Kidd-Gilchrist turns stutter into mission

It’s always easier to say nothing than it is to speak out, but for Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, that challenge has become much easier.
Sure, he’s been in the spotlight since he was a teenager, with microphones in his face as one of the top basketball recruits in the country. 
He grew up in New Jersey, attending high school with Kyrie Irving, among others, before becoming a college star at the University of Kentucky and the 2nd overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.
But the challenge for Kidd-Gilchrist was ever-present, coming long before his tenacious style of play made him well-known across the country.
Kidd-Gilchrist is one of millions of people facing a speech-language disorder, manifesting in a stutter he battled all his life.
“There was a stigma,” said Kidd-Gilchrist, who faced teasing for his stutter when he was younger. “Those that don’t know about stuttering, they may think that I’m dumb or that I’m stupid, but that was never the case. … But if you would have asked me years ago if I would have done this, I’d have said you were kidding. I was too insecure.”
Ironically, it’s in retirement – a time in which public speaking obligations are no longer required – that he’s felt most compelled to speak out.
Motivated by the activism of his friends within the NBA, Kidd-Gilchrist is working with local elected officials to get legislation passed that would provide access to speech therapy within health insurance plans as covered medical care. 

His efforts have already resulted in lawmakers creating bills to solve the issue on a state-by-state level – beginning with bills in states he has a personal connection to in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Kentucky – along with similar legislation seeking to address the problem nationwide.
This issue hits home for Kidd-Gilchrist. His drive to help people in need gain access to affordable speech therapy is rooted in the transformative impact it had on his life. 
In his case, he gained access to speech therapy when he reached college. He began noticing the impact in just a few short months; it’s what motivates him to help children gain the ability to receive treatment sooner.
“I want to be that bridge to help kids all over this country who have the same issue as myself,” he said. “It’s a lonely space to be in when people are rejecting you from the front door. … As a kid, I felt like I was the only one.”

The activism wasn’t a surprise to Kidd-Gilchrist’s former teammate, Kemba Walker, whose close friendship extends with him back to childhood basketball, before Kidd-Gilchrist had access to speech therapy.
“His work ethic is unbelievable,” Walker said. “He played so hard, but off the court, he’s one of the best people I know. So loving, so caring, and very selfless.”
Kidd-Gilchrist credits Walker with helping him feel safe and secure to speak despite his stutter, which made it easier. 
Yet, as meaningful as he found that gesture of kindness and support, Walker said he thought nothing of it because of how deeply he respects his friend.
“For me personally, I just sit back and say, ‘That’s my brother,’” Walker said. “If he’s talking, I’m listening. I don’t care how long it takes. I tell him to take his time to get out what you have to say.”
Walker has seen his friend’s drive to help others up close for years. It’s part of why he loves him so much.
“That’s my little brother — he’s always wanting to help people,” Walker said. “I love what he’s doing to give these kids hope. He’s one of the best role models these kids can have.”
For Kidd-Gilchrist, being a role model starts with his children, whom he hopes can learn from his activism. But now that his activism has expanded beyond their home, he’s excited to see how far it can go.
“I’m happy to help kids have the access I couldn’t have,” Kidd-Gilchrist said. “I can help so many people. … I’m here to make change and I’m not going to stop.”