Speaker Robert Rivas Joins Proud Stutter for Capitol Film Screening and Conversation to Empower Speech Diversity

On Wednesday, Speaker Rivas welcomed Proud Stutter, disability advocates, filmmakers and community members to the State Capitol for a documentary film screening and conversation on stuttering, representation and celebrating speech diversity.

SACRAMENTO - Speaker Robert Rivas joined nonprofit Proud Stutter and disability advocates at the state Capitol this week to champion speech diversity and continue their work to build understanding, connection and acceptance for those who stutter.

The event, hosted by Proud Stutter and founder Maya Chupkov, included a screening of scenes from her documentary, followed by a panel conversation discussion, with a focus on disability representation and the importance of creating space for people who stutter to share their own stories.

"What I've learned in all my time in public service is that our voices don't have to be perfect to be powerful. The things that make us different don't diminish our potential - they help shape who we become. To those who stutter or those who ever felt that they don't belong, know this: Your voice matters, your story matters."

-Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas, at Wednesday's screening event.

"Storytelling has the power to change how we see each other, and how we see ourselves. At this even, we brought together filmmakers, advocates, lawmakers, and community members inside the California State Capitol to do exactly that, to sit together, watch together, and listen to a story that rarely gets told. I'm grateful to Speaker Rivas and his office for co-presenting this event. As someone who has been open about his own experience with stuttering, the Speaker understands firsthand why disability storytelling belongs in this building, and his support sent a powerful message. This film matters because it gives voice to an experience that's still deeply misunderstood, and we're still in the process of bringing it to life. Yesterday was one more step toward completing it, and toward making sure Issac's story reaches the audience it deserves."

-Maya Chupkov, founder of Proud Stutter

Speaker Rivas, a longtime stuttering advocate who has spoken about his experience growing up with a stutter, has worked alongside Proud Stutter for years to elevate awareness and acceptance of stuttering in California.

In 2023, Speaker Rivas introduced a resolution that made California the first state in the nation to officially recognize Stuttering Awareness Week. In following years, he reintroduced the resolution proclaiming Stuttering Awareness and Acceptance Week - annually honoring the millions of individuals who experience stuttering and encouraging greater understanding, inclusion and acceptance of speech diversity statewide.

Roughly 3 million Americans stutter, and these efforts create more opportunities for people who stutter to share their stories and be heard. Events like this encourage Californians to support individuals and families affected by stuttering and to continue building awareness and acceptance in schools, workplaces, and communities across the state.