As Catherine Moroney’s mother, I was the object of repeated requests to attend the conference this year (2025) and I finally agreed. I didn’t know what to expect as I took a seat on the first morning in Kingston, but then I was quickly asked to stand with four others at my talbe to be introduced as first timers at the conference. The vigorous welcome stayed with me for the rest of the conference, and I saw that the same feeling was generally in play for others: so many joyous reunions, conversations, friendships, warmth. And then one night there was the annual dance when music blared out, and everyone invented their own steps. (I was even complimented for showing some “good moves”!)
Expectations
All this was not what I had expected at the conference, to be honest. I was expecting to witness a lot of frustration and pain from people who stutter, especially when talking to those unfamiliar with the condition. As a parent of a person who stutters, I found that at the conference there was a lot more for me to learn about what research can offer, and how people who stutter find their way through the challenges of the educational and working worlds.
Throughout the 3 days of the conference the CSA Board offered an ambitious mix of presentations, lectures and workshops: 28 events in all! I ambled easily into small groups and large presentations.
Personal stories and support
I listened to stories of those who grew up in families with histories of stuttering, sometimes when it was never mentioned. I particularly remember the story of a man (Souleymane Junior Traore) who left isolating employment and set up his own successful business instead. The conversation then turned to a discussion by young students about their feelings of isolation in school which then turned to thinking of ways to keep in contact with one another for support. I had a feeling that similar insights and support were being felt all over this conference.
Major informational presentations
The professional presentations (Gerald Maguire and Luc DeNil) were filled with information such as the ancient history of stuttering, the genetic basis of stuttering, and the increased interest in stuttering by medical and other key professions like speech and language pathology. The speakers inspired me to feel hopeful about progress arising from their work. I wondered if this was already having some positive effect for people who stutter in terms of new therapies and, well, just plain hope for the future.
Successful and inspiring close with good cheer and warmth
The CSA National Coordinator, Eeva Stierwalt, called the conference to a successful and inspiring close as a winter storm raced towards Kingston. I took part in the general rush for people to pack up their belongings, take yet another look at the busy table selling books on stuttering, t-shirts, sweatshirts and other memorabilia from the conference. But the best part was to see all the good cheer, hugging, farewells and warmth as people departed. I am a First Timer who will be losing the “first” as I certainly plan to attend again.
With best wishes to the CSA Board and Conference attendees, Elaine Moroney