More than half of workers who stutter say their stuttering has affected their job prospects, a survey by Marshall Rice of the Schulich School of Business at York University, Toronto.

The survey found that 51 percent of workers who stutter believe they would have a better job if they were a nonstutterer. Sixty-eight percent of those surveyed said supervisors at times have misjudged their capabilities because of their stuttering.

"The results point to the need to further educate employers about stuttering," says Rice. "Clearly, some employers do not understand stuttering and make incorrect assumptions about the abilities of their employees who stutter. This misunderstanding results in reduced employment and promotion opportunities."

The Stuttering Foundation of America, which provides resources and services for people who stutter, says more than three million Americans stutter, and that the chronic communication disorder affects 3 to 4 times as many men as women. The foundation publishes a free brochure called Stuttering: Answers for Employers.

Forty-two percent of respondents felt an interviewer "cut short" a job interview because of their stuttering. Fourteen percent said an employer told them directly that they were rejected for a position because of their stuttering.

Sixty-one percent of respondents agreed with the statement, "I feel I have to be 'better' than fluent speakers in order to have the same opportunities for employment."

The survey included responses from 566 people who stutter from 37 countries. The largest number of responses came from the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia, and India.

Jane Fraser, president of the Stuttering Foundation of America, says workers who stutter should discuss their stuttering with employers.

"Past research has shown that when you are open about stuttering to your employer, you are far more comfortable in the workplace," says Fraser. "If you hide your stuttering, you not only put yourself under tremendous pressure but also limit your effectiveness on the job."