This week (August 20-26) is Speech Pathology Week 2023. Therapy Care is championing Speech Pathology Australia‘s efforts to spread awareness about communication disabilities and the role of speech pathologists. Communication is a basic human right, which is why the work that Therapy Care’s speech pathologists and speech pathologists everywhere do everyday should be recognised.
The theme for Speech Pathology Week 2023 is, ‘Communicating for life’. This year Speech Pathology Australia is highlighting the skillset, qualifications and dedication speech pathologists bring to their role in providing more than 1.2 million people with support to more effectively communicate.
To celebrate and raise awareness of speech pathology week at Therapy Care, we spoke to two of our talented speech pathologists, Kira and Teena. We asked the duo about their thoughts on speech pathology, their passion and what led them to pursue a career in speech pathology. We also touched on the skills they implement to support their patients toward better communication, what they love about being a speech pathologist and asked them what it’s like being part of the Therapy Care community.
Kira, our Allied Health Manager and Speech Pathologist at Therapy Care said:
I wanted to work with people in a career where I can develop long-standing relationships with participants I see. Witnessing the progress and growth of clients can be immensely satisfying and create a sense of fulfilments. I wanted to be able to support communication and give others a voice.
What are the critical skills you implement daily that support your patients to increase their communication?
Our therapists support a multimodal approach to communication so can support communication through verbal means, written, signs and gestures and visuals. We look at using a variety of stimuli to support someone’s communication.
What do you love most about being a Speech Pathologist?
Being able to increase someone’s access to the world around them. I love that working on communication and literacy can allow someone to access information that may have previously not been possible.
I love the impact of what we do, communication is a fundamental aspect of human interaction and participation in society. SLPs play a crucial role in enabling individuals to communicate effectively, express themselves, and understand others. This impact can be profound, especially for those who were previously struggling to communicate.
What do you love most about being a part of the Therapy Care community?
I love that the community is diverse and has a wide range of people with different backgrounds and stories. I love that the Therapy Care community works toward a more inclusive and accessible society.
Is there anything else you’d like to say about Speech Pathology Week?
I feel this is a very important day to increase exposure and awareness about speech pathology. This will help to:
Teena, our Speech Pathologist at Therapy Care said:
What led you to pursue a career in Speech Pathology?
I was unfamiliar with the field of speech pathology until my younger brother encountered challenges with articulation. My inclination toward speech therapy grew after participating in those sessions and seeing the progress. In the same year I graduated from high school and decided to pursue a degree in Audiology and Speech Pathology.
This choice was very much influenced by the guidance of the speech therapist who had assisted my brother. After completing my Bachelor’s in Audiology and Speech Pathology, I decided to explore this field even more and decided to pursue my Master’s degree.
What are the critical skills you implement daily that support your patients to increase their communication?
I believe that growth and learning takes time, therefore, speech therapists should be equipped with patience, acknowledging small steps and gradual improvements. Another skill I firmly uphold is consistency. Through maintaining a consistent presence and interaction with our participants, we cultivate a foundation of trust, reliability, and a feeling of security.
What do you love most about being a speech pathologist?
When it comes to what I like about practicing speech therapy, it would undoubtedly be the creativity that this field demands. One of my lecturers once stated that speech therapy is akin to an art form, seamlessly blending science, research, and the act of creation. He says art, as every therapist contributes their distinctive touch, shaping the practice in diverse and meaningful ways.
What do you love most about being a part of the Therapy Care community?
Therapy Care has provided me with the opportunity to collaborate with professionals from allied health fields such as occupational therapy and recreational therapy. This collaboration enhanced my ability to offer comprehensive and well-rounded support to my clients.
Is there anything else you’d like to say about Speech Pathology Week?
I would like to say that Speech Therapy has not only allowed me to make a positive impact, but it has also been a journey of personal growth and development. Witnessing the progress and transformation in those I’ve worked with has been incredibly rewarding, and I’ve found immense satisfaction in being able to contribute to their communication skills and overall well-being.
To learn more about our speech pathology and range of allied health services at Therapy Care, get in contact with our team:
1800 861 898
