BRINGING TOGETHER OUR COMMUNITY FOR THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY
The 35th-anniversary celebration kicked off at our annual meetings in Tampa, FL, from May 3-4, 2024. The agenda was packed with significant events, including the annual Board of Directors meeting, the 20th Leadership Workshop of our Support Network, and the Symposium.
The weekend drew close to 75 participants and was filled with educational, informative, and enjoyable activities. Tampa Support Group Co-Leaders Ron Langdon and James Anderson hosted the event, extending a warm welcome to all attendees. The Ambassador Program was particularly beneficial for first-time attendees, pairing them with experienced “buddies” from previous meetings to foster a sense of connection.
Friday evening featured a Welcome Party, where attendees had the chance to forge new friendships and reconnect with old ones. During the “pass the mic” session, participants introduced themselves and shared their voice experiences. For many, it was a powerful and emotional first encounter with others who share similar voice conditions.
Saturday was packed with activities from morning to evening. The speakers at our Symposium delivered their talks in a clear, understanding, and supportive manner. All presentations were recorded and are available for viewing. Additionally, breakout sessions offered attendees the chance to connect in smaller groups. We also hosted exhibitors from Whispp and Sorenson Communications, who offered various tools and solutions to enhance communication. Eastern Regional Coordinator Carol Doles gathered a range of technologies for participants to test and evaluate, along with resource materials.
That evening, we had an optional dinner, followed by a bus tour of Tampa on Sunday. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of family, friendship, and camaraderie—it was truly delightful. We extend our thanks to everyone who presented and all who attended. Mark your calendars for our next meeting in Phoenix on May 2-3, 2025. We look forward to seeing you there!
2024 Symposium Presentations
Welcome and Overview of Dysphonia International
Charlie Reavis, President
Understanding Voice and Speech
Darla Freeman, SLPD, CCC-SLP
Evaluating and Treating Voice Disorders: Role of the SLP
Darla Freeman, SLPD, CCC-SLP
Botulinum Toxin Injections for the Treatment of Voice Disorders
Yassmeen Abdel-Aty, MD
A Discussion on Challenges and Successes in Laryngology
Yaël Bensoussan, MD
Dysphonia in the Digital Age
Elijah Moothedan, MS
Deciphering Relevant Brain Networks in SD Research
Scott Norris, MD
Neuropsychological Considerations in Dysphonia
Yolanda Leon, PsyD, and K. Brianalysse Nicolena Cedeño, BA
SNAPSHOTS FROM THE SYMPOSIUM
Speakers Darla Freeman, Yassmeen Abdel-Aty, Yaël Bensoussan, Elijah Moothedan, and Scott Norris
First Column: Scott Flanagan and Warren Bandel | Le’Brandon Rose and Leah Rose | Nicole Leitner, Nancy Panos, and Kimberly Kuman | Lara Bruce and Tyler Kropf
Second Column: James Anderson, Darla Freeman, and Ron Anderson | Tanja Turner Bell and Antoine Bell | Akash Raj Komarlu and Joris Castermans
Third Column: Linda Fetters and Sue Payne | Yolanda Leon and K. Brianalysse Nicolena Cedeño | Barb and Ron Meteyer | Carol and Roger Doles
Forth Column: Beverly Messinger and Valerie Handelsman | Honey Shara and Toni Gold | Roundtable Discussion | Dennis Kaszeta and Symposium participants
Fifth Column: Board of Directors | Leadership Workshop Participants | President Charlie Reavis