By Sean Allsop

The idea for my latest documentary for the BBC World Service, Speaking Out, and my previous program about speech disorders: The Travelling Speech Therapist, came from an unexpected place. Usually, I’m the one pitching ideas, but this time it was others at Audio Always who came to me. They suggested that I could delve deeper into the world of speech disorders but to be honest, I was hesitant. I’d never made anything so personal before but, the more I thought about it, the more I realised there was an untold story to explore, around giving people a voice. It was a real celebration when the BBC greenlit my idea. 

These documentaries are a deep dive into my own past. Growing up, I had a phonological sound disorder, which meant I struggled to pronounce certain words. It was tough and it’s one of the main reasons I never pursued a career in live radio, even though I’ve always been drawn to audio. Even now, I still have to warm up my voice and do the same speech exercises I did as a child. I was incredibly lucky to have a supportive environment—my family and friends never made me feel different because of my speech. 

Creating Speaking Out – my latest program – was an incredible experience. I met so many inspiring people, each with their own unique story. One of the most moving moments was meeting Yvonne and her family. Yvonne has a condition that was causing her voice to deteriorate, and she explained that she felt like she was losing her identity. To witness her get her voice back through new voice banking technology was truly fantastic. The software allowed her to create a digital version of her voice, and she’s since used it to renew her wedding vows—a beautiful testament to the power of technology to restore a sense of self.

I also traveled to San Cesareo, a town in Italy where they have integrated AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) systems across the city (which are in short big picture boards users point to). Seeing how something as simple as incorporating communication aids into a town’s infrastructure could make such a massive difference was a powerful reminder that the most effective solutions are often the simplest ones.

The feedback I’ve received for Speaking Out and The Traveling Speech Therapist has been brilliant. To be featured on BBC highlight programs like Pick of the Week and the Sunday Times was a massive honour. But the most meaningful recognition came from the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy, which awarded me their ‘Giving Voice’ award for highlighting the hardships of people who struggle to communicate

Making these documentaries was a journey of both professional and personal discovery. It allowed me to connect with others on a level I hadn’t before, and to use my own experiences to tell a story that I hope will resonate with many. It’s been a brilliant journey sharing these voices with the world.