What is SPEAK OUT!® & LOUD Crowd®?
SPEAK OUT!® is an evidence-based speech and voice therapy program for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Through this program, speech becomes more intentional (louder, clearer) and improvements in swallowing have also been noted. SPEAK OUT!® is usually completed in 8-12 individual sessions (45 min each) spanning four weeks, and then the client transitions to the LOUD Crowd®, which is a once a week program in a group setting. Clients report improvement in their communication and their overall quality of life.
LOUD Crowd® is the group therapy portion of the program which meets once weekly and is responsible for maintaining the gains obtained during SPEAK OUT!®.
When and where can I receive services?
SPEAK OUT!® is generally offered on weekdays two to three times a week around a client’s schedule. LOUD Crowd® currently meets virtually on Mondays at 1:30 p.m., but additional sessions might be offered as our group grows. Individual sessions occur at Pacific’s Speech, Hearing, and Language Center or can be completed virtually through telehealth.
I have Parkinson’s disease. When should I begin seeing a speech therapist?
According to studies, up to 89% of people with Parkinson’s disease develop difficulty communicating and up to 95% develop difficulty swallowing. To postpone and prevent this decline, it is optimal to begin speech therapy as soon as possible. This program may not be suited for everyone with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s, so potential clients are encouraged to first have a consultation and evaluation with our clinic’s SPEAK OUT!® provider, Dr. Derek Isetti (disetti1@pacific.edu).
What costs are associated with these services?
Pacific’s Speech, Hearing, and Language Center offers both SPEAK OUT!® and the LOUD Crowd® free of charge through a grant from Parkinson Voice Project based out of Richardson, TX. You can learn more about how these programs were developed at their website HERE.

University of the Pacific is a recipient of Parkinson Voice Project's 2021 SPEAK OUT!® & LOUD Crowd® Grant.
Download the press release HERE.