NSA Conferences are fun for the whole family!  We've got workshops and activities for all ages, whether you're 5 or 95, fluent, or a person who stutters!  Read on to learn what sorts of activities we have, and to hear from some of our past conference participants.
 

Kids

Kids that attend our Annual Conferences will be surrounded by others who stutter of all ages. There are a wide variety of activities such as tag football, pool parties, and outing to the beach that allows kids to have fun, learn exciting things, and meet new friends. Whether kids are attending their first conference or their fifth, they can expect to be welcomed by everyone they meet. Our conferences are a place where they will find a supportive environment, and where their voice will be heard and encouraged.

I hope I can attend a conference every summer. I liked meeting new people and listening to everyone stutter.
-Nate, 9

Teens

If you are a teen who stutters, what can you expect when attending to the National Stuttering Association’s Annual Conference? You can expect numerous workshops that will teach you things you never knew about stuttering. You can expect fun activities that will help you to gain confidence in yourself and in your speech. You can expect to be inspired. It’s what you may not be expecting, though, that is so much greater - the chance to make instant connections and friendships with people who support and respect you no matter what, in a completely safe and accepting environment.

The NSA, especially for teens, is a powerful tool in uniting people regardless of typical roadblocks such as age, status, popularity, or even something as simple as looks. At our conferences, you will find that we become like a second family.

At my first conference, I was a guy who sat in my room the whole time, not talking to anyone, until I reached out of my comfort zone and started to talk.  Instantly, those around me became my closest friend and they still are to this day.
-Ben, 17

'tweens

Is there a place for my “‘tween child”? You child may be just a little too old to be with the younger kids, yet not quite old enough to fit in with the teens, but rest assured we have a solution. Our Annual Conference offers workshops and activities specifically created for those conference attendees that fall into the 10 to 12-year old age group. We know that being a ‘tween can be difficult; your child may feel like they are stuck between two very specific age groups, it’s the start of middle school, new friends, and a new social structure. For these reasons our ‘tweens now have their own workshops with other participants in their own age group with whom they can learn, relate, share, and talk to.

When I first went to the NSA conference I wasn’t expecting much but it was incredible. I met people like Dan, Dan, and Cam, who now are really good friends of mine. Now I am always excited for the conference because I get support for my stuttering while being able to make new friends who struggle like I do. The NSA has changed my life and I’m sure everyone who has been to a conference will feel the same way.
-Danny, 13

Siblings

Siblings often play a unique role in each other’s lives, which is why the NSA and Family Programs have designed workshops specifically for the siblings of kids and teens who stutter. Siblings can have feelings of helplessness, guilt, jealousy and confusion about their brother/sister who stutters. One of our many goals for siblings at the annual conference is to assist and support them in working through their feelings, positive or negative, and to help them better understand the experience their stuttering brother/sister lives each day.

Being at the NSA conference helped me to understand stuttering better, but more importantly it taught me how to be there for my brother. It made me realize that there is only one job I have; that is being his sister.
-Becca; Sister to Michael

Parents

Families are a very special part of the National Stuttering Association and our Family Programs are an especially important piece of our Annual Conferences. At our conferences, parents have multiple opportunities to meet other parents, to learn about stuttering from leading experts and others who have ‘been there, done that’, and to support their child who stutters. Parents will be among both conference regulars and First-Timers in a variety of settings from structured workshops, casual meals, and tours/excursions. At the end of the conference, parents walk away feeling confident about how to support their child and knowing that they have a nationwide support system in which they can ask questions and lean on when support is needed.

Being among so many other parents who share the same concerns and questions that I do about my child has been such a wonderful experience each year. Meeting so many other parents that are willing to share their joys and fears with each other has helped more than any book ever could. The knowledge that I will leave the conference each year having reconnected with old friends and having made new friends that will always be there to support me and that understand the stuttering journey is something that I will always cherish and look forward to.
-Debbie Nicolai, Parent

Family Events

Family Conference Program will be available June 2012. In the meantime, why not check out last year’s program to get a taste of what’s in store.

