National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association
Honoring a Voice Awareness Day with Great Activities
Why World Voice Day?

Since so many do not understand the impact of voice disorders on a person's life, World Voice Day was established and is celebrated every April 16th. The goal is to increase public awareness about voice problems and the importance of voice. The 2019 theme for World Voice Day is "Be Kind With Your Voice." 

We have some new educational tools to share so be sure to scroll all the way to bottom for a new video and we are so excited that some of our local support groups held events in honor of World Voice Day. Plus, meet actor Shane Hartline who is working on a short film about living with spasmodic dysphonia, and there is a plot twist!
Personal Profile-Shane Hartline
His experience with SD inspires a new short film
Actor and comedian Shane Hartline has a secret. He has been living and thriving with a neurological vocal disorder called spasmodic dysphonia (SD) since he was five years old. He is developing a short film about an aspiring actress with spasmodic dysphonia and we asked him about the significance of this project and his own life experiences. Also, you sign up for updates on his new project!

New Handout on Spasmodic Dysphonia
Christie DeLuca, MS, CCC-SLP prepared a special handout in honor of World Voice Day on spasmodic dysphonia for the NSDA. She is a Speech Language Pathologist who specializes in assessment, treatment and research of voice disorders. Christie is currently working as a Clinical Voice Specialist in the Voice Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and will be presenting at 2019 NSDA Symposium. Christie has spasmodic dysphonia herself, which gives her a unique insight into the disorder.

Regional Symposium in Indianapolis
IU Health Neuroscience Center, the Circle City Spasmodic Dysphonia Support Group, and the NSDA hosted a Regional Symposium called Seeking to Understand Our Voices on April 13, 2019. This is the 4th time the group has hosted this event and NSDA Leader Bev Matthews shared, "It's wonderful to have so many voice experts in Indiana who are always willing to participate in educational events on spasmodic dysphonia and related voice conditions."

Check the NSDA Facebook Page to watch the sessions.
Charlotte Walk-a-Thon & Cookout/NSDA Fundraiser
The Spasmodic Dysphonia Support Group of Charlotte, NC, hosted their 6th Annual Walk-a-Thon & Cookout on April 6, 2019, benefiting the NSDA. This group also celebrated 30 years supporting those with SD and related voice conditions in the Charlotte area.

Tampa Bay "Walks for Talk" for the 8th Time!
April 13 was a beautiful day in Tampa for “Walk For Talk,” sponsored by the Tampa Bay Spasmodic Dysphonia Support Group. This annual event has been taking place for eight years now! We appreciate their dedication and inspiring other NSDA groups to host their local own events.

"Thank you to everyone who supports us in raising awareness and funds for research on spasmodic dysphonia," shared Ron Langdon, Co-Leader of the Support Group
The First Valley of the Sun (AZ) "Walk for Talk" Event
The Valley of the Sun Support Group of Phoenix held their first annual "Walk For Talk" fund-raiser for the NSDA at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, AZ, on April 13, 2019. Beautiful weather, lovely desert, great people and an amazing team raised awareness for spasmodic dysphonia. Special thanks to the volunteers from the Mayo Clinic for all their help and for being a sponsor for event. 
Proclamation Received for 2019 World Voice Day
NSDA President Charlie Reavis (holding the proclamation) along with members of the Atlanta Spasmodic Dysphonia Support Group received a proclamation from Mayor Jim Gilvin from the City of Alpharetta, GA, declaring April 16th as World Voice Day.
New Video with Dr. Stacey Halum: Overview of Spasmodic Dysphonia
Dr. Stacey Halum recorded a talk entitled "Overview on Spasmodic Dysphonia" for the 2019 World Voice Day. She is member of the Medical Advisory Board of the National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association. Dr. Halum is the Director of the Voice Clinic of Indiana in Carmel, IN, and is Research Professor at Purdue University. Click here or the video to listen.
National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association
Dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by spasmodic dysphonia and related voice conditions through research, education, awareness and support
www.dysphonia.org