MPiStutter App
Posted on: June 28, 2012
- In: Posts
- 3 Comments
I received a request from Casa Futura Technologies to provide some information here about their iPhone apps to be used for stuttering therapy.
Casa Futura makes medical technology for treating stuttering and other speech disorders. The company was founded in 1992 and is now the #1 manufacturer of stuttering treatment devices. More than 5,000 speech-language pathologists and stutterers use their devices.
They are applying for a grant that will enable them to provide training to SLPs to use the iPhone apps. If you are interested in getting a FREE app, please read the below information and follow the instructions.
Go to https://www.missionsmallbusiness.com/.
– Click “Log in & Support.”
– In the “business name” search field enter “Casa Futura”.
– You’ll see “Casa Futura Technologies”. Click the blue “VOTE” button on the right.
MPiStutter is an iOS (iPhone, iPod touch, iPad) app to support Minimum Phonated Interval (MPI) stuttering therapy. It analyzes the user’s vocal fold activity and trains him or her to eliminate too-rapid speech elements and speak fluently at a normal speaking rate.
The fine print: You must vote before midnight Saturday, June 30. They are only giving free apps to SLPs. Consumers can request a free app from their SLP. Apple limits Casa Futura Technologies to 50 free copies of each app.
If they find a way around this restriction they will give an app free to everyone who votes. After you vote send an e-mail to sales@casafuturatech.com requesting MPiStutter and include your ASHA membership number (or the name and e-mail address of your SLP.)
Disclosure: I have been offered a free download of the app to try and review.
3 Responses to "MPiStutter App"
June 28, 2012 at 4:43 PM
Hi Gloria, I remember meeting you at WSHA.
In one study, 11 adult stutterers were given Casa Futura Technologies DAF devices. They weren’t trained or given therapy. Immediately, the devices reduced stuttering about 70%. The stutterers then used the devices about 30 minutes per day for three months. Fluency was about the same when they were using the devices, but when they weren’t using the devices they had about 50% less stuttering. This study showed two important long-term results. First, there’s no long-term “adaptation” or “wearing off” of effectiveness. Second, the devices train carryover fluency, so the stutterer doesn’t have to wear the device forever.
But your friend may have been disappointed that 50-70% improvement in his speech means that he still has some stuttering. You’re right that if he wants to get closer to 100% fluency he’ll need to combine the device with speech therapy.
Our website (http://casafuturatech.com/) summarizes about twenty other studies of our devices. Highlights include two studies of high-stress telephone calls to local businesses, which found 60-75% reduction in stuttering, and another long-term study that found more than 50% carryover fluency.
Yes, the state of Wisconsin provides our devices free to qualified residents.
SpeechEasy was involved in some lawsuits so their sales figures are publicly available. Casa Futura Technologies sells about 25% more devices. The published studies of SpeechEasy devices show that their devices are pretty good for reading aloud in a quiet speech clinic, but have little or no effect in conversations. SpeechEasy devices have problems with background noise, and don’t train carryover fluency. Some studies show that SpeechEasy devices have adaptation problems but other studies show no adaptation over time.
June 28, 2012 at 5:18 PM
Thank You Thomas for responding. The gentlemen who bought your device came to a chapter meeting asking us how to use it. He had no ear piece and asked a bunch of questions. We could not help him. That is the reason I am kind of carefull of what I read and I do ask questions. I am also carefull about devices who claim they do this or that. So thank you for giving more details. I read a little about your app and I hope some SLP will be able to be trained with this device so they can help people who stutter.
Make Room For The Stuttering 
June 28, 2012 at 2:58 PM
Hi Pam, One of their sales reps. has been to a number of WSHA ( Wis Speech and Hearing Association) conventions.( he also stutters) I met him a number of years ago and we have been in contact off and on. I know one of our NSA Madison members bought a device from him. Personally I was kind of disapointed that he did not get more support from the company. You need to find a SLP who has some knowledge about this device. So maybe this is a good thing that they are trying to teach SLP’s about the device. I know some people will ask how can they be #1 in stuttering Devices? Can they prove that? How do they know how many the Speech Easy company sells? I do know in the state of Wis there is a state funded grant to help people pay for the unit. Some place in my files I have the address. This device is also cheaper then the Speech Easy.. Does it work any better? Well I think with any device it works for some and not for others.