Expert by experience.
I'm Gareth Walkom · BSc(Hons) MSc MBCS · Founder & CEO of withVR
I'm a person who stutters, a researcher, and a software developer. I've built virtual reality tools for speech-language professionals - as someone who needed them. Since 2016.
Invited speaker at the Digital Wellbeing Summit 2022 (Dhahran, Saudi Arabia) - on a program that also featured Simon Sinek, James Clear, Marc Randolph, and Mo Gawdat.
Currently booking 2026-2027. Most talks are delivered virtually; in person where travel can be supported.
Or email gareth@withvr.app directly.
Spoken in, in person or virtually
"You have already had an impact. You are known in the stuttering community and well respected."
- Nancy Barcal, MA, CCC-SLP · Director, Granite Bay Speech · USA
Affiliations, partners & recognition
The George Washington UniversityResearch Affiliate
MetaAR/VR User Research Panel
British Computer SocietyProfessional Member (MBCS)
Nottingham Trent UniversityAlumni Fellow
GoogleSupported
OrangeSupported
NHSSupported
European CommissionSupported
BBCFeatured in
The IndependentFeatured in
TrendsFeatured in
Plural PublishingContributorAwards
Advised 19 research projects in 2025 · 18 in 2024 · 15 in 2023 (many multi-year)
Contributor
Artificial Intelligence, Automation, and Extended Reality in Speech-Language Pathology
I contributed to this book. I co-wrote a section of the introduction - Nerissa wrote the past, Michelle the present, and I wrote the future - and contributed a chapter on use cases of XR in speech-language pathology.
View the book at Plural Publishing (opens in new tab)The threads that run through my research, speaking, and advisory work.
The principles behind everything I build.
Barriers are in environments, not in people
Communication access is not about fixing individuals. It is about designing better environments. Read more about the framework that shapes the editorial voice across this site.
Customization to the individual is essential
Pre-made, fixed scenarios lead to individuals losing interest. Every VR speaking situation should be shaped around how the individual perceives their own experiences.
The clinician stays in control
Technology should extend what clinicians can do, not replace clinical judgment. Everything in Therapy withVR is controlled by the professional in real time.
Participation matters more than performance
How much someone talks or how fluently they speak is not the full picture. Being part of something and contributing on your own terms is what matters.
From the inbox - clinicians, researchers, and educators around the world.
"Your creativity and all you do enable better outcomes for the people I work with."
Nicola MaddySpeech and Language Therapist, South West Yorkshire Partnership Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, UK
"It's so awesome how open you are to ideas for updates."
Amanda Worek, SLPD, CCC-SLPAssistant Professor, MGH Institute of Health Professions, USA
"My students mentioned again how much they loved your presentation."
Marileda Tome, PhD, CCC-SLPAssociate Professor, Andrews University, USA
"It is such a pleasure seeing how much you are respected and appreciated here in Saudi and beyond."
Nerissa Hall, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-AACDirector of The Speech Language and Literacy Center at Tate Behavioral, USA
Four signature talks, from corporate accessibility to clinical, research, and community audiences.
Full talk descriptions, audiences, stage photos, and booking are on the speaker page →
From a university research project to a tool used in clinics, hospitals, and universities worldwide.
"I always admire the story behind withVR. I am a big fan!"
- Tjitske Hofstee-Bootsma · Speech-Language Therapist, De Stotterpraktijk · Netherlands
Research by Gareth or using Therapy withVR. Click through to the Evidence Hub for plain-language summaries, findings, and certainty ratings.
Virtual Reality as a Tool in Gender-Affirming Voice Training: A Pilot Study
Leyns, C., Bosschem, L., Papeleu, T., Sabbe, L., Walkom, G. & D'haeseleer, E. (2025). Journal of Voice. Uses Therapy withVR.
Read summary in the Evidence Hub →The Effects of Visual Input in Virtual Reality on Voice Production
Dasdogen, U. & Hitchcock, J. (2026). Journal of Voice. Uses Therapy withVR.
