SpeechEasy Media Position

 Since the inception of Janus Development Group, the marketer and distributor of the SpeechEasy fluency device, our company has formulated core beliefs about our product and has continued to conduct our business in accordance with those beliefs. We would like to take this opportunity to share these beliefs as they relate to our product, our core company philosophies, and our involvement in the media. The following is our official Media statement:


Facts
  • Stuttering is a lifelong challenge.
  • SpeechEasy is not a cure. No known cure for stuttering exists. SpeechEasy does not perfect the user's speech or completely eliminate stuttering.
  • SpeechEasy has a high success rate. Of those who purchase a device, only 12% exercise their option to return it during the 60-day trial period for a 90% refund of the purchase price.
  • While SpeechEasy has provided significant benefit for many people who stutter, it's not for everyone. There are many factors and variables that make a user successful with SpeechEasy, and the only true way to determine if a client is suitable is by conducting a thorough screening and evaluation.
  • SpeechEasy has a high customer satisfaction rating. Over 80% of SpeechEasy clients are satisfied with their decision to purchase. See our website for complete results of this survey.
  • There is a need for additional efficacy data on SpeechEasy, even though many published research articles exist on the choral effect and Altered Auditory Feedback (premises on which SpeechEasy is based). Independent clinical studies are currently underway at Auburn University, Dalhousie University, and others, in an effort to provide supportive data.

Philosophies
  • SpeechEasy is committed to the highest level of professional and clinical integrity. We have always maintained that SpeechEasy only be dispensed through state-licensed, ASHA-certified Speech Pathologists, who have also completed an additional SpeechEasy certification program.
  • SpeechEasy is up-front about the capabilities of our product. We constantly stress the need to manage expectations for everyone involved (clients, families, Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs), etc), to help minimize building false hopes.
  • SpeechEasy advocates "therapy first", particularly among children.
  • Success is both objective and subjective. While SLPs objectively document post treatment improvements, clients also have their own subjective definitions of success.
  • We have no intentions of becoming a replacement for speech therapy. While there are SpeechEasy users who do not need additional therapy or follow-up, there are others who do. It has been found that therapy can help produce optimal results with the device.
  • SpeechEasy honors the client's right of choice. We encourage people who stutter to be evaluated for SpeechEasy; however we never discourage clients from pursuing other treatment options. We encourage people who want help to seek it in any manner they find appropriate.

SpeechEasy in the Media

 The SpeechEasy clients and stories, shown in the media, are real. They are real people, telling their real story, who have achieved real success through the use of this device.

SpeechEasy is a device which has the ability to produce truly dramatic results - not only in terms of improved speech, but in its ability to improve the user's self-esteem, confidence, and overall quality of life. As such, these combined elements have the potential to be presented as touching 'human-interest' stories; the type that network producers believe will attract the most viewers.

When we are aware of the media coverage and granted the opportunity, we present the network producers with facts about stuttering, facts about SpeechEasy, and our company philosophies. It is our hope that the piece created will be as balanced as possible, thus reducing the creation of false hopes. We realize, however, that the rigorous process of evaluation and counseling does not make for exciting viewing ... and we have no preview or editorial rights.

While there are those in the professional community who consider some of the media presentations overly dramatized, we suggest that consideration be given to the positive aspects from this media exposure and how it benefits not only SpeechEasy, but the entire stuttering community. Two of the most positive outcomes are:
  1. Increased stuttering awareness - When the media chooses to highlight SpeechEasy, they are simultaneously highlighting the greater topic of stuttering in general. Viewers not only get reminded of the existence and severity of this disorder, but they see a 'face' and a human perspective on a disorder which drastically needs more public understanding.

  2. Increased personal awareness - Those who stutter watch these media segments and are offered the comfort that they are not alone. We believe that these programs are reaching an unserved segment of the population ... people who long ago "gave up" on the hope that help may be available. Regardless of whether those who view these programs react by seeking out SpeechEasy, traditional therapy, or any other form of assistance, the most significant impact is that they become motivated to seek help.

We believe strongly in the potential of SpeechEasy to help many people who stutter. While there are questions surrounding what treatment options may be best for any individual, our hope is that the stuttering community can collectively agree that we all have the same objective - to make a positive difference in the lives of people who stutter.

We encourage you to learn more about our product by visiting us at www.speecheasy.com, calling 1-877-4FLUENCY, or contacting your local SpeechEasy provider.

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