The SPEAK OUT!® program

Speech Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease

The SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Program, developed by Parkinson Voice Project, helps people with Parkinson's and related neurological disorders regain and retain their speech and swallowing. This highly effective, evidence-based treatment combines education, individual and group speech therapy, daily home practice, and continuous follow-ups. Patients are empowered to "speak with INTENT," transitioning speech from an automatic function to an intentional act.

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At Kirsten Toll & Associates Speech Pathology Services, our therapists are certified providers of the highly successful SPEAK OUT!® Program, a clinically proven speech therapy program designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s disease.

Who can benefit from SPEAK OUT!®?

SPEAK OUT!® is suitable for adults with Parkinson's disease and can also be beneficial for others with related conditions such as MSA, PSP and Parkinson's plus.

The program can be introduced at any stage of Parkinson's disease, and early intervention is recommended to support ongoing communication and swallowing function well into the future.

Why SPEAK OUT!® works!

Parkinson's disease interferes with everyday movements that usually happen automatically, such as speaking, making facial expressions, adjusting voice volume, using intonation, swallowing, walking, and writing. These movements rely on our brain's production of dopamine, the very chemical that is depleted in people with Parkinson's. By making these movements intentional - consciously thinking about them - they are activated by a different part of the brain that produces movements less dependent on dopamine. As a result, speech, volume, clarity, swallowing, and facial expression can improve (if they are done intentionally)

What will SPEAK OUT!® improve?

The SPEAK OUT!® progam is tailored to the specific voice, speech and swallowing changes that typically occur with Parkinson's disease and introduces the concept of generating movements with intent.

Speaking and swallowing with intent improves:

Voice strength, quality, volume and clarity (voice becomes louder and clearer, less "husky" or "raspy")

Speech intelligibility (clearer speech)

Facial expression (more animated)

Intonation (conveying more emotion)

Swallowing function and saliva management (more control)

Consistency of communication

Confidence in everyday conversations

Socialisation and inclusion (less withdrawal, improved connection)

What does the SPEAK OUT!® program involve.

The program involves:

Twice weekly Individual sessions with a certified SPEAK OUT!® provider (speech pathologist) for four weeks. Can be in person or via telehealth.

Structured daily exercises to complete at home, designed to improve speech, voice and swallowing.

Education and practical strategies to support communication in everyday life

Optional involvement of family members or carers to support carryover

Inclusion in our weekly online SPEAK OUT!® maintenance group following completion of the program, helping participants maintain gains in voice, speech and swallowing, build confidence, and connect with others living with Parkinson's disease

SPEAK OUT!® was developed by Parkinson Voice Project.

Ready to take the next step?

Contact us today to book an appointment or learn how we can support you.

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Referrals and Funding

Referrals are accepted from:

Neurologists and medical specialists

General practitioners

Allied health professionals

NDIS support coordinators

Individuals and families

Funding pathways:

NDIS-funded services (self-managed or plan-managed)

Private fee-paying clients

Medicare-supported services, where eligibility criteria are met