Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, former NBA star and University of Kentucky champion, is now using his platform to advocate for the stuttering community. A lifelong stutterer, Michael is fighting for expanded insurance coverage for speech therapy and better access to care –legislative wins in Kentucky and Pennsylvania have already been achieved. Now, he’s focused on NYC.
Through his nonprofit, Change & Impact, Inc., he’s empowering individuals who stutter, by engaging universities, and working directly with speech-language pathologists to shape the future of care. Michael is redefining strength, proving that advocacy and personal impact can go hand in hand. See below for our interview with him.
Tell us more about who you are and what you do?
I’m a proud individual, not just proud of where I come from, but also of who I’ve become. A lot of people may know me as an athlete and now as a policy maker, but I’m also a proud father, son, husband, and a proud person who stutters.
How was it being a star athlete with a stutter? Did people treat you differently?
Absolutely, I’ve been treated differently because of my stutter; especially in media spaces and as an athlete. There were times when people didn’t have the patience to hear me out or weren’t even interested in my thoughts. It can be a lonely experience. I was often the only person who stuttered on the teams I played for, but now I take pride in being a trailblazer for athletes who stutter.
How did having a stutter shape who you are as a black man today?
As a Black man, I’ve always understood that everyone carries something with them, things they deal with daily. That awareness has shaped me. Being black taught me to be a go-getter and to know that I am capable and powerful just like my ancestors. As a Black man who stutters, I know that I am equipped with the necessary tools to persevere.
How would receiving speech therapy at a younger age have helped you?
If I had received speech therapy at a younger age, I would’ve been better prepared for what I was facing. It would’ve helped me understand myself earlier and given me the tools to deal with the challenges that come with being a person who stutters.
Who is Michael Kidd-Gilchrist as a father today?
Being a father is one of the greatest honors of my life. I have four children, and they each reflect a part of me in their own way. What they may not realize is: they’re raising me, too. They’ve shown me parts of myself I never would’ve discovered without them. I’m incredibly proud to be their dad.
Was there ever a worry about your kid(s) having a stutter?
Of course there was some concern. Not so much about them feeling alone because they have me, but more about knowing how hard it can be when you’re behind in basic communication. That was the worry. And I do have a newborn, so we’ll see what the future holds.
What advice would you give dads raising kids with a stutter?
To dads out there: find mentors for your child outside of yourself. And to the kids: make your voice the loudest in the home. The earlier you build that confidence, the better off you’ll be in life.
Tell us more about your nonprofit Change & Impact and your goals?
Breaking the stigma around stuttering has always been one of my personal goals. I started Change & Impact to make a difference and to empower others because that’s always been my mindset.
How can we as a community create safer spaces for those who stutter?
The most important things a parent or supporter can do is be patient and always be willing to listen. Listening is key.
What does legacy mean to you?
To me, legacy means leaving behind a lasting, positive impact on people’s lives.
Tell us about the strides your team has made with getting the bill passed in numerous states that ensures insurance & treatment for stuttering patients. How are ways our readers can get involved?
Getting laws passed isn’t easy, but we’re committed. Every donation, big or small, helps us keep going. It all goes directly to the cause. You can learn more or support our efforts at www.changeandimpactinc.org.
Tell people what’s next for you, how they can follow you, etc?
My goal is for every child who stutters in every state to have access and coverage. We’re going state by state, pushing for legislation that makes that possible. The journey continues, and to anyone who wants to follow along or get involved, please visit www.changeandimpactinc.org.
