Stuttering Simulation

"Disability Application Day – Fluency Disorder (stuttering)
Stuttering is primarily speech that is disrupted by rate, rhythm or smoothness. Disruptions in speech occur in all speakers and may increase when someone is nervous or talking about content they are less familiar with. However, when unusual disruptions occur or when common disruptions occur frequently or for prolonged periods of time, these dysfluencies are perceived as abnormal. 99-97% fluent speech is perceived as normal and any thing more disruptive than 97% is often perceived as stuttering."

I had the opportunity to attempt this fluency disorder simulation. I had to ask for help, order at a restaurant, ask for directions or ask questions while checking out at a grocery store. I went to a grocery store and talked to the cashier and then asked for directions to a restaurant while in the parking lot.

I was super uncomfortable for a few different reasons. First, I didn't know how to make my stutter sound genuine. Secondly, I didn't like everyone staring. Well, it seemed like everyone was staring and judging. The third and biggest reason is a very good friend of mine talks with a stutter and I felt like I was mocking him. I hated it. I have a lot of respect for him and I felt like pretending I had a stutter would be degrading somehow.

I realized that while I was trying to get my words out, people would try and anticipate what I was going to say and say it for me. They wouldn't let me talk. I felt like what I really wanted to say was unimportant and they just wanted to get it over with. My roommates were easier to work with because they know me and they know my friend who stutters. I realized that I still try and anticipate what he's trying to say, or clarify what he's saying and how rude that is. It also made me realize that having a fluency disorder doesn't mean a lack of cognitive ability, it just.... is.