( ENSPIRE Sports ) Retired Basketball Star Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Leads National Effort to Support Speech Equity and Awareness
ENSPIRE CONTRIBUTOR: Luke Redhead
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is widely recognized for his accomplishments on the basketball court — from winning a national championship with the University of Kentucky to being selected as the second overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. However, in recent years, he has redirected his focus toward a cause that is deeply personal and profoundly impactful. As someone who has lived with a stutter throughout his life, Kidd-Gilchrist has become a leading advocate for individuals who stutter, using his platform to address the social, emotional, and systemic challenges associated with speech differences.
Through his nonprofit organization, Change & Impact, Kidd-Gilchrist is working to advance healthcare equity, improve access to speech therapy, and foster a greater understanding of stuttering within both professional and public spheres. Additionally, his efforts encompass legislative advocacy, educational outreach, and community engagement, reflecting a long-term commitment to meaningful change. At ENSPIRE, we highlight stories that champion empowerment and uplift marginalized voices. Kidd-Gilchrist’s work embodies that purpose by advocating for wellness, inclusion, and lifelong support for those navigating speech disorders.
Change & Impact prioritizes spreading awareness nationwide, placing advocacy at the forefront of its mission. The organization meets with educators, healthcare professionals, and federal and state legislators to change the healthcare system for the better. Just last year, a bill titled HB 2268 was signed and passed into law with the help of Gilchrist. The bill ensures that children who stutter have access to speech therapy in the state of Pennsylvania. Early speech therapy is life-changing and is crucial for overcoming obstacles related to stuttering.
In addition, Change & Impact engages with the state and federal levels of government and also creates meaningful educational opportunities. Also, one of its key initiatives is the Change & Impact Scholarship. Inspired by founder Michael Kidd-Gilchrist’s journey — where speech therapy in college helped him gain confidence and improve communication — the Change & Impact scholarship goes beyond financial assistance. Providing access to speech therapy and support groups, it equips recipients with the tools to find their voice and pursue their dreams.
Through Change & Impact, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is building more than an organization. He’s leading a movement shaped by personal experience, compassion, and a deep commitment to advocacy. His work focuses on expanding access to care, influencing policy, educating future professionals, and breaking the social stigma against stuttering. Furthermore, what began as a personal challenge has grown into a national initiative aimed at creating lasting change. By turning his voice into a vehicle for awareness and action, Kidd-Gilchrist is helping to ensure that people who stutter are not only heard but truly understood and supported throughout their lives.
Related Articles: WNBA Changemakers and VOICEINSPORT Extend Community Partnership to Keep Girls in Sports, Game Changer: LeBron James Joins Barbie Universe as Inaugural “Kenbassador”
