SPEAK OUT!® Speech Therapy Program for Parkinson’s Disease
Speak and Swallow Speech Therapy are registered providers of the evidence-based SPEAK OUT!® speech therapy program.
SPEAK OUT!® is a results-driven speech therapy program developed by the Parkinson’s Voice Project. Research has shown this therapy approach is effective in helping individuals with Parkinson’s Disease to strengthen and maintain their voices, minimise swallowing problems, and improve quality of life.
If you or a loved one has Parkinson’s Disease and have noticed changes like:
- Talking quieter than usual (sometimes mumbling)
- Speaking more quickly or being harder to understand
- Changes in mood and interest in communicating with others
- Frequently coughing or taking longer to eat meals
- Not finishing meals due to fatigue or difficulty chewing/swallowing
- Needing to clear your throat often during meals
- Getting tired or breathless when talking
- Slurring words or speaking in a monotone voice
- Feeling frustrated when others ask you to repeat yourself
- Difficulty starting conversations or participating in group discussions
- Feeling like your voice “runs out” or fades by the end of a sentence
…you will benefit from the intensive approach of the SPEAK OUT!® therapy program.
What is included in the SPEAK OUT!® Program?
SPEAK OUT!® takes an intensive approach to speech therapy, with sessions completed three times a week over a period of 4 weeks with daily home practice to maximise results. The program combines evidence-based exercises that target speech, voice, and cognitive changes commonly experienced by individuals with Parkinson’s Disease.
This structured approach to speech therapy for Parkinson’s Disease strengthens the muscles used for speaking and swallowing, improves vocal quality, and supports clear and confident communication.
Before starting the SPEAK OUT!® Program
Your treating Speech Pathologist will complete a comprehensive assessment to understand your current condition and specific symptoms. For individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, this includes a detailed evaluation of voice, speech, language, and swallowing. The findings from these assessments help tailor the program to your needs and provides a helpful baseline for monitoring your progress throughout your therapy block and beyond.
Benefits of the SPEAK OUT! Program for People with Parkinson’s Disease:
Your Voice Will Be Louder, And Better Understood
After completing the SPEAK OUT! Program, many people report being more easily understood in everyday conversations. This improvement comes from the targeted exercises completed that strengthen the muscles used in speech and the focus placed on speaking with intent – a core principle of the program. By learning to speak loudly and clearly with deliberate effort, you’ll develop a stronger, more consistent voice that supports effective communication in daily life.
You Will Be a More Confident Communicator
The voice and communication changes associated with Parkinson’s Disease can impact how you show up in everyday communication. Since your diagnosis, you may have noticed that you are less interested in communicating with others – or experience greater anxiety when communicating with unfamiliar people because of being misunderstood or misheard. With improved voice clarity and loudness will come greater confidence in communicating with others. By targeting these aspects of your communication, SPEAK OUT! Will help you to be more active in social interactions and improve your overall quality of life.
Start SPEAK OUT! Speech Therapy in North Brisbane
Ready to get started on your SPEAK OUT! journey? The team at Speak and Swallow Speech Therapy are trained and experienced in delivering the SPEAK OUT! Program and are ready to help you start seeing results.
If you’re committed to improving your voice, speech, and swallowing and ‘living with intent’, the SPEAK OUT! program is for you. Get in touch with our friendly team today to arrange a time for your initial assessment appointment and 4-week SPEAK OUT! speech therapy block.