SpeechEasy makes difference in teenager’s life

Toby Banks charity presented device on December 30

By Lora Scripps The Leeds News

LEEDS — Hannah Rish, 17, is a typical teen. She attends John Carroll Catholic High School in Birmingham and loves to spend time with her friends. She is a creative young lady who loves to sing and one of her dreams is to someday be an actress on Broadway. However, Hannah has dealt with one obstacle in life that somewhat sets her apart. She has stuttered ever since she was a child.

Hannah’s mother, Lisa, said her daughter is a very bright, creative and beautiful, but admits the girl she sees at home is so different from the girl who is out with those who do not understand stuttering.

Recently, Hannah’s life began to change. In late December, two days before the New Year, she got word she would be receiving a device that could possibly transform her life forever. She would be the 2009 recipient of a SpeechEasy device made possible by the Toby Banks Golf Tournament. The SpeechEasy is similar in appearance to a hearing aid. However, rather than amplifying sound, SpeechEasy alters sounds that go through the device so that you hear your voice at a slight time delay and at a different pitch. The purpose of the delay and pitch change is to recreate a natural phenomenon known as the “choral effect.” The choral effect occurs when a stutter is dramatically reduced or even eliminated when you speak or sing in unison with others.

“We had been hearing and reading about the SpeechEasy device for years through our speech therapist Deborah Boswell,” said Lisa. “However, we were unable to afford the device without assistance.”

The SpeechEasy device normally costs approximately $4,700. A fee many families have trouble affording. That is where the Toby Banks Benefit Foundation comes in. The foundation has raised money for the past eight years to give families like the Rishes hope.

“I can already see a difference,” said Lisa on Monday.  “She is talking more and sharing more. It can be exhausting to communicate when stuttering. I already see the SpeechEasy making a huge difference.”

She added Hannah has always got parts in singing roles, but she is already looking forward to a speaking role. She said she also dislikes talking on the phone, but that they are all hoping the SpeechEasy will allow her to enjoy it.

“We cannot wait to see what the difference will be in a month or so,” Lisa said. “Right now, she is having therapy sessions to learn how to use the device to its greatest effect.”

Hannah attends speech therapy with Professional Speech Services. It is a place that Toby, the man the benefit foundation is known for, and his family know as well.

“Deborah Boswell at Profession Speech Services is very instrumental in the process,” said Earline Banks, Toby’s mother. “She is always so appreciative of what we do and we feel the same about her. She helps to change people’s lives and make it easier. That is worth all the effort we put in.”

The Banks family has worked for many years to provide hope for families in need. At the beginning of every summer, the Toby Banks Golf Tournament is held to raise money for the device. It’s an event the family has said the community continues to support and one that without their help would not be possible.

“We are able to purchase one device a year,” said Earline. “Most people who stutter have developed ways to get through it,” she added. “It is amazing to be able to witness the transformation when a person receives the SpeechEasy.”

Earline added that it was also amazing to witness Hannah when she first used the device.

“Her facial expressions changed,” she said. “She looked more relaxed and her face began to loosen up as soon as she put it in. She was finally able to relax her expressions. It is just amazing.”

Earline acknowledged that Hannah will go through a period of adjustment, but said she got word just last week from Hannah that said she was doing outstanding. “She said the device was really helping her. Her mother said she was already becoming even more outgoing,” Earline said. “It is just a privilege to be a part of that.”

Hannah is one of the Toby Banks Benefit Foundation’s youngest recipients and the first female recipient. She got to meet Toby, Earline and Charles Banks during her fitting session.

“What a delightful family!” Lisa said. “They are spreading love and hope one recipient at a time. We are looking forward to attending the golf tournament in June.

“This was a wonderful gift for my daughter,” she continued. “I know that it will boost her confidence and allow her to share the wonderful ideas and thoughts that she has. It will greatly lessen her struggle to communicate.”

Earline said she has talked with a number of the recipients just recently and has been amazed at the difference she can tell in their speech. “That is what makes it so enjoyable and rewarding,” she said.

The Toby Banks Golf Tournament will be held June 21 at the Trussville Country Club.

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