University of Wisconsin–Madison

Welcome to the SPEAK Study!

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Learn more about enrollment

Introduction

The SPEAK study builds on more than 15 years of longitudinal research examining speech intelligibility in individuals with cerebral palsy from early childhood through young adulthood. Through this work, we have followed children as young as 2 into their teens and twenties to better understand how their speech develops over time. What we have learned from this study directly inspired the SPEAK project, which explores ways to support clearer speech and improve how well individuals are understood in everyday communication.

Goals

In the SPEAK study, we are trying to determine whether combining speech with visual information for listeners (such as an alphabet or communication board) helps make speech easier for others to understand. We are also examining whether listeners notice meaningful improvements in clarity of speech when these strategies are used.

Participation

Participation involves a brief parent interview and forms to determine eligibility, followed by 1-2 visits to the Waisman Center (scheduled at your convenience). During the visit(s), participants will learn and practice a speech supplementation strategy, complete speaking and language activities/assessments, and take a quick hearing screening. Parents will complete questionnaires to help us better understand their child’s communication skills. Total participation time is approximately 2-4 hours. Compensation will be provided.

 

(FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions

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Children and teens (ages 7-17) 

  • Diagnosed with cerebral palsy or another motor impairment 
  • Experience speech limitations (very mild to severe) such as:  
  • Speech that’s hard to understand 
  • Slurred speech 
  • Very soft voice 
  • Able to point to letters or pictures 

Click to Enroll!

You can also contact the study team directly:

📧 speak@waisman.wisc.edu

📞 (608) 263-5822

Approximately 2-4 hours across 1 to 2 visits.

Yes! $100 for completing the study, extra compensation for traveling from more than 30 miles away, hotel stay offered for non-local families, small gift (valued at $15 or less) 

The results of this study will be published in scientific journals and will be presented at professional meetings. Names will not be associated with the data that contributes to this study. All data will be de-identified and labeled with a code number and stored electronically on a secure server. Only project staff with security permissions will have the ability to connect identifying information. This study is protected by a Certificate of Confidentiality from the National institutes of Health.

Researchers

Dr. Katherine Hustad

Principal Investigator, Waisman Center & Professor, UW-Madison

Katherine Hustad is a professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and director of the Wisconsin Intelligibility, Speech, and Communication (WISC) Lab. She is a renowned expert in pediatric motor speech disorders and has devoted her career to understanding how children with cerebral palsy and typically developing children develop speech and communication skills. Through her more than 20-year longitudinal research program, Dr. Hustad has advanced early diagnosis, improved intervention practices, and deepened our understanding of communication outcomes for children with and without motor speech disorders.