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National Stuttering Association

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A collage of polaroid photos pinned on a corkboard, featuring diverse individuals wearing t-shirts with the NSA logo, smiling and posing in various settings during virtual chapter meetings.

Now, more than ever, it is important for the stuttering community to connect, talk, and share. The ever-changing public health situation can cause feelings of isolation, greater stress, and higher anxiety. During our monthly in-person meetings, we can address these issues and how they relate to stuttering.

While we are sometime unable to meet in-person, we can still use the internet to meet through video.

There are a variety of internet video conferencing tools we can use to connect screen-to-screen. Some tools are free with limitations on usage, while other tools charge a relatively low monthly fee.

The NSA is providing basic guidance on video conferencing tools you can use to host virtual monthly meetings. Ultimately, you will need to decide which tool works best for you and your Chapter.

FREE OPTIONS


Google Meet (free version)

  • The host must have a Google account to start a Hangout.
  • People can join a Meet without needing a Google account
  • Meeting can have up to 100 participants, for up to 60 minutes


Cisco WebEx (Free Version)

  • Up to 100 participants on any device for up to 50 minutes.
  • Host must have WebEx account to start meeting
  • People can join video call without needing a WebEx account
  • The host can schedule a Zoom video call and send the details (time, day, URL) to participants.
  • To join a Zoom video call, people will be directed to download onto their device if they haven’t already installed WebEx Meetings.
  • Screen share content is available and platform is HIPPA compliant.

More info on WebEx for group video chats


Skype

  • Host free video calls with up to 50 people on any device.
  • Everyone will need to download the free Skype app and create a Skype account.
  • The host must have a Skype account to start a video call.
  • Starting a group video call will require pre-work.

To get started:

NOTE: All participants will need to have created a Skype account, and the host will need to invite people to join the video either individually or from a group contact list created before the call.

More info on using Skype for group video chats


Zoom (free version)

  • For free Zoom video calls with 3 or more people on any device, time is limited to 40 minutes.
  • Unlimited time for Zoom video calls with 2 people.
  • The host must have a Zoom account to start a Zoom video call.
  • People can join a Zoom video call without needing a Zoom account.
  • The host can schedule a Zoom video call and send the details (time, day, URL) to participants.
  • To join a Zoom video call, people will be directed to download onto their device if they haven’t already installed Zoom.

To get started:

 

LOW-COST OPTIONS

Many low-cost options are available, and usually by the same providers as above.

 

OTHER OPTIONS

Many people have access to video conferencing tools used for work purposes. Businesses routinely hold video conference calls for departments and group projects. A Chapter Leader or a member may have access to a video conference tool and would be willing to use it to host a virtual chapter meeting. Perhaps this option might work best for you.

Common video conferencing tools used for business include: GoToMeeting, Cisco Webex, Bluejeans, Join.me, Microsoft Teams and many others.