Free Speech Therapy Reaches Rural Parkinson's Patients

For Victor Menghetti of Jackson, Wyoming, Parkinson's disease meant softer speech, difficulty swallowing, and traveling as far as Pennsylvania for treatment. Now he meets with a speech therapist weekly without leaving home.

Metro State University Denver launched a free telehealth program in 2024 that brings specialized speech therapy to Parkinson's patients across Wyoming and Colorado. The SPEAK OUT! program eliminates the distance barrier that rural patients face when seeking care.

"Some folks in Wyoming drive an hour just to go to a clinic," said Alissa Allison, MSU Denver's clinical educator leading Wyoming efforts. "When you can do telehealth with SPEAK OUT!, that's a benefit."

The program accepts 25 new patients each year at no cost. Patients complete eight to 12 individual sessions over four to six weeks, then join weekly virtual group sessions for ongoing practice.

Graduate students in speech-language pathology run the sessions under licensed professionals, giving them real-world experience while providing crucial care. The therapy teaches patients to "speak with intent," using specific techniques to regain and maintain vocal abilities.

Menghetti noticed the difference after completing his individual sessions. "Through the exercises, I learned how to speak with intent and not shout," he said.

Parkinson's disease affects an estimated 1,400 to 1,700 Wyoming residents. The progressive neurological condition has no cure and presents differently in each person, but speech difficulties are common as the disease affects muscle control.

The program uses a pay-it-forward model, meaning patients never deal with insurance or Medicaid paperwork. All licensed speech-language pathologists working with the program hold licenses in both Colorado and Wyoming, making interstate telehealth sessions possible.

The Ripple Effect

Beyond therapy, the virtual sessions have created unexpected connections. Patients in the weekly refresher groups have formed friendships and found community with others facing similar challenges.

The program also strengthens Wyoming's healthcare workforce. Graduate students gain specialized training in medical speech pathology while serving underserved rural communities.

MSU Denver's center is the only SPEAK OUT! therapy and research location serving both Colorado and Wyoming. The nonprofit Parkinson Voice Project created the program in 2005 and has since expanded to dozens of states.

Patients report improved confidence, clearer articulation, better breath support, and stronger facial expressions after completing the therapy. Monthly check-ins with providers help patients stay on track with their practice.

One video call at a time, Wyoming patients are finding their voices again.