The NSDA was established out of a desire to help people cope with those challenging voice disorders. This news section is committed to providing research updates, resources and stories to help our Community.
How to Manage Your Career During these Uncertain Times
Managing your career has never been harder for most people. But it’s not impossible.
In Memoriam | Jimmie Rodgers
Singer Jimmie Rodgers passed away. He served as an NSDA Honorary Director and was the Keynote Speaker at 2005 NSDA Symposium. Jimmie had a string of hits in the 50s and 60s including, Honeycomb and Kisses Sweeter than Wine, until spasmodic dysphonia took his singing voice away.
Reflections of 2020 | Discovering the Silver Linings
This past year has been anything but normal. In response, the NSDA adapted quickly to provide continued service and support to our community’s needs. NSDA President Charlie Reavis reflects on the many silver linings discovered during 2020.
2020 Walk for Talk Thank You Video
This Thank You Video is dedicated to all who walked, donated and supported the first-ever virtual Walk for Talk to benefit the National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association that to place October 22-25, 2020.
Auditory Feedback Control of Vocal Pitch in Spasmodic Dysphonia
New research out of the University of Pennsylvania explores the auditory feedback control of vocal pitch in spasmodic dysphonia.
Bruce A. Menk Appointed to the NSDA Board of Directors
Bruce Menk is no stranger to the NSDA. He served on our Board from 1993 to 1999 and was President for two of those years. He has served as pro bono Legal Counsel since he stepped down from the Board. With his recent retirement, he will no longer serve in that role, and will rejoin the NSDA Board.
New Legal Counsel | Susan H. Boyles
We are excited to welcome Susan H. Boyles as the new pro bono Legal Counsel for the NSDA. Susan is a Partner at the international law firm of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP. This contribution to the NSDA is very personal to her, as she has had spasmodic dysphonia since 1996.
Linda Thompson Kenis
Linda Thompson Kenis’ voice is a British national treasure. She and her first husband, Richard Thompson, are folk-rock icons who launched their careers in the early 1970s. Kenis achieved international fame – as part of the duo, as a solo performer, and as a songwriter. Unfortunately, Linda developed spasmodic dysphonia at a young age.
2020 Issue of “Our Voice”
The theme of this issue is Turning Points. Inspired by the twists and turns of this year, 2020 has taught us collectively to be more flexible and accepting of change. In this 40-page issue, you will also find research updates, NSDA news, helpful tools and a review of support and awareness programs.
A Voice of Many Colors
The NSDA is excited to announce that we are launching a virtual art sale titled, A Voice of Many Colors, on the NSDA website. NSDA Development Director Susan Beck has donated fine art prints from her father Paul J. Long’s lifelong creative legacy.
In Memoriam | Johnny Bush
Country Singer Johnny Bush passed away on October 16, 2020. He served as an Honorary Director for the National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association in recognition of his efforts to raise awareness about spasmodic dysphonia. He was honored by the NSDA in 2014. Johnny didn’t let his struggles with spasmodic dysphonia stop him from sharing his many gifts and was still playing out regularly at age 85
Dennis Kaszeta joins NSDA Board
We are excited to welcome Dennis Kaszeta to the NSDA Board of Directors. He helped to rejuvenate the Detroit Area Support Group and the group was recently awarded the NSDA’s 2020 Midge Kovacs Awareness Award.
2020 Walk for Talk
Join us for the first-ever virtual Walk for Talk to benefit the NSDA. This 5K and Fun Walk will be held from October 22 to 25, 2020. You can participate no matter where you live!
Vibro-tactile Stimulation as a Feasible Symptomatic Treatment for the Voice Disorder Spasmodic Dysphonia
Researcher Arash Mahnan is the recipient of 2020 the NSDA Research Award in partnership with The Voice Foundation.
2020 Dot Sowerby Pioneer Award
Carol Doles was honored in 2020 for her great contributions to the NSDA including her work as Eastern Region & Canada Representative, Support Group Leader, member of the Support Leadership Committee and an Administrator of the NSDA Support Leadership Facebook Group.
2020 Midge Kovacs Award
For their work in 2019 and several years prior to that, the award this year is given to Dennis Kaszeta and the Greater Detroit NSDA Support Group. Truly, Dennis follows in the footsteps of the late pioneering SD advocate, Midge Kovacs.
Dorothy Tannahill-Moran joins NSDA Board
Dorothy Tannahill-Moran joined the NSDA Board, effective May of 2020. She says, “I think people with SD have a level of understanding and empathy to each other that no one else without it can have.”
NSDA Awareness Face Masks
Having a voice disorder can be challenging, but having to wear a mask can make it even harder with the additional effort to project your voice. With these awareness masks, you can let people know that you have a voice disorder without having to say a word.
2020 NSDA Virtual Symposium
The 2020 NSDA Virtual Symposium will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2020, with a combination of live and pre-recorded presentations. This conference was originally scheduled to take place in the Detroit area, but it was canceled due to the situation with the COVID19 pandemic.
World Voice Day
World Voice Day is celebrated every April 16th with the main goal of increasing public awareness throughout the world of the importance of the voice and impact of voice problems. The 2020 theme for World Voice Day is “FOCUS ON YOUR VOICE.”
NSDA Virtual Support Sessions
During this time of social distancing, the National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association is hosting virtual support sessions to share experiences about living with spasmodic dysphonia and related voice conditions.
NSDA Webinars
The NSDA is launching a new series of webinars in response to the COVID-19 situation with different guest speakers. Join us on Tuesday afternoons at 2 pm CT and on Thursdays at 5 pm CT.
Add Telepractice To Your NSDA Healthcare Listing
If you are now offering appointments via telepractice to your voice patients, we encourage you to add that information to your profile on the NSDA Healthcare Directory.
COVID-19 Information
We know these are uncertain times with the pandemic of COVID-19 that is impacting all aspects of our daily lives. We put together some current information along with some resources that might be helpful.