NBA Star Speaks to SLU SLHS Students About His Life as a Person Who Stutters

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist – nine-year NBA veteran, second pick in the 2012 NBA draft and part of a national championship basketball team at the University of Kentucky – recently spoke to students from the Saint Louis University (SLU) Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) department about his journey through life as a person who stutters and the importance of his relationship with his speech-language pathologist (SLP).

NBA Player Michael Kidd-Gilchrist recently visited SLU to talk about his journey through life as a person who stutters

In addition to talking about his own experiences, Kidd-Gilchrist introduced the mission to his new foundation: Change and Impact. Change and Impact seeks to improve access to healthcare and expanding services for people who stutter. In April, Change and Impact met with Missouri Senator Roy Blunt to discuss legislation that could potentially help the many people living with a stutter today.

SLHS graduate student Erin Losin heard of Kidd-Gilchrist’s story through the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association and reached out to his agent about talking with SLU SLHS students.

“The work that Michael is doing with his Change and Impact initiative is so important and much needed in our society,” Losin said. “He is working hard to remove the barrier to accessing health care services like speech therapy. Not only does Michael share his experience as a person who stutters with people all across the country, but he is also dedicated to being an advocate for others as well.”

Losin went on to explain how hearing Kidd-Gilchrist’s story was a good opportunity to reflect on the reasons she wants to be a speech-language pathologist.

“It was great to hear Michael’s testimony and get insight into his experience as a person who stutters. Hearing the personal stories of those with communication disorders, like Michael, helps me understand what my clients are going through,” Losin said. “It allows you to better understand the perspective of your clients and their life experiences as individuals with communication disorders. It was a privilege to hear Michael’s story and it helped remind me why I want to be a speech-language pathologist.”

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and President Pestello.

Follow the Change and Impact Initiative to keep up with the advocacy work that Kidd-Gilchrist is doing for individuals living with a stutter in the United States.

Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit institution that values academic excellence, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service. Founded in 1818, the University fosters the intellectual and character development of nearly 13,000 students on two campuses in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Building on a legacy of more than 200 years, Saint Louis University continues to move forward with an unwavering commitment to a higher purpose, a greater good.