Speech Therapy

For many people with progressive ataxias, speech and communication problems are among the top three most challenging symptoms.

Did you know it takes around 100 muscles to speak? These muscles must work in precise coordination. Ataxia disrupts this coordination, often making speech slower, slurred, or harder to understand. This can have a big impact on daily life, leading to:

• frustration with others and themselves about not getting the message across
• negative self-image or depression
• less motivation to speak with others, leading to social withdrawal and isolation

Our Speech Therapy Course

In partnership with Professor Anja Lowit at the University of Strathclyde, Ataxia UK developed a six-week online course designed specifically for people with ataxia.

The programme combines one-to-one sessions with our Speech and Language Therapist and group practice sessions, giving participants the chance to:

• learn simple strategies like speaking louder and more clearly
• practise skills regularly
• build confidence in using their voice

Many participants find the group sessions just as valuable as the speech work itself, as they offer a chance to connect with others who understand the same challenges.

“Not only have you helped me with my speech, but the experience as a whole made such a difference. We developed our own little support group and shared things no one else would understand. Without Ataxia UK, I don’t know what I would have done.”
— Jenny, course participant

Practical Information

• The course lasts six weeks.
• Weeks 1–2: four individual sessions (one hour each, via Zoom).
• Weeks 3–6: daily one-hour group sessions, Monday–Friday (11:00am–12:00pm).
• You’ll need a reliable internet connection, and be comfortable with online video calls and reading/speaking in English.
• Please note: the amount of screen time can sometimes cause fatigue. Let us know if this may be a problem—we can discuss options.

Places and Waiting List

Due to the popularity of the course, there is currently a waiting list. Places are limited, but thanks to new fundraising—including generous support from McKesson Medical Supplies and donations to our Spring Appeals—we are delighted that the programme can continue for at least the next two years.

If you’d like to be considered for a place, please email volunteering@ataxia.org.uk. We’ll send you a short survey to assess your needs, and add you to the waiting list until a suitable group becomes available.

Other Options

We understand that this group programme may not be right for everyone. You can also access Speech and Language Therapy via the NHS—ask your GP for a referral. More information is available on the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists website.

If you need help with accessing support, please contact the Ataxia UK Helpline:
0800 995 6037
help@ataxia.org.uk

Preparing for the Future

If your speech is beginning to change—or you want to plan ahead—you might also want to explore voice banking.

Ataxia UK works in partnership with SpeakUnique and can fund voice banking for people with ataxia. This allows you to record and preserve your own voice for future use in communication devices.

Find out more about voice banking with Ataxia UK.

The Gift of Speech

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Ataxia UK has been able to run the speech therapy course and provide funded voice banking with SpeakUnique since 2022. These services have already made a real difference to people living with ataxia—helping them preserve their voices, practise new skills, and regain confidence in daily conversations.

We’re delighted that new fundraising has secured the continuation of the Gift of Speech for at least the next two years. But to ensure we can keep offering these vital services into the future, we still need your support.

Make a donation to Ataxia UK.