2003
Initiation of stuttering research at The University of Texas at Austin
As an NIH Postdoctoral Fellow, Dr. Byrd began exploring an alternative to fluency-centered treatment that laid the groundwork for the development of our CARE Model.
2003
About
For over two decades, the Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering Education and Research has been dedicated to changing the world for people who stutter by:
Providing CARE at no cost to children, teens, and adults who stutter around the globe
Fostering a global pipeline of speech-language pathologists and researchers who specialize in stuttering
Generating new knowledge to inform our understanding of stuttering and best practices for those who stutter to advance the field
Our History
What started in a temporary office with only a handful of student volunteers has grown into a global mission to empower all who stutter to Dream. Speak. Live.
Today, the Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering Education and Research is comprised of three branches: the Michael and Tami Lang Stuttering Institute, the Dr. Jennifer and Emanuel Bodner Developmental Stuttering Laboratory, and the Dealey Family Foundation Stuttering Clinic.
2006
Austin Center for Stuttering Intervention and Research
Dr. Byrd receives a research innovation grant to establish a specialized center and expand her clinical team.
2006
2007
Development of “Camp Dream. Speak. Live.”
Initiation of data collection to develop intensive treatment program for children who stutter that does not target fluency as an outcome.
2007
2012
Dr. Jennifer and Emanuel Bodner Developmental Stuttering Laboratory
Austin Center for Stuttering Intervention and Research is renamed and awarded funding to broaden our program of research.
2012
2014
The Michael and Tami Lang Stuttering Institute
Establishment of an endowed clinical training institute to develop a global pipeline of expert clinicians and researchers.
2014
2017
Camp Dream. Speak. Live. Launches Internationally
Through the leadership of Drs. Kurt Eggers, Ellen Laroes, Mary O’Dwyer, Margaret Leahy, Joseph Agius, Jeanette Carmona, Joeri van Ormondt, Belgium, is the first of many countries to host Camp Dream. Speak. Live. abroad annually.
2017
2019
Dealey Family Foundation Stuttering Clinic
Establishment of an endowed treatment clinic to increase access to our programming at no cost
2019
2020
Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering Education & Research
Establishment of the Arthur M. Blank Center for Education & Research to house and expand the research lab (Bodner), training institute (Lang), and treatment clinic (Dealey).
2020
2021
First Satellite Center Opens in Atlanta, Georgia
The Blank Center opens first satellite center in Atlanta, Georgia with the support of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.
2021
2022
First Annual Dream. Speak. Live. Blank Center for Stuttering Celebrity Golf Tournament
Determined to ensure no child who stutters experiences what he did, pro-golfer Christiaan Bez, along with Arthur Blank, hosts the Blank Center’s first annual charity golf tournament increase awareness of stuttering and access to our CARE in his home country of South Africa, and beyond.
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2022
2023+
Expansion of our services and training worldwide
Our field-changing CARE approach is available at no cost to participants, students, and professionals around the globe.
2023+
Learn More About the Blank Center
Watch this feature highlighting the personal experiences of our participants, and life-changing impact of the Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering Education and Research.
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Learn more about The Blank Center and our mission to change the world for people who stutter. Get started and connect with our growing community.
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