Welcome to the
2020 NSA@Home Online Conference
July 7 – July 10
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While it may look different from our typical conference, NSA@Home will deliver much of what you’ve come to expect. This online event will offer connection, support, and education to people who stutter of all ages through interactive Zoom sessions, keynote conversations, roundtable discussions, games, and fun activities.
The theme of our conference this year is Changing Lives Together. These days we might be facing more uncertainty, loneliness, and stress because of the pandemic. However, coming together, even online, can be a life-changing experience for adults, children, families, and friends who share stuttering as a common bond. The power of togetherness can truly change lives.
Registration
We are committed to making the NSA@Home Conference affordable for everyone. That’s our motivation behind the unique GIVE WHAT YOU CAN registration fee.
For some, you might be in a position to make a donation as your registration fee and for that, we thank you. For others, the NSA will offer all the Conference content at no cost — it’s our gift to you.
NOTE: Most sessions will be recorded and uploaded to the NSA@Home website. As a registered attendee, you will have access to these recordings if you are unable to watch live sessions on Zoom.
Thank You for Your Donations
Thank you to those who have already donated to the NSA@Home Conference!
NSA@Home Conference Agenda
All of the sessions will be delivered using Zoom, which can be accessed using your computer, smartphone, and or tablet. Scroll down and click to reveal the daily sessions. (All times are eastern.)
7:00 – 7:30 pm (eastern)
Welcome to the NSA@Home Conference
Tammy Flores, NSA Executive Director, and Dr. Gerald Maguire, NSA Board Chair, host this enthusiastic welcome and talk a little bit about what you can expect from the NSA@Home Conference. They will also share important updates about the National Stuttering Association.
7:30 – 9:00 pm (eastern)
WHEN I STUTTER Movie Screening and Panel Discussion
WHEN I STUTTER is an award-winning documentary from John Gomez that reveals the humanity that exists within people who stutter. A panel discussion with questions from the audience will follow the screening.
streaming video starting at 8:00 am
KEYNOTE Conversation: John Hendrickson
John Hendrickson is a Senior Political Editor at The Atlantic and recently wrote a revealing article about Joe Biden’s lifelong journey with stuttering. John also has his own story to share in this keynote conversation.
6:00 – 6:45 pm (eastern)
NSA Board of Directors: Town Hall Meeting
This is an opportunity to ask the NSA’s Board of Directors questions about how the NSA provides empowerment, encouragement, and education to the stuttering community.
7:00 – 8:00 pm (eastern)
Adults Open Mic
This is your time to speak freely! Tell a story. Share something interesting in your life. Read a poem. Take as long as you need; this is a judgement-free space for your voice to be heard.
7:00 – 8:00 pm (eastern)
Tweens/Kids Zoom Rooms
Young people who stutter deal with a unique set of life experiences. There’s a lot going on and it can be helpful to connect with others who understand.
8:30 – 9:30 pm (eastern)
Parents Panel: Ask Us Anything
In this parents-only session, you’ll have the opportunity to get your most pressing questions answered regarding parenting children who stutter through preschool and into adulthood.
8:30 – 9:30 pm (eastern)
Teens Zoom Rooms
Young people who stutter deal with a unique set of life experiences. There’s a lot going on and it can be helpful to connect with others who understand.
streaming video starting at 8:00 am
KEYNOTE Conversation: Cleavon Gilman, MD
Dr. Cleavon Gilman is an ER physician in NYC who has been on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic. In this keynote conversation, you’ll learn how Dr. Gilman has become a shining light for people who stutter.
4:30 – 6:00 pm (eastern)
Stuttering Research and Medical Updates
A panel of expert researchers, clinicians, and professors will share research/medical updates and answer your questions about the nature, diagnosis, and treatment of stuttering. (NOTE: This session will not be recorded. Please attend live.)
6:30 – 7:45 pm (eastern)
Stuttering and Career Success
The NSA’s WeStutter@Work Team will lead this interactive session to help you gain new approaches to become a better employee and achieve the career success you deserve.
8:00 – 9:30 pm (eastern)
Adults: Ask Us Anything
This session is your opportunity to ask a panel of diverse adults any question about any situation that’s on your mind. Leave this session with answers and feeling more prepared in your stutter journey.
streaming video
NSA 2020 Award Winners
The NSA’s yearly awards recognize the outstanding contributions people have made to the NSA and to the stuttering community. The NSA is greatly appreciative and tremendously excited to announce the 2020 NSA Award Winners in the following categories: Regional Chapter Coordinator of the Year, Academic of the Year, Hall of Fame Inductee, Chapter Leader of the Year, and Chapter of the Year.
3:00 – 4:15 pm (eastern)
Kids: Let’s Draw Comics!
Get some paper and grab your pencils, you’re going to learn how to draw comics from celebrated cartoonist Danny Rossi.
6:00 – 7:00 pm (eastern)
Teens: Mini-Workshop Blitz Sessions
Teens will participate in four 10-minute workshops presented by the NSA Teen Advocacy Committee. Blitz sessions will share advice on disclosing your stutter, public speaking skills, getting out of your comfort zone, and transitioning to college. Following the Mini Workshops, attendees will be able to join breakout rooms and interact with other teens who stutter.
6:00 – 7:00 pm (eastern)
Parents & SLPs: Navigating Summer without School and Speech Therapy
School’s out for summer. What now? Join a mom of a person who stutters, a speech-language pathologist, and an elementary school teacher who stutters, to discuss getting through the summer months without the structure of school or speech therapy.
7:15 – 8:15 pm (eastern)
Taboo Topics
Join conversations exploring anger, awkward moments, depression, glee, disclosure, therapy, and more. Myths will be challenged, stories will be told, and questions will be debated. (Adults 18+ only).
8:30 – 8:45 pm (eastern)
NSA@Home Closing
As NSA@Home sessions draw to a close, we come together one last time to recap, review, and thank you for your participation before celebrating the night away in the Virtual Lounge! Join us to hear reflections from key attendees, then stick around to cap off the conference with a bang.
9:00 pm – 12:00 am (eastern)
NSA Virtual Lounge
The NSA Virtual Lounge is the perfect way to connect, laugh and be social with the stuttering community. Drop in and meet up with others for lots of surprises and tons of fun. Plus, enjoy a dance party room hosted by DJ Stutter. (Adults 18+ only).