Farah Al-Qaissieh, an Emirati mother of three, has transformed her personal struggle with stuttering into a powerful platform for change. Growing up with a stutter, Farah faced challenges that shaped her early years, leading to introversion and avoidance of social situations. However, during her university years, she decided to confront her fear of stuttering instead of hiding from it. This decision marked a turning point in her life, leading to a newfound sense of freedom and understanding.

Farah’s transformative experience led to the creation of the Speechcare Center Abu Dhabi, a specialized facility dedicated to treating stuttering and other communication disorders. She also founded The Stutter Community in 2013 to unite individuals facing similar challenges. Partnering with SpeechCare Centre in Portugal, Farah aims to bring expert resources to the UAE, helping people who stutter reach their full potential through networking and therapy.

Today, Farah views stuttering as a unique way of speaking, part of the diverse communication landscape. Her focus has shifted towards giving back to the community and ensuring the success of the therapy centre. She credits her confidence and success to a supportive network, especially her parents, and considers her achievements a collective success for the entire community of people who stutter.

Farah’s remarkable journey has earned her recognition, including the prestigious Abu Dhabi Award in 2017, for her significant contributions to the community. She offers heartfelt advice to individuals who stutter and their families, emphasizing that every voice carries weight, regardless of how it is said. Farah urges families to practice patience and understanding, encouraging open conversations about feelings and support in the journey of those who stutter.