What do you think of when you think of disability?
Blindness? Deafness? Loss of mobility?
How about a VOICE PROBLEM?
But think how much you rely on your voice: in your job and in your social life. A stressful meeting, at a noisy restaurant or letting your hair down at the pub – your voice is central to what you do and who you are.
For someone with a voice problem, such everyday situations can be a trial. A long meeting or big presentation becomes at best a physical effort and at worst an impossibility. The prospect of a telephone call is suddenly daunting. And the pub is now somewhere you simply won’t be heard, no matter how much you have to say.
Damage to your larynx - the source of your voice - doesn’t just mean a hoarse voice and vocal strain, as problematic as these things can be. It can also affect your breathing and swallowing. Just imagine if the mere act of talking left you struggling for breath?
In addition, there can be chronic pain and discomfort. The throat is, after all, one of the most sensitive parts of the body. That’s why a throat infection can be so painful: imagine if you had that kind of pain all the time…
Given all the above, we hope you agree it is incredible that no charity exists specifically for the support and recognition of the voice impaired. Can you imagine the same being true for the sight, hearing or mobility impaired? Of course not! What’s more, not only is there nothing in the UK, there’s really not very much worldwide.
The Lary Project was founded to meet this unmet need. It provides information, support and advocacy specifically directed towards this neglected disability group.
If you would like to support The Lary Project, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
