Virtual reality stammering software supports young people to speak out
Our Trust has become the first NHS Trust in the country to use new virtual reality (VR) software to support children and young people who stammer.
The Barnsley children’s and adult’s speech and language therapy team received funding from the Trust’s charity, EyUp!, to purchase two VR headsets to use in conjunction with the software ‘withVR’.
withVR enables people to be immersed in real life situations where they would be likely to speak – such as asking questions in a classroom or ordering food in a café. This enables the children and young people to experience everyday speaking situations in a safe space with the support of a therapist by their side.
Speech and language therapist Nicola Maddy said: “Using withVR is going bridge the gap between speaking within the safety of the clinic environment and the real world, and better prepare someone for real life speaking situations. It can gradually extend a person’s comfort, confidence and ease of talking where the real situation can be too much of a leap, yet the clinic environment does not provide sufficient challenge or realism. It enables a therapist to be present and offer support in situations they would not typically be able to.”
The software was founded by Gareth Walkom, who also stammers himself.
Nicola continued: “We know from research that stammering can impact on a person’s social, emotional, educational wellbeing and their career choice and prospects. People who stammer face stigma, discrimination, misunderstanding and negative reactions in society. Consequently, simple, everyday speaking situations can be challenging and very much feared. Often people will not say what they want to say or may even decide not to speak at all. This is detrimental to wellbeing and quality of life.
“We are really excited and privileged to use this technology to support people to achieve their potential. Our children and young people literally can’t believe their eyes when they enter the clinic room and see what we will be using. They also love to help the team with setting up the headsets – this in itself is therapeutic as it builds rapport, connection and encourages them to use their voice.
“We hope that by using withVR, our clients will be able to enter speaking situations with comfort and confidence and say what they want to say when they want to say it. We hope our clients are not only empowered to use their voices, but also recognise that it is ok to stammer and that their beautiful voices are valuable, valid and important just as they are.”
