Parkinson’s Disease
Our team is leading the way in preserving the voices of individuals with Parkinson’s
Beyond Voice.
Towards Connection.
Our Beyond Voice initiative expands traditional Parkinson’s therapy by going further than speech and voice alone. This comprehensive, clinically-informed toolkit supports communication, swallowing, respiratory function, and cognitive-communicative skills through evidence-based daily practice. It brings together advanced programs and technologies to empower individuals to build strength, carry over skills into everyday life, and stay motivated with structured and accessible home practice.
SPEAK OUT!
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BiSSkApp
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Plasticise
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Better Conversations
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EMST
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SPEAK OUT! 〰️ BiSSkApp 〰️ Plasticise 〰️ Better Conversations 〰️ EMST 〰️
SPEAK OUT!
Therapy Program
We are amongst the first providers of the SPEAK OUT! therapy program in Australia, developed by the Parkinson’s Voice Project in order to help people with Parkinson’s regain and retain their speech and swallowing.
This program was developed by the Parkinson Voice Project in Texas to be practical and efficient in order to keep cost lower and offer flexible treatment options. SPEAK OUT! combines speech, voice, and cognitive exercises with a fundamental goal of preserving the voices of people with PD.
Most people require only 8 – 12 individual SPEAK OUT! treatment sessions before they enter the maintenance phase of Parkinson Voice Project's two-part therapy program. This maintenance program consists of speech therapy groups to help patients maintain the strength of their voices.
How it works
Rhonda, after following the SPEAK OUT! program
“I first contacted Optimal Speech Pathology because of my husband's concerns about my voice. In truth I was more concerned about his efforts in listening!
“I always thought the voice you had was what you basically had to live with. That no amount of therapy or exercising would dramatically affect it and that my racy, weak, monotonic Parkinson’s voice was here to stay.
“When I use loudness, control my rate of speaking, attempt to use expression, and when I bluff confidence to finish my sentences, I’ve noticed people look at me with renewed respect and listen to what I have to say. I love the empowerment speaking with INTENT gives me.”
Tony, before and after SPEAK OUT!
Joan’s quality of life following the program
Joan Norrie was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at 42 when she was a busy working mum, saving her voice was critical. (ABC Port Macquarie: Wiriya Sati)