Spontaneous Speech Turns One!

All In One Year:

Part Two

In part one of this blog, Happy Anniversary Spontaneous Speech, I gave a brief chronology of events that led to the creation of this company and this product. I'll pick up where I left off...the boxes of flashcards had completed their trip from Hong Kong to Corpus Christi, Texas and were stacked in my living room.

Now that the product had arrived, it was time for the next phase:  introduce Pictures for Progress to the world!   ASHA's Healthcare and Business Institute in Phoenix, Arizona was going to be the perfect place to debut the cards. The conference was scheduled for July 7th-9th, so that gave us about a month to prepare.

Getting ready for Phoenix was fun and required a tremendous amount of creative brain power. We collected items to decorate the booth we would have in the vendor's area and designed a pair of banners. My mom and daughter helped me make these mock ups. (You'll see the finished products just below.) I ordered Spontaneous Speech pencils and magnetic bookmarks to give away at the conference. Without a doubt, I was doing things I had never done before, and I loved it!

Somehow, everything was completed according to schedule, and we packed the car and took off for Phoenix. I believe it was 12 hours of driving the first day and 6 hours of driving the next, but I didn't mind.  My mom is the best co pilot in the world, and I loved the desert scenery.

The evening we arrived in Phoenix, we raced over to the Convention Center to set up our booth. We had a selfie station tucked behind those beautiful banners. Check out those pineapple sunglasses...hilarious!

We were thrilled to receive so much positive feedback about the product, and one thing was clear: speech pathologists love a great set of flashcards!  We sold our first boxes! Success!

It took the rest of the month of July and all of August to recover from the non-stop activity that had been going on. I was pooped and needed to regroup. 


In October, I was the featured success story on the cover of Small Business 360. It was a boost I really needed.  (By the way, I probably have 360 copies of that magazine...if you want one... just let me know.) My business adviser at DelMar College's Small Business Development Center was so proud of me. If they haven't already, she said they will hang my picture and my story on their Wall of Fame.

Re-energized and feeling accomplished, the week after Thanksgiving, I rallied the troops and we took off to Denver, Colorado. We were headed to ASHA's National Convention. It was just like the Willie Nelson song... we were on the road again.  The scenery was beautiful but not too much snow here. Come to find out, a massive blizzard hit Colorado the very next day.

We re-assembled  our booth and spent three non-stop days talking to people about Pictures for Progress.  I heard there were about 16,000 SLPs and Audiologists at the convention. It was exhausting but it was fun! 

FYI:  if anyone ever offers you a gluten free chocolate chip cookie...just say NO!  

After the conference, we had some good momentum going, and internet orders started coming in.  Because it's still a home based business, I carefully wrap, stuff, label and mail the boxes myself. It's so much fun to send my boxes out into the world!

Once the holidays were over, in early January, I got back to work. 

During the ASHA convention in November, I received an invitation to partner with AliMed, a leading provider of medical and healthcare products. Having my products in an AliMed catalog was a long term goal, so I was thrilled!   I began the process of becoming a supplier.   

You may be wondering, "What's so special about AliMed?" Simple... they market to all segments  of the healthcare industry: hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, private medical practices, therapists and more.  Partnering with AliMed offers tremendous exposure for Spontaneous Speech.

In the meantime, thanks to my translator and graphic designer, the Spanish translations of Pictures for Progress were ready at the middle of March.  It was perfect timing because we were about to hit the road... AGAIN!

This time, I met my marketing team/ fan club at TSHA's Annual Convention in Fort Worth, Texas.  What a terrific way to spend Spring Break 2016! It was two great days of meeting, greeting and networking with SLPs. 

On May 5th, 2016, Pictures for Progress became available for purchase through AliMed!  They offer an incredible selection of products and provide excellent customer service, so it's great to be associated with such an industry powerhouse. Because they are an approved vendor for nearly every healthcare facility, partnering with AliMed will make it easy for professionals to purchase my products. You can click here to see just how easy it is.

