On International Stuttering Awareness Day, PARAYAS Society Secretary appeals to society to promote sensitivity, support, and equal opportunities
Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, October 22: On the occasion of International Stuttering Awareness Day, Dheeraj Ramoul, Secretary of PARAYAS Society, appealed to the public to treat children, young people, and other individuals who stutter with sensitivity, understanding, and respect. He emphasized that stuttering does not determine a person's intelligence, talent, or abilities. Instead of making such individuals the subject of ridicule, society has a collective responsibility to encourage them, strengthen their confidence, and provide them with opportunities to progress in life.
Dheeraj Ramoul stated that children and individuals who stutter often face mockery, neglect, and discrimination in schools, workplaces, and social settings. Such behaviour can negatively affect their self-confidence and make them hesitant to communicate openly with others. Therefore, families, teachers, classmates, and every member of society should adopt a positive and supportive attitude towards them.
He said that stuttering is neither a limitation of a person's identity nor a measure of their abilities or personality. Everyone has an equal right to express their views, receive an education, access employment opportunities, and participate in social activities. Judging someone based on the way they speak is inappropriate and unfair.
How Should We Treat People Who Stutter?
Dheeraj Ramoul urged people to listen attentively and patiently when someone stutters while speaking. They should not interrupt the speaker, rush to complete their sentences, or imitate them to make fun of them. Instead, they should create a comfortable environment during conversations and remember that the purpose of communication is to understand what a person is saying, not to criticize the way they speak.
He particularly appealed to parents and teachers to encourage children who stutter to express themselves in classrooms, participate in cultural programmes, and showcase their talents. An environment should be created among children where no one is humiliated, excluded, or treated differently because of their speech patterns.
Timely Support and Appropriate Guidance Are Also Important
He explained that stuttering is a speech fluency disorder, and its experiences and effects can vary from person to person. If a child or an adult experiences difficulties or distress related to speaking, consulting a qualified speech-language therapist may be helpful. Family support, patient communication, and appropriate professional guidance, when needed, can contribute to improving an individual's confidence and communication skills.
Dheeraj Ramoul further stated that putting unnecessary pressure on people who stutter, repeatedly interrupting them, or embarrassing them in front of others is inappropriate. Instead, they should be given sufficient time to speak at their own pace and should be treated with dignity and respect.
Promoting Equality and Sensitivity in Society
The PARAYAS Society Secretary said that an inclusive society is one in which every individual receives respect and equal opportunities, regardless of physical, mental, or communication-related challenges. The purpose of awareness is not merely to provide information about an issue but also to bring about positive changes in people's attitudes and behaviour.
He appealed to all citizens to create an environment in their homes, schools, workplaces, and social gatherings where no one is made to feel inferior because of the way they speak. Children should be taught from an early age to understand the challenges faced by others, respect their differences, and offer support whenever needed.
Sharing his message, Dheeraj Ramoul said, "Every person's voice matters. Respect people's feelings, thoughts, and talents rather than judging the way they speak. Listen patiently to people who stutter, help build their confidence, and encourage them to move forward in life. Let us work together to build a society where no one's voice is mocked, but every voice is heard with dignity and respect."
He concluded by saying that International Stuttering Awareness Day reminds us that sensitivity, equality, and human dignity begin with our own behaviour. A more compassionate and inclusive society can be built when everyone makes a conscious effort to listen without prejudice and treat others with understanding and respect.
