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Key Objective #3: Promoting the Idea of Self-Help in European CountriesIn the best sense of the word, the idea of self-help in stuttering is a universal approach which is not limited to certain countries or cultures. On the other hand, the development of self-help skills and structures partly depends on general socio-cultural preconditions and, more simply, on knowledge and information. ELSA strives to promote the transfer of information, experiences and enthusiasm to European countries still without self-help groups. The last ten years have seen a number of new stuttering associations entering the European arena in which ELSA has played its part.In promoting self-help ELSA seeks contact in various ways with people who stutter (through newspaper ads, self-help centres etc.), provides them with information and encourages them to get in touch with fellow stutterers. Another target group is the professional community of speech-language therapists. Although the involvement of professionals in stuttering groups is controversial it is a matter of fact that many groups and associations have been initiated or established by therapists who have access to the people concerned and are able to recognise the importance of self-help activities. This is why addressing professionals at meetings, conferences and other events plays a major role when it comes to promotion. An important part of ELSA's work is supporting new associations. Small subsidies are being offered to help publishing information material such as leaflets and brochures. Also, much of the work in this field consists of stimulating and co-ordinating activities carried out by national member associations. ELSA encourages them to enter into partnership with other countries. For example, Scandinavian groups help developing self-help structures in the Baltic states and Poland organized Slavic Meetings, inviting people who stutter from neighbouring countries. Thus the abstract idea of international co-operation can be put into practice in a direct and personal way. |