They are just like every other kid in elementary school, they get excited

about meeting University of Tennessee football stars and have aspirations

of going to veterinary school. The difference between most kids and the

five who are attending a new University day camp is their problem with

stuttering.

Dr. Pearl Gordon, an associate professor in the Audiology and Speech

Pathology Department, is helping these kids by offering a three-week day

camp which the kids have named “UT Camp for Speech.”

“This is a funded project to provide intensive therapy to children who

stutter in a day camp environment,” Gordon said.

About 4 percent of school-age children stutter. One type of stuttering

problem involves repeating the same words and sounds. The other involves

not being able to get the words out. This camp helps them with their

problems by providing one on one and group therapy to help them develop

better speech.

The kids also get to participate in day camp activities such as planting a

garden and seeing the football stadium.

“I met DaShay Jones and Jamal Lewis and got their autographs,” said Matt

Sanders, excited about his new volunteer friends.

Most of the camp is about correcting the students speech. Gordon and her

staff of graduate and undergraduate students treat students by getting them

to start at an easy level and use a slowed rate of speech.

Kassie Bracket knows that her speech needs to use “purposeful pauses” to

keep her from stuttering. They do this by using natural speech through

activities like card games and conversations.

The purpose of the camp is two-fold: to help the kids, and the students in

the Audiology and Speech Pathology department.

“The camp provides an opportunity for grads and undergrads to develop

skills to treat children who stutter,” Gordon said.