Read summary in the Evidence Hub →Influences of Attentional Focus on Speech Variability
Bauerly, K. R. & Jackson, E. (2024). Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research. Uses Research withVR.
Read summary in the Evidence Hub →VR for Aphasia, Dysarthria, and Apraxia - An ASHA Tutorial
Stark, B. C. (2025). Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups. Names withVR in the tutorial.
Read summary in the Evidence Hub →Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy: To Benefit Those Who Stutter and Treat Social Anxiety
Walkom, G. (2016). IEEE International Conference on Interactive Technologies and Games. Early research that informed the development of Therapy withVR.
Read summary in the Evidence Hub →Artificial Intelligence, Automation, and Extended Reality in Speech-Language Pathology
By Nerissa Hall and Michelle Boisvert. Plural Publishing, 2025. Contributor: co-wrote a section of the introduction and contributed a chapter on use cases of XR in speech-language pathology.
View book (opens in new tab) →Gareth has presented, exhibited, and spoken about VR for communication therapy at events worldwide. Recent in-person events include:
Valid Gains Through Video Games (VGTVG) 2026
Monmouth University, New Jersey, USA. Keynote: "Life Is A Video Game: What I've Learned From Navigating The Levels as a Person Who Stutters."
Digital Wellbeing Summit 2022
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. One of approximately 65 invited speakers - on the panel "Citizen 2.0: How Tech is Empowering Individuals to Take Action", on a program that also featured Simon Sinek, James Clear, Marc Randolph, and Mo Gawdat.
ASHA Convention 2023
Boston, USA. Presented "Virtual Reality Technology and People who Stutter: Clinical Consideration" with Erik X Raj.
Joint World Congress on Stuttering & Cluttering 2022
Montreal, Canada. Presented "Virtual reality: The bridge we've been waiting for is here."
World Congress on Stuttering & STAMMAFest 2024
Nottingham, United Kingdom. Presented "How the NHS is using virtual reality with people who stammer" with Nic Maddy.
Third World Conference on Cluttering 2023
Katowice, Poland. Presented "First impressions on using virtual reality with people who clutter" with Manon Spruit.
Show all featured eventsHide
Nordic Stuttering Seminar 2023
Bergen, Norway
4th Conference of the Saudi Society of SLP & Audiology 2024
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
ICDVRAT 2024 - Disability, Virtual Reality & Associated Technologies
Prague, Czechia
VVL Congress 2025
Ghent, Belgium
Voice Istanbul 2025
Istanbul, Türkiye
VR in Language Diagnostics and Therapy 2025
Nijmegen, The Netherlands
II International Congress "Speech Therapy Today" 2025
Belgrade, Serbia
European Quarter 2024
Brussels, Belgium
National Stammering Clinical Excellence Network (CEN) 2021
United Kingdom
This is a selection. If you would like Gareth to speak at your event or institution, get in touch - or see the speaker page.
Seen speaking at
See all 12 stage photos on the speaker page →
"It is so helpful knowing you are easily reachable for when we get going!"
- Claire Bull · Clinical Lead in Stammering, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust · UK
A couple of things planners ask first.
I'm a speaker who stutters - and that's the point.
My talks are about communication access and building technology for it. The way I speak is part of the message, not a disclaimer - audiences consistently say it is what makes the talk land.
What about budget?
Fees depend on the event and what you can support, so I would rather talk it through than post a number. Stuttering and cluttering community events are where this work started - please get in touch whatever your budget. University guest lectures are aligned to standard departmental rates, and virtual lectures are available worldwide.
More on formats, accessibility, and tailoring is on the speaker page →
Keynotes, guest lectures, community & SLP conferences, workshops, advisory, and consulting - one short form, straight to Gareth's inbox.
Prefer email? gareth@withvr.app
Setting up the software instead? Book a 20-min call →