May is National Speech, Language, and Hearing Month
May is National Speech, Language, and Hearing Month - a time to celebrate and acknowledge the profound influence and dedication of individuals within the field of speech-language pathology (SLP). We are so grateful to all current and aspiring speech-language pathologists for their unyielding commitment, resilience, and remarkable impact on the lives of others. The American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) describes National Speech-Language-Hearing Month as "an opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders and the role of ASHA members in providing life-altering treatment."
Communication is an essential part of life. It helps us understand the world around us, form bonds with others, share and receive valuable information, and express our emotions. For human beings, speech and language are two of the primary communication vehicles used to accomplish these goals. When speech and language are adversely affected by genetics, developmental delays, trauma, or other factors, those affected can feel isolated, frustrated, and disconnected from the world around them. In many cases, qualified support is needed. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) step in to provide treatment, compassion, and care. They are qualified to assess, diagnose, treat and prevent a variety of speech, language, and swallowing disorders that affect one's ability to communicate.
Speech-language pathologists help patients with a wide variety of diagnoses, including apraxia of speech, spasmodic dysphonia, dysarthria, aphasia and more. These disorders are just a small fraction of what a speech-language pathologists (SLP) are qualified to treat. SLPs help adults improve their communication skills and, in turn, their connection to the world around them.