I

In June, I was accepted into the Pre-Incubation Program at Texas A&M University's Coastal Bend Business Innovation Center. As a member of this incredible group, I meet with business advisers once a week for nine weeks.  Together, they help us examine our business concept, explore business development, create marketing strategies, discuss business financials and consider current and future operations for our businesses. They challenge us to look at the big picture and think long term. 

Participating in this program has changed the way I think of my business. It's allowing me to shape Spontaneous Speech into even more than I had ever imagined. Big changes are in store!  So, stay tuned and I'll keep you posted as details are available. 

Every small achievement will soon be one amazing success.

Unknown

Happy Anniversary, Spontaneous Speech!

All In One Year:
Part One

Exactly one year ago, at ASHA's summer conference, I introduced Spontaneous Speech Therapy Tools' Pictures for Progress to the world.  It felt like a huge accomplishment! As I celebrate this first anniversary, I thought I would recap the year in photos and give a condensed chronology of events.  Maybe you'll agree that the accomplishment was huge? If nothing else, you might be surprised...we did it all in one year!


I started writing my business plan for Spontaneous Speech during our Thanksgiving vacation to Big Bend. It was November, 2014. Who wouldn't be inspired to do something great while in such a spectacular place?

Just a few months later, with my business strategy in place, I spent Spring Break 2015 creating, designing and developing the cards and boxes that would become Pictures for Progress. My mom and I were so busy making the dream a reality, we didn't even stop to pose for a picture...so you'll just have to imagine us working together, getting stuff done.  We were unstoppable!  At the end of the week, everything was ready for the graphic designer.

One month later, April, 2015, the product design was complete and ready to be emailed to China. Because I negotiated and conducted all business via email, I was curious as to where my money and my ideas were going. One day, just for fun, I decided to see what Hong Kong actually looked like. I was blown away!

FUN FACTS:  

• There are 7,829 high rise buildings in Hong Kong, and 1.294 of those buildings are skyscrapers
• In Hong Kong, more people live about the 15th floor than any other city in the world

I crossed my fingers and held my breath as I waited for production to be complete. During that time, there was a little bit of back and forth with the manufacturer, but overall, things were moving very quickly! I started working on my website, had some business cards printed and registered with US Customs and Border Protection as an importer. There was no time for stopping.

It was mid May when I received word that printing and assembly were complete. My shipment of flashcards was ready for export!  Fifty boxes, each containing 10 boxes, were stacked on a pallet, wrapped in plastic and transported to the Port of Hong Kong.

Look at this...chaos if you ask me. It's a wonder anything ever gets anywhere!

After 5 days at sea, the boxes arrived in Los Angeles, California. They spent 3 weeks at the port while they underwent Custom's inspection.

Once they cleared US Customs, the boxes were sent by rail to Houston, Texas. The pallet of boxes hung out at the Port of Houston for about two weeks while they were being further inspected and processed. Look at the size of those ships and cranes! WOW!

Eventually loaded on a truck, the pallet of boxes made the quick trip from Houston to Corpus Christi. This is probably the exact truck Carr's used to transport my flashcards....don't you think?

Finally, three days later, my husband and I picked up Pictures for Progress from the delivery warehouse near the Corpus Christi airport. We loaded them into his truck and headed home. Again, we were so excited and relieved the 500 boxes had actually arrived, we didn't capture the moment with photos...you'll just have to imagine us giving each other a high five, or something like that.

My living room was stacked full of boxes and I didn't even mind.  It was awesome seeing the name of MY company printed on the sides of the boxes!





It was even more awesome seeing the boxes inside...I think I cried. They were the most beautiful boxes I had ever seen.  I was bursting with pride, but at the same time,  I couldn't  believe it...we did all of this in just three months!   

Now that the product had arrived, it was time for the next phase:  introduce Pictures for Progress to the world!   ASHA's Healthcare and Business Institute in Phoenix, Arizona was going to be the perfect place to debut the cards. The conference was scheduled for July 7th-9th, so that gave us about a month to prepare.

