally not laughed at in public because their disability is seen. A stutterer's "disability" is not "seen" until he/she is heard. When the listener reacts of a grin, chuckle, etc. I believe it is most often out of surprise and not knowing how to respond.