LEADERSHIP

WORKSHOP

Friday, May 3, 2024

INTRODUCTIONS

Mary Bifaro

Support Network Director

OBJECTIVES

For leaders to do a skill-building activity on active listening.

For Leaders to learn about various AAC (Augmentative Alternative Communication) devices.

For Leaders to learn about ways to participate in various outreach programs.

ICEBREAKER

Dennis Kaszeta

Area Contact Director

SKILL BUILDING:

ACTIVE LISTENING

Nancy Panos

Project Advisor

Types Of Listening

Active Listening

Empathetic Listening

• Engaged and Responsive: Active listening involves being fully present and engaged in the conversation.

• Verbal and Non-Verbal: It focuses on both verbal cues (what is said) and non-verbal cues (tone, body language, etc.).
  

• Techniques: Active listeners use techniques like paraphrasing, asking clarifying questions, and showing empathy.
  

• Goal: The goal is to understand the speaker’s message and respond thoughtfully.
  

Example: Nodding while someone speaks, asking follow-up questions, and summarizing what you’ve heard.

• Quiet and Attentive: Patient listening emphasizes quiet attentiveness without interruption.

• Non-Verbal: It primarily involves non-verbal cues, such as maintaining eye contact and showing patience.
  

• Presence: The listener is there to listen, without necessarily actively responding or offering solutions.
  

• Goal: The goal is to create a safe space for the speaker to express themselves fully.
  

Example: Sitting quietly while someone shares their feelings, allowing them to express without interruption.

When To Use Each Style

Active Listening

Empathetic Listening

Active listening is interactive, responsive, and useful for problem-solving and relationship-building.

WHEN TO USE IT:

• During Conversations: Use active listening when you want to fully engage in a conversation, understand the speaker’s message, and respond thoughtfully.
  

• Problem-Solving: Active listening is effective when seeking solutions, making decisions, or collaborating with others.
  

• Building Relationships: It helps build trust, empathy, and stronger connections.
  

Empathetic listening is calm, non-judgmental, and supportive, especially during emotional moments or crises.

WHEN TO USE IT:

• Supportive Moments: Use patient listening when someone needs emotional support or wants to express themselves without interruption.
  

• Therapeutic Settings: It’s valuable during therapy, counseling, or when someone shares personal experiences.
  

• Crisis or Distress: Patient listening creates a safe space during difficult times.
  

How To Use Each Style

Active Listening

Empathetic Listening

• Be Fully Present

• Notice Non-Verbal Cues

• Avoid Offering Solutions Unless Asked

• Reflect and Paraphrase

• Ask Open-Ended Questions

• Avoid Interrupting or Judging

• Summarize Key Points

• Respond to Feelings
  

• Be Fully Present
  

• Notice Non-Verbal Cues
  

• Avoid Offering Solutions Unless Asked
  

• Practice Patience
  

• Do Not Interrupt
  

Cues & Rewards

Non-Verbal Cues

Verbal Rewards

• Eye Contact

• Facial Expressions

• Posture and Gestures

• Tone of Voice
  

Brief verbal and non-verbal expressions of interest designed to encourage someone to continue speaking, examples include:

• Please continue

• Sure
  

• Tell me more
  

• Go on
  

• Repeating the last word can also be effective. [Person] I am feeling sad. [You] Sad?
  

• Oh?
  

• I hear you
  

• Yes
  

• Really?
  

Let’s Try Something

LISTENING IN ACTION

Mindful Presence

Name

Where you are from

Your proudest achievement

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Mime It Out

I’m going to tell a story

Use my verbal cues to understand the story

Write down the story I told

Share my story with all of us

STRETCH BREAK

Back in 10 minutes.

WAYS TO

PARTICIPATE

Guest Speaker Program

Ron Langdon

SGL from Florida

Dysphonia International's Guest Speaker Program opens a gateway to connect personal experiences of living with a voice disorder to the educational landscape of college and university classrooms. The program's overarching objectives include deepening the comprehension of future healthcare professionals regarding the profound impact of voice conditions on an individual's quality of life, equipping aspiring professionals with the knowledge to provide empathetic support to patients grappling with voice conditions, and contributing to a broader awareness of vocal disorders, with the aim of reducing diagnosis time and facilitating timely intervention.

Podcast Program

Eileen Meehan

ACL from Ohio

The Podcast Program is aimed at raising awareness about spasmodic dysphonia and other voice conditions. We bridge the gap between podcasters and individuals living with voice disorders, alongside esteemed professionals in the realm of voice, such as laryngologists, speech-language pathologists, and researchers. This unique platform offers individuals with voice conditions an invaluable opportunity to not only share their personal narratives but also to enlighten others about the realities of living with a voice disorder. Through their stories of resilience, adaptation, and triumph over challenges, guests weave compelling narratives that not only capture the imagination but also inspire listeners to embrace empathy and understanding.

