People Stammer at all ages and when out in the community it can be a very negative experience when trying to communicate in a fast fluent speaking world.

Stammering is classed as a hidden disability and some stammerers wear the sunflower lanyard, however we're represented under the clock symbol with this lanyard. As someone with a speech impediment, I would prefer a symbol which represents speech impediments directly, not a symbol which is also tied with taking longer to do an activity. Having our very own symbol which we can put onto something more discreet like a keyring, would be less on display than a lanyard and be specific to our needs.

Thinking back to when I was a child in the classroom with a substitute teacher who didn't know about my Stammer, or when I was at boarder control being asked questions on the spot, at a bar with friends, at a busy restaurant on a Saturday night, meeting my university lecturers for the first time. There's so many interactions in life that have been difficult before explaining verbally that I stammer. Which usually leads me to Stammer, and get worked up even more when trying to explain I have a Stammer.

This symbol can be used in so many ways to help so many people of all ages, such as using the symbol at the end of work emails next to their name so that if communication leads to speaking over the phone there's already an understanding that the person you are speaking to may Stammer. Even putting this symbol next to a child's name on the register for substitute teachers to be aware and know how to support that child in the class room to avoid any unnecessary stress or upset. Being able to show this symbol to authority so instead of feeling anxious incase they think your stuttering due to nervousness, they know you have a speech impediment straight away. 

I wish to get this symbol passed by the government and parliament for so so many to live a life where we aren't spoken over or have our sentences finished or laughed at.

I also aim to approach places where people with speech impediments avoid such, as the hair salon, and offer the speech impediment symbol on a transparent sticker which they can use on their door, which will hopefully notify people who Stammer that this establishment understands your speech impediment and know how to support you. 

Signing this petition would go a long way to helping people that Stammer to be given a tool to use in their daily lives. Working with Stammer Charities I aim to get keyrings with this symbol to anyone that needs it.

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