SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young is a national non-profit that empowers, supports, and advocates for young people who stutter, fostering confidence, community, and a world that listens.
How SAY Transforms Lives
Over 80 million people stutter worldwide, including approximately 5% of all children. Young people who stutter often face daily ridicule, teasing, and bullying. Many will silence themselves out of fear and embarrassment, and isolate themselves from peers, teachers, and society, leaving them alone and without a voice.
SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides support, advocacy, and life-changing experiences for young people who stutter, ages 3-18. For over 25 years, SAY has offered comprehensive and innovative programs that address the physical, social, and emotional impacts of stuttering. Through summer camp, regional day camps, speech therapy, and creative arts programs, SAY builds a community of acceptance, friendship, and encouragement where kids and teens who stutter can develop the confidence and communication skills they need to thrive. Countless extraordinary children have come to our programs feeling isolated and in despair, but their courage shines through. We’ve seen the incredible transformation that happens when young people who stutter are given the time, support, and space to speak and truly be heard.
We believe that every young person who stutters has a voice that matters, and it is a voice that deserves to be heard.
Our Founder’s Message
I believe every voice matters. Not some. Not most. Every voice. Every day, kids who stutter shut down. How many silent kids, hiding in the back row of class, are actually brilliant — just pretending not to know the answers because they’re afraid to speak?
Read more from SAY’s Founder, Taro Alexander.
Our History
For over 20 years, SAY has offered lifesaving programs and support that have helped thousands of young people who stutter build tremendous confidence. Every year, SAY supports hundreds of young people with immersive sleepaway and day camps, innovative performing and visual arts programming, and clinical speech pathology services integrated with schools. Learn more about SAY’s history.
Our Programs
Camp SAY
Our 2-week ACA-accredited, sleepaway summer camp for young people who stutter, ages 8-18, combines an exceptional traditional camp experience with specialized programs and activities designed to build confidence, improve communication skills, and forge enduring friendships.
Camp SAY: Across the USA
SAY’s regional mini–Day Camp weekend programs bring the transformative Camp SAY experience to cities across the country. Camp SAY: Across the USA is specially designed for kids who stutter, providing fun, self-discovery, and the opportunity to forge lasting bonds with new friends from their area.
Confident Voices: NYC
SAY’s award-winning weekend creative arts program takes place in New York City throughout the school year, inspiring imagination and empowerment through collaboration and connection. This project-based program for young people who stutter, ages 8-18, provides a unique forum for participants to express their thoughts, ideas, and dreams freely.
SAY: Speech
SAY’s speech therapy program is led by a licensed speech-language pathologist and board-certified stuttering specialist. SAY: Speech embraces a holistic approach to stuttering therapy that addresses the individual needs and goals of each child and their family. We currently offer services to families in DC, MD, and NY for ages 3-18.
SAY: DC
This free weekly creative arts program is offered throughout the school year in Washington, DC, where young people who stutter are supported and encouraged to find their voice. Through the power of listening, artmaking, and connection, participants ages 5-18 come together to create a community of fun, creativity, and imagination.
My Stutter Project
This unique online program provides a brave and welcoming space for young people who stutter, ages 8-18. Through creative workshops, community, and encouragement, participants build confidence, communication, and self-advocacy skills in a space where others truly understand what they’re going through.
Our Staff + Board
The Stuttering Association for the Young is led by a dedicated and passionate Staff, Board of Trustees, and Advisory Board.
Support SAY
We believe every voice matters. Please help us continue to transform lives!
Our Manifesto
SAY what’s in your heart.
SAY what’s on your mind.
SAY what you want to say.
SAY the story you want to tell.
SAY the things you want the world to know about you.
SAY the things you want the world to hear.
Because in the end, what you have to SAY, not only says a lot about you, it says a lot about all of us.
We’re here to help you SAY the things that shouldn’t go unsaid.