Family Frequently Asked Questions

Why should my family attend the NSA Annual Conference?
• The NSA strives to provide all attendees with a sense of camaraderie, acceptance, and empowerment at our conferences as well as to educate attendees about stuttering, regardless of whether they are a PWS or a family member of a PWS. One thing is certain, first time attendees find the conference to be a life-changing experience, and often, this is the first time in their lives they are with other PWS; imagine how amazing that must feel! Veteran attendees, whether adults, parents, teens or kids, will tell you that they look forward to the next conference from the moment the current one ends, and that by attending the conference each year they have formed life-long friendships.

How old must my child be to attend the conference and participate in workshops?
• Children must be 5 years old at the time of conference and registered for kindergarten for the upcoming school year. We encourage entire families to attend the conference, but we do not offer individual babysitting services, nor do we tolerate children being dropped off in workshops strictly as a means of childcare. All children attending workshops are expected to be able to participate as they feel comfortable, which is why we require the minimum age of 5 and kindergarten readiness.

When should our family arrive at the conference?
• The NSA recommends arriving Wednesday morning, if not earlier. Family Programs sponsors a ‘Meet ‘n Greet’ Wednesday afternoon which gives new and returning families the opportunity to get to know each other or catch up with “old” friends. We’ve got a jam-packed schedule starting on Wednesday this year, including fireworks over the water on Wednesday evening to celebrate the 4th of July! We are also offering additional outings throughout the conference such as a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game, a beach party Friday night and a Dolphin Cruise!

This is our first conference; do we really need to attend First Timers Orientation?
•  Yes! Our programs kick off at 10:00AM on Wednesday morning. At this orientation we will talk about the conference, workshops & scheduling. This also gives you the opportunity to ask any questions or express any concerns that you may have before the workshops get underway.

What can we expect from the workshops?
• Specific workshops vary from year to year; however, our youth can still look forward to the popular scavenger hunt and pool/pizza party. Teens always enjoy our open mic and icebreakers sessions in addition to workshops and the mentoring opportunities between them and the younger attendees. Teens also have the opportunity to gain insight and learn from adults attending the conference. Parents can look forward to parent roundtables, discussions, and interactive workshops. As we get closer to the conference, please visit our website regularly to stay up to date on workshops, activities, and outings.

Are there any specials events that my family may be interested in?
•  Yes! There are a number of events for families including a pool party, luncheon, tours, and of course the banquet, auction, and dance on Saturday evening. Again, please check our website regularly for updates as the conference date approaches.

While at the conference who should I contact if I have questions or need assistance?
• Any of our Family Programs Committee members, Teen Advisory Council members, or NSA staff members will be happy to assist you. You will have the opportunity to meet them at registration, Wednesdays Meet ‘n Greet or the First Timers Orientation.

What are the ages of attendees at the conference? Will my child have the opportunity to meet others his/her age?
• The Family Program of the conference is open to kids & teens ages 5-19. The kids and teens are separated into smaller, age appropriate groups. There is always an assortment of ages represented at the conference and your child will most certainly be able to meet and get to know other kids their age.

Are siblings welcome?
• Absolutely! Siblings are welcome at the conference if they are 5 years old and registered for kindergarten for the upcoming school year. The NSA Family Program offers workshops specifically for siblings, though they are also welcome to attend workshops along with their brother/sister.

Is childcare available?
• The NSA does not provide childcare. Please contact the hotel concierge for details of any childcare service they may provide.

What safeguards are in place to ensure the safety of my child while they attend workshops?
• All NSA volunteers have been background screened. We also uphold a practice of ‘two or more’, which means that no one child is ever alone with any one adult. Additionally, parents are required to sign their children age 5-12 in and out of workshops. No child under 12 years old will be released from a workshop without a parent or guardian signing them out.

My child/teen is apprehensive about attending. What can I tell him/her that may put them at ease?
• This can be a very normal response, especially for first timers. We often hear from parents and kids/teens that once they get past the initial nervous moments, they feel like they’ve known the other attendees forever. Actually, many parents report that once their kids attend their first workshop, begrudgingly, and get involved with a new group of friends, that they don’t see much of them again until it’s time to leave on Sunday! If you or your child is still apprehensive, have a listen to our our pre- and post-conference NSA Family Radio broadcasts from 2011. They paint a first-hand, accurate picture of what to expect. Click here to listen to the archived broadcasts.

Who should I contact with questions prior to attending the conference?
• Please contact the NSA national office at 1-800-937-8888 or info@westutter.org. Your questions will be directed to NSA staff or Family Programs committee members.