Disability news, Accessibility Issues, Disability Issues, Accessiblity News

Kennedy’s speech displays rare disorder

July 7th, 2008

From ABC News:

Appearing on “Larry King Live” Monday, Robert Kennedy Jr. drew attention to a rare disorder called spasmodic dysphonia. The condition results in a noticeably strained voice, prompting concerns among viewers.

Although the condition is by no means life-threatening, it is life-changing for the few who have it. Spasmodic dysphonia experts estimate the condition affects only .02 percent of the population. It often strikes in midlife between ages 20 and 50, and it appears in women twice as often as in men.

… the most advanced research is still focused on finding physical evidence of changes in the brain, and possibly a genetic cause behind the disorder.

National Public Radio talk show host Diane Rehm also has the disorder. Her book on the subject is “Finding my Voice.

(Photo from robertfkennedyjr.com)

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More than 50 million people in the United States have disabilities, a number that is growing rapidly as the population ages. Experts say disability will soon affect the lives of most Americans. This blog attempts to explore what we know about disability, and to chronicle the efforts of people who are seeking new ways to address familiar challenges.

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