MADISON, Wis – Today, Representative Anderson was joined by Senator LaTonya Johnson in introducing legislation aimed at supporting people who stutter (LRB-1301). The bill would require insurance policies to cover certain habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapies, ensuring those with stutters are afforded proper coverage and care.
Stuttering-related stigma continues to harm social and emotional well-being, according to the American Psychological Association. Access to speech therapy is one of the most effective tools for helping people manage stutters while also reducing the stigma often associated with speech differences.
A key champion in this field is Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, a former NBA player dedicated to showing that a stutter does not define a person, but rather is something that can be overcome. Through his advocacy, Kidd-Gilchrist has successfully pushed bipartisan legislation similar to this in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Nevada. He has been key in working with Representative Anderson in seeing similar action in Wisconsin.
“This legislation is about ensuring people who stutter, at any age, can access the speech therapy and support that help them communicate with confidence. Too often, insurance barriers and stigma prevent individuals from getting care that can be truly life changing,” Rep. Anderson said. “I am grateful to Michael Kidd-Gilchrist for his leadership and advocacy, and for the opportunity to work with him throughout this process. His efforts remind us that a stutter does not define a person’s ability or potential, and that access to care should never be a limiting factor.”