We put the pedal to the metal (literally and figuratively) and began a new phase of adventure.  Read about the rest of the journey in part two of this blog.


Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.
Brian Littrell

Are You Saying These Words Wrong?

How do you say pecan?

A.  pee-KAHN

B.  pee-CAN

C.  PEE-can

D.  pick-AHN

E.  none of the above

In my home, the correct pronunciation for this five letter word is a great source of debate.  I say "pick-AHN" and my husband says "pee-KAHN."  Both of think we are right, so the debate continues.  It usually goes like this:

     Fred:  You say "pick-AHN"? That's not how we say it in Texas.
     Me:  I was born in Texas just like you.
     Fred:  Yeah, well, you sound like a Yankee.
     Me:  I grew up in Louisiana, but that's the deep south. I would hardly consider myself a Yankee.
     Fred: When you say "pick-AHN" you sound like a Yankee to me.

Well, it turns out, my husband was on to something...the area where you live likely dictates how you pronounce the word pecan. Check out this map. Joshua Katz, a graduate student studying statistics at North Carolina State University, used data to map out food dialects.

He found that pee-KAHN is dominant nationwide, but in areas of north Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Mississippi, pick-AHN reigns supreme.  PEE-can is popular on the East Coast, while people from Wisconsin, northern Minnesota and Michigan's Upper Peninsula go with PEE-kahn.

Does your pronunciation of the word pecan correspond with the part of the country you live in? In our case, the map was spot on. I was raised in Louisiana by parents from north Texas, therefore, we say "pick-AHN." My husband, on the other hand, has lived his entire life in Corpus Christi, Texas, and just like most others in the region, he says "pee-KAHN."

While there is no one single correct way to say pecan, one thing is for sure, Standard American English pronunciation can be a tough nut to crack.  Good luck!



Family is like pecan pie- something sweet holding all the nuts together.
Unknown

Does Dori Have Dementia?

The Genetics of Memory Loss

and Dementia

In the movie Finding Nemo, the lovable Dori explains to Marlin that she suffers from short term memory loss. She says that it "runs in the family."  This short clip highlights both the humor and the frustration that short term memory loss causes. 

As we watched, my son commented, "That must be what it's like for you when you're at work, Mom." I laughed, "Sometimes it IS like that, Coby." He asked, "Mom, does Dori have dementia?" 

Is she right? Does memory loss run in families? Is he right? Does Dori have dementia? Considering the overwhelming number of people that have dementia, or are projected to be diagnosed with dementia, these are commonly asked questions. 

Many people with dementia are concerned that they have inherited the disease and that they may pass it on to their children. Simultaneously, family members and children of people with memory impairment  are worried they might be more likely to develop dementia themselves. We can better understand the heredity of memory loss by looking at our genetics.

The characteristics we have inherited from our parents are passed down to us in the form genes- thousands of them. They are found in every cell in our body and provide instructions needed to build our bodies.  

While many of our genes are exactly the same, some genes have small variations that yield the physical differences between people. These variations can also be the cause of diseases. Some of these variations among genes are common. They are call genetic variants. In other instances, the variations are rare and are called mutations. 

While genes are important building blocks, most of our physical characteristics and the diseases we experience are also greatly influenced by our environment and lifestyle. These factors, alone or in combination, can modify the effects of our genetic inheritance for dementia like Alzheimer's.

 Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia and is the best understood.  It is considered to have two basic forms:  early onset and late onset. These two types of Alzheimer's disease generally have two patterns of genetic inheritance. 

Early onset Alzheimer's Disease

• A rare form of the disease where first symptoms begin to appear before the age of 65.

• This form of Alzheimer's tends to cluster within families, sometimes with several generations affected. It is considered a familial disease.

• In some cases, the younger onset of Alzheimer's is caused by a genetic mutation. It is extremely rare.

• People with any of these mutations tend to develop Alzheimer's disease in their 30s and 40s. 

