Speech Pathology Week 2018

In 2019, Speech Pathology Week is 25-31 August.

Speech Pathology Week seeks to promote the speech pathology profession and the work done by speech pathologists with the more than 1.2 million Australians who have a communication or swallowing disorder that impacts on their daily life.

Communication is a basic human right and Speech Pathology Week seeks to promote this fact.

Videos: the stories of #SPweek

This images is linked to a video of Nicki and Jarrod on YouTube where they discuss communication access for Speech Pathology Week 2018.Nicki and Jarrod  ‐ Speech pathologist Nicki Jackson and Jarrod talk about what communication accessibility looks like in real life.

This images is linked to a video of a speech pathologist talking about assistive technology on YouTube for Speech Pathology Week 2018.Speech pathologists and assistive technology ‐ Speech pathologists play an important role in helping Australians with communication disability access assistive technology.

This images is linked to a video of a Amanda and Stacey talking about what communication access what it means for Stacey's son Harvey for Speech Pathology Week 2018.Amanda, Stacey and Harvey ‐ Speech pathologist Amanda Nugent and Stacey talk about what communication access means for Stacey's son Harvey.

This images is linked to a video of a Nadine and Heath as they communicate about how eye-gaze technology provides communication access.Nadine and Health ‐ Speech pathologist Nadine Davies and Health explains how assistive technology is making communication accessibility a reality.

This images is linked to a video of a Carly and Imogen as they work to find the best assistive technology for Imogen.Carly and Imogen - Speech Pathologist Carly Hastie and Imogen are working in partnership to find the best communication technology for Imogen to use.

This photographs show three people talking during a video interview and is linked to the video itself..Louise, Marion and Brandon - Speech Pathologists Louise Hockey and Marion Van Nierop are work colleagues of Brandon Tomlin, who uses a range of means to communicate with his workmates.

Tips for successful communication*

  • Always treat the person with the communication disability with dignity and respect
  • Be welcoming and friendly
  • Understand there are many ways to communicate
  • Ask the person with the disability what will help with communication
  • Avoid loud locations, find a quiet place
  • Listen carefully
  • When you don’t understand, let them know you are having difficulty understanding
  • If you think the person has not understood, repeat what you have said or say it a different way
  • Try asking the person yes or no questions if you are having difficulty understanding them
  • Ask the person to repeat or try another approach if you don’t understand
  • To make sure you are understood, check with the person that you have understood them correctly
  • If you ask a question, wait for the person to reply
  • Allow the person time to respond, so always be patient
  • Speak directly to the person and make eye contact. (Though be mindful that there are some people who may not want you to look at them, e.g. some people with autism spectrum disorder)
  • Speak normally. There is no need for you to raise your voice or slow your speech.

*Source: Adapted from SCOPE, Communication for All Booklet, http://www.scopeaust.org.au

Speech Pathology Week in past years

For information about Speech Pathology Week in past years contact the Association.