Clinical Research Trials

Dorothy Tannahill-Moran

Board Member from Kansas

Participating in clinical research trials is a meaningful way to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and treatment options for voice disorders. By joining a research trial you become an essential part of the journey toward better understanding and managing conditions like spasmodic dysphonia. These trials offer participants access to cutting-edge treatments and therapies, guided by leading experts in the field. Additionally, your involvement can pave the way for future breakthroughs, benefiting not only yourself but also countless others facing similar challenges. Through participation, you not only receive specialized care but also play a vital role in shaping the future of voice disorder research and treatment.

Legacy Society

Susan Beck

Board Member & SGL from Tennessee

The Legacy Society Program of Dysphonia International is a meaningful way for you to make a lasting impact on an organization that you care about. A bequest designated today is a simple yet impactful way to ensure that your passions live on. As a Dysphonia International Legacy Society member, you will have the comfort of knowing your gift will ensure the ongoing viability of our organization, which is dedicated to leading the effort to eradicate spasmodic dysphonia and related voice conditions. We understand that estate planning is a deeply personal and thoughtful process, and we appreciate you considering Dysphonia International as a possible beneficiary. Your support is a beacon of hope, and your legacy will continue to shine brightly in the lives of those we serve.

Walk for

Talk

Sue Payne

ACL from Florida

In 2020, we launched Walk for Talk to unite people virtually, expand awareness and raise funds for research for spasmodic dysphonia and related voice conditions. We saw participation worldwide, all to support our voice community. Over time, Walk for Talk has expanded, including more in-person events, increased involvement of healthcare professionals and researchers, new sponsors, and expansion into more countries. Walk for Talk is an inclusive event accessible to EVERYONE, regardless of your location. There is no charge to participate, and you can raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with voice conditions and truly MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

World Voice

Day

Scott Flanagan

ACL from Nebraska

Awareness is a critical factor influencing early diagnosis, best treatment practices, funding for research and, hopefully, cures for spasmodic dysphonia and related voice disorders. Every year on April 16, World Voice Day helps support these goals. It is an annual awareness event dedicated to recognizing the importance of the human voice and raising awareness about various voice-related issues. It is an opportunity to acknowledge the significance of vocal health, expression, and communication. “Resonate, Educate, Celebrate” was the theme for 2024 World Voice Day.

BREAK

Back in 15 minutes.

TOOLS FOR

COMMUNICATING

DIFFERENTLY

Carol Doles

Regional Coordinator

Categories

• Amplified Communication
  

• Alternative Communication
  

• Text-to-Speech & Sign-to-Speech
  

• Verbal Communication Using A Telecommunication Device
  

Amplified Communication

• Portable Voice Amplifier

• Microphone App for Mobile Device

• Whispp App

• Also: Personal megaphone or sound system (microphone, amplifier, speaker)
  

Amplified Communication

Portable Voice Amplifier

·Portable Sound System

·Wired or Wireless

·Options for Different Activities

Microphone App for Mobile Device

·Quick Solution

·Built-in or External Microphone

·External Speaker

·Paid and Free Versions Available

Whispp App

Alternative Communication

• UbiDuo 3

• Real-Time Text (RTT)
  

• Accessibility Features for Alexa and Siri

• Also: Video Relay Service (VRS), communication boards and books, electronic Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, texting, email, sign language, gestures, handwritten (LCD tablets, pen/paper)
  

Alternative Communication

UbiDuo 3

·Text-Based Communication

·Real Time

·Portable

·Multi-Purpose

Real Time Text (RTT)

·Phone and Video Calls

·Companion for Teletypewriter (TTY) Communication

·Bluetooth Keyboard

·Enable/Disable as Needed

Accessibility Features with Alexa and Siri

Alexa

·Tap to Alexa

·Adaptive Listening

·Announcements and Drop In

·Real time Text

Siri

·Type to Siri

·Pause Time

·Intercom

Text-to-Speech &

Sign-to-Speech

• Personal Voice with Live Speech

• BrightSign Glove
  

• Also: Teletypewriter (TTY), text-to-speech (TTS) software and applications, read aloud software and devices (screen readers and document readers), audiobooks/online videos
  

Text-to-Speech &

Sign-to-Speech

Personal Voice With Live Speech

·Text-to-Speech

·Synthesized Voice Created from your Voice

·Phone and Virtual Calls

·Assistive Communication Apps

·In-person Conversations

BrightSign Glove

·Sign-to-Speech

·Real Time or Delayed Option

·Create Libraries of Phrases

·Translates into 30 Languages

·Large Selection of Voices

Verbal Communication Using

Telecommunication Devices

• Noise Canceling Microphone

• Tour Guide System
  

• Also: Telecommunication Relay Service (TRS), Whispp app or walkie-talkies
  

Verbal Communication Using

Telecommunication Devices

Noise Canceling Microphone

Tour Guide System

·One-on-One or Group Communication

·One-Way and Two-Way Options

·Options for Microphones

·Options for Listening Mechanism

Experience These Devices

• Portable Voice Amplifier
• Microphone App for Mobile Device
• Whispp App
  
• UbiDuo 3
  
• Real Time Text (RTT)
• Personal Voice with Live Speech
• BrightSign Glove
• Noise Canceling Microphone
• Tour Guide System
  

AWARD

PRESENTATION