• It is likely that all of those who inherit the faulty versions of these genes will develop dementia.

• Approximately half of the children of a person with one of these rare genetic mutations will inherit the disease. 

Late Onset Alzheimer's Disease

• The most common form of the disease where diagnosis occurs after the age of 65. 

• Having a relative with this form of Alzheimer's increases your chances of developing it, but not in a predictable way.

• Genetic variations act to increase or decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer's but are not related to its direct cause.

• Those who have a parent, brother, sister or child with dementia are more likely to develop the disease. The risk increases if more than one family member has the illness. 

• For someone with a close relative who is diagnosed later in life, the risk of developing Alzheimer's is doubled. It is not inevitable.

• Anyone can reduce their risk of developing dementia by adopting a healthy lifestyle.

 Use this link to read more about the Genetics of Dementia 

Most experts believe that the majority of Alzheimer's Disease (and its related memory loss) occurs as a result of complicated interactions between genes and other risk factors. So, in most cases, our risk of developing dementia is determined by a complex mix of our age, lifestyle and whether we carry any of those risk genes.

Now, back to the original questions: Does memory loss run in families? Yes, it does. Does Dori have dementia? It sounds like early onset Alzheimer's to me.

Please share this information with someone you know who can benefit, and, if you can remember, check of her newest movie, Finding Dori.


Just keep swimming.
Dori, Finding Nemo

June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month!

The Alzheimer's Epidemic:

Are You Aware?

Every year, the Alzheimer's Association publishes a video that details the most recent facts and figures of Alzheimer's Disease. 

This year, in addition to giving information on current and projected disease statistics, the Alzheimer's Association also details the costs associated with caring for a person with dementia. As you will see, the financial burden of Alzheimer's care, for families and for the nation, is staggering. Take a look at this short video.


                


Everyone knows that Alzheimer's robs a person of the ability to remember, but other truths remain unknown. Harmful misconceptions keep people from seeking a diagnosis and that reduces their access to valuable resources and support services. If we can uncover the truths, we can take action to end this disease. Listen as these celebrities provide additional information. 

Now that you have the facts, you can join the fight.  To learn more, visit alz.org. In the meantime, put on some purple and share this information with everyone you know


The end of Alzheimer's begins with you.
alz.org

Is it Dementia or Drug Addiction?

The Who, What, How and Why

 of Prescription Drug Addiction and Abuse

In Older Adults

A friend recently call me looking for insight. He explained the situation:


My mom seems really confused. She is acting strange. Maybe she's even hallucinating. It doesn't make sense to me. She knew we were coming over, but she won't let us in the house. Do you think she has dementia?

We talked about more of the specifics and I asked lots of questions. In the end, I came to the conclusion:  Your mom may not have dementia, she may be a drug addict. 

That's right...prescription drug use is so prevalent these days, older adults are actually abusing medications to the point of addition. As we take a closer look, let's consider WHO is at risk and WHO is contributing to the problem.

Thirty percent of adults over the age of 50 are taking at least 5 prescription medications each day. That makes potentially addictive drugs relatively easy to obtain. In fact, patients have a variety of healthcare professionals to help them along their way to addiction:

• Primary care physicians
• Specialists
• Surgeons
• ER doctors
• Dentists
• Psychiatrists
• Plastic surgeons

With so many possibilities for obtaining prescriptions, drug abuse and addiction may be intentional or accidental.  WHAT makes older adults so susceptible?

An older adult's slowing metabolism yields a bigger effect when taking drugs. This is the catalyst for addition. Since drug tolerance builds with time, older patients are requiring higher doses of medications to achieve the desired results.  This is the cause of the abuse.  

Doctors tell us it only  takes 10 days to develop an addiction. But WHY are seniors seeking out these drugs? There are several possible reasons:

• Age-related aches and pains
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trouble sleeping
• Lack of worth after retirement

So,  HOW can you tell the difference between the signs of addiction and normal aging?  It may be tricky since there is so much similarity:

• Confusion
• Shaking hands
• Memory loss
• Falls
• Mood swings

WHAT should I do if I suspect a problem?

