Space To Stammer

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Our 'Space to Stammer' campaign started with a single complaint via our helpline and turned into a movement to get customer-facing organisations to consider people who stammer.

Read how it all started in 2023, when a STAMMA member told us they were struggling to make a GP appointment because of a stammering-unfriendly booking system.

From accessing essential services to everyday mundane activities, people who stammer are almost routinely overlooked. This is what we're going to change. We want to create a culture where customer-facing companies and businesses naturally consider stammering, akin to checking for wheelchair access. 

You shouldn't face discrimination because of how you talk.

We looked at coffee shops

"I was ordering my usual from my local café: an oat milk latte. 'Oat' can be a tricky word for me and this time, I struggled with it. The staff member snorted with laughter until I finally managed to say the word."

"Why do you have to give your name in Starbucks? Why can't it be a memorable word? For me to say my name is something I always trip up over. If I use a different name the people I am with think I've gone mad! If my children are with me they say “that's not your name!""

This is unacceptable. Ordering a flat white shouldn't be daunting. But for some who stammer, it often is. Because of the responses they receive.  

What we learned

We heard from over 1,500 STAMMA members and supporters about their experiences ordering a coffee. We've heard about the pervasive humiliation faced by many of you as you are mimicked, rushed and ignored when trying to place an order. 

We found that:

• 58% of people who stammer don't order what they want; 90% said their stammer was the reason for this, ie ordering something easier to say, to avoid being humiliated in front of a queue.
• 83% find it difficult to say their name on demand. Despite this, Starbucks insist on this practice.

What we've done 

Using insights and feedback from members, we've created a guide with recommendations for change: 'Stammering & Coffee Shops'.    

We are in conversation with two major high street coffee shop brands about the changes they can make to ensure their stores are inclusive — not only for those who stammer, but for everyone with communication differences. 

Be part of the change

You can help us make a difference. Feel free to send this link to our 'Stammering & Coffee Shops' guide to your local café or coffee shop.

If you've faced discrimination when buying a coffee — if you've been laughed at, mimicked or ridiculed, we'd love to help. Share your stories with us and we'll be on it like a rash!

Your stories will help us create a culture where customer-facing businesses consider stammering as naturally as checking for wheelchair access.

Keep coming back to this page where we'll report on our progress and share updates. 

This work is part of STAMMA's 2024-2027 strategy for making a difference.