Police and stuttering

I found this page very interesting reading http://www.stutteringhelp.org/content/when-police-encounter-persons-who-stutter.  I have never been stopped by the police for speeding or for a routine traffic stop.  As I read this, I could imagine how it might be for someone having to respond to the questions of the police, especially for someone who stutters.  Perhaps, it would be a good idea to keep a copy of this in the car and hand it to the policeman/woman along with the drivers license so they can be educated if they aren't already.  I can't think of a better solution to the situation other than something like a medical card that states "I stutter" instead of "I have dementia" or "I have epilepsy."  Those of driving age should definitely think about the possibility of a traffic stop and how they would handle the situation so as to not have unplanned consequences like being sent to be tested for drugs, alcohol, or having to endure a search.

Stuttering and employment

One of the hard things for most people who stutter is going to job interviews.  In addition to the things that everyone has to know like how to dress, how to act, how to write a good resume, and how to respond to questions, acknowledging up front that you have a stutter is one of the best things you can do.  If you try to hide stuttering, you most likely will stutter more.  If you tell the interviewer that you stutter but that it will not hinder your work performance, he/she will have a positive feeling about you.  You can also print out a copy of the brochure "Answers for Employers" (http://www.stutteringhelp.org/answers-employers) and take it to the interview.  If you are currently working with a speech therapist, let them know that you are getting help with your speech so they know you are trying to improve.  If you are not in speech therapy, you can find a therapist trained to work on stuttering (http://www.stutteringhelp.org/referrals-information) or you can use the book "Self Therapy for the Stutterer" (http://www.stutteringhelp.org/sites/default/files/Migrate/book0012_11th_ed.pdf).

Stuttering and getting a job

Everyone goes through a long application and interview process before finally landing the right job. Consider this your practice run until you are hired. Learn something from each practice. And, sometimes, staying in contact with those that you previously interviewed with is an avenue for another interview/job. Ask them why you were not chosen and what you can do to improve your chances of being the one for the position. Let them know you are really interested in the job as the person they hired (if they did hire someone else) may not stay. Offer companies that are not sure about your work performance to let you volunteer for a month if your financial state can handle that. Then, you can show them your work ethics, skills, and the company doesn't have to go through "all the hoops" of paperwork until they are sure they have the right person. Sell yourself and your skills.

Many places take applications over the internet. They even have one in the store and point people to that when they come asking for a job. Things have changed over the years. We used to job hunt by replying to an ad in the paper, mailiing our resume, and getting a reply by mail or by going door to door and asking if they were hiring. If you are better in person than on the phone, stop in at some local shops and tell them you are looking for employment. Do not try to hide your stutter; tell them up front that you stutter but that you are a hard worker and have ____ skills. Take a written resume that lists your skills instead of past jobs since you haven't worked. You could try an employment agency if there is one in your town. You can also create your own job and be self employed for your first job. Think of what you enjoy doing and are skilled at and put an ad in the paper - type for people, do odd jobs for sick or elderly, drive people to doctor appointments (some people can't drive and would prefer to pay an individual rather than call a cab), etc. The Stuttering Foundation has a good brochure you can take to employers. Look at the brochure section at stutteringhelp.org

Job interviews

Click on the title of the post to go to a good article about job interviews. I am glad I am no longer in the job market. Looks like you have to be more prepared than I had to be. There were fewer people trying to get jobs and fewer well edcated people years ago. I pray for all the people out of work today.

Don’t let stuttering hold you back

“I was advised to pursue a career which would not require me to speak to anyone.

’You're really smart, and you love anything to do with entertainment. Why would you shut yourself off from what you love?’

Then and there I decided not to isolate myself in the prison of stuttering. I realized that the goal of speaking "normally" was the real obstacle. I accepted that I stuttered, stopped shaming myself, and went on with my life. Which is not to downplay the fact that learning to accept a stutter is a long and winding road ultimately stuttering enhanced my career. The skills I developed as a result, including heightened intuitiveness, awareness and observational skills -- not to mention the simple ability to be quiet and listen -- all serve me well as a journalist, interviewer and now, as a film and television producer.”
~ Leah Sydney

You can talk to your pet without stuttering

Many people who stutter find that they talk just fine when talking to their pet or reading out loud when by themselves. This has led some to a career involving animals. Ted Hoagland enjoyed working with the big cats with a circus.

"If you can't talk to people," he said he learned, growing up, "you spend a lot of time with your dog, who you are able to talk to. You become very close to pets, and perhaps become an observer of wildlife. And you strengthen your natural intuition and your so-called sixth sense, your second nature, which other people don't need for happiness or survival." Edward “Ted” Hoagland (who stutters)

Work and stuttering

It is interesting when I come across a person who stutters and learn what they do in life. This guy is the managing editor of a paper. Click on the title of this post to see his article that tells about his stuttering. He points out that his trying not to stutter, once it was brought to his attention as a young child, that he stuttered more. I think that is why parents should get help for their children before they start school. The Stuttering Foundation of America has wonderful resources and tips for parents that every parent should know about whether their child stutters or not. They might be able to help someone else.