Walcom: Speech and language therapy changed my life

The event was organized by the Department of Language and Speech Therapy of Istanbul Medipol University’s School of Health Sciences at the South Campus Conference Hall. Gareth Walcom, a software developer-designer and founder of WithVR, was a guest at the event. In his speech, Walcom explained how virtual reality technologies have revolutionized language and speech therapy and emphasized the importance of individuals with speech disorders experiencing their real-life difficulties safely in virtual environments. Having participated as a speaker in more than 50 conferences and collaborating with more than 100 clinics, universities and hospitals worldwide, Walcom shared with students his impressive journey that brings technology and therapy together.

WALCOM: I TURNED TECHNOLOGY INTO MY FIELD OF EXPRESSION 
Gareth Walcom, who said he has also stuttered since the age of six, talked about the impact of stuttering on his personal life. Stating that he had difficulty making his voice heard for many years and hesitated to express himself, Walcom described the turning point in his life with the following words: “Seeing that there were other people like me having speech and language therapy and knowing that I was not alone changed my life.” In his speech, Walcom, who explained how he used technology as a means of expression, said that thanks to the software he developed with VR technology, speech therapists can create special environments for their clients. Noting that therapies have become more effective with artificial intelligence-supported avatars, Walcom explained that the software is now being used not only for stuttering but also for many different speech disorders, such as selective mutism. Noting that the software has also been translated into Turkish, Walcom said that the system is now actively used in universities, private clinics, and hospitals around the world. Concluding his speech, Walcom offered advice to the students and said: “We know that speech therapists will need these technologies more in the future. Therefore, keeping abreast of developments in this field will become an important part of professional development.”