As we step into the month of May, we are not just welcoming the spring in full bloom but also celebrating a cause close to our hearts – Speech Therapy Appreciation Month. This is a time to acknowledge the incredible impact that speech-language pathologists and therapists have on individuals’ lives across all ages.
Our speech therapy team works tirelessly to help those with communication challenges find their voice. They empower individuals to express themselves clearly, thus enhancing their ability to connect with the world around them. The dedication, patience, and expertise of our therapists transform lives every day, and this month, we want to make sure they know their efforts do not go unnoticed.
Let us all take a moment this month to recognize the extraordinary service provided by our speech therapy professionals. Their commitment not only enhances individual lives but also strengthens the fabric of our community.
Speech-language pathology, also known as speech and language pathology or logopedics, is a healthcare and academic discipline that focuses on the evaluation, treatment, and prevention of communication disorders. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are experts in communication and work with people of all ages, from babies to adults. Here are some key aspects of speech-language pathology:
Communication Disorders: SLPs address various communication and swallowing problems, including:
Speech Sounds: This involves how we produce sounds and put them together into words. Problems related to speech sounds include articulation or phonological disorders, apraxia of speech, or dysarthria.
Language: SLPs assess how well individuals understand what they hear or read and how they use words to express their thoughts. In adults, language problems may be referred to as aphasia.
Literacy: SLPs also work on reading and writing skills. People with speech and language disorders may struggle with reading, spelling, and writing.
Social Communication (Pragmatics): This area focuses on following communication rules, taking turns, adjusting language for different situations, and understanding social cues.
Voice: SLPs address voice-related issues, such as hoarseness, voice loss, excessive loudness, nasal speech, or difficulty making sounds.
Fluency (Stuttering): SLPs help individuals improve the flow of speech. Stuttering involves repeating sounds, using filler words (like “um” or “uh”), or frequent pauses during speech.
Cognitive-Communication: This area deals with thinking skills, memory, attention, problem-solving, and organization.
Feeding and Swallowing (Dysphagia): SLPs assess and treat difficulties related to sucking, chewing, and swallowing food and liquids.
Settings: You can find speech-language pathologists in various settings, including:
Thank you for joining me in celebrating the heroes who give the gift of communication.
Vice-President Human Resources