• Get screened- a doctor or pharmacist can analyze the medication regimen to measure the risk for abuse and addition

• Find non-narcotic options- talk to your healthcare provider about alternatives for  treating pain, mood disturbances and insomnia

• Look for new doctors- find a physician who is aware of the effects of medications on older adults; ensure that potentially addictive drugs are cautiously prescribed in limited quantities and for short periods of time

• Seek treatment- programs designed specifically for seniors are available

Who do you know that might be abusing prescription medications? Can you think of anyone that might be addicted to drugs prescribed by their doctor? This problem may be closer to you than you realize. Please share this article with anyone you know who may benefit. Use it as an opportunity to start a conversation about the possibility of making a change in the way someone you love uses prescription drugs.

Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start now to make a new ending.
Maria Robinson

7 MORE Things You Should Know About Accents and Accent Modification

De-accentuate Your Spoken English With

Accent Modification

Working to change your accent is done through a process known as accent modification or accent reduction. With the assistance and guidance of a speech coach, adults can learn to reduce their accents by making changes in speech pronunciation and production.

Here are 7 more things you should know about accents and the modification of accented speech.

What can I expect from an accent modification program?

Programs begin with a screening and are followed by a thorough assessment of your individual speech patterns while reading and repeating words, phrases and sentences. Speech is also examined during conversational or spontaneous production. Once the information is collected, the trainer is able to analyze:

·      Pronunciation of consonants

·      Pronunciation of vowels

·      Stress

·      Rhythm

·      Intonation

The speech coach creates a goal-directed training program based on individual needs for accent modification and communication improvement. 

How is training delivered?

Accent coaches offer individual and group training that is available in a variety of ways:

  

·      Classroom instruction

·      Short courses

·      Seminars

·      Apps

·      Books

·      Recordings

·      Software

·      In person

·      By Telephone

·      Via webcam

 Talk with your speech coach about which option will best suit your learning style, your use of technology and your schedule.

Will an accent modification program actually work?

Successful modification of speech patterns and habits will require a commitment of time and regular practice. Your coach will teach you how to practice and then provide materials to be used during independent practice.

You can’t just show up to a tennis lesson and expect to be a better tennis player. The real change occurs when you use what you learned at the lesson during practice on your own. The same is true with accent modification programs. Sure, you’ll learn important things, but just hearing about them won’t result in lasting changes. Daily practice will help you to learn new patterns of production and that’s what will enable lasting change.

While there are no guarantees, a serious student can expect to reduce their accent by 50% or more.

 What kind of time commitment will be required?

Depending on the intensity of the accent and the individual goals:

·      Training programs can range in length from 3 days to 13 weeks

·      Individual training sessions typically last 45-60 minutes

·      Group training sessions typically last 1 ½ -2 hours

·      Each day, 60 minutes of independent practice is recommended

Who can benefit from an accent reduction training program?

·      Accountants

·      Actors

·      Airline pilots

·      Attorneys

·      Business professionals

·      Computer programmers

·      Engineers

·       Entrepreneurs 

·      Medical professionals

·      Ministers and priests

·      Physicians

·      Public speakers

·      Receptionists

·      Sales professionals

·      Secretaries

·      Stay at home moms

·      Students

·      Teachers and trainers

·      Telemarketers

·      University professors

How much will all of this cost?

Because an accent is not considered a speech or language disorder, insurance companies in the United States will not cover the cost of accent modification programs.

Employers such as corporations, universities and government agencies may provide reimbursement to employees who seek to improve their speech communication skills.

Individuals considering services should discuss specific costs of materials and training with their speech coach.

Where can I find a speech coach?

Spontaneous Speech will soon be providing Coaching Services that are available on-line. We'll keep you posted!  In the meantime, think about the consequences of consider how accent reduction may benefit you. 

Speak clearly if you speak at all; carve every word before you let it fall.
Oliver Wendell Holmes