It’s almost Speech Week! This year, Speech Pathology Week is held between August 25 – 31 and the theme is: Communicate your way.
Our team of Speech pathologists empower people with tools that meet them where they’re at, to communicate more effectively. This might include:
Our dedicated speech pathologists are passionate about helping people achieve their communication goals. Whether it’s a child with a developmental language delay, someone recovering from a stroke, or anyone needing support to communicate, they make a profound impact every day.
This Speech Pathology Week, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on the inspiring progress many people in our community have made with speech pathology, and the brilliant work our speech pathologists do to support the lives of our participants.
In this two part blog series, we will first explore the work our speech pathologists do and their ‘why’. We will then hear first hand accounts of our participants and how in a supported environment, their dedication has unlocked new ways of communicating and therefore, participating in their communities.
Without further ado, join us in celebrating Therapy Care’s speech pathologists incredible contributions to our community!
Therapy Care’s Speech Pathologist, Teena
Teena’s journey into speech pathology began with a personal experience. Her younger brother had speech difficulty when he was young, and his speech therapist played a crucial role in helping him overcome his challenges. Witnessing the challenges and barriers he faced, paired with the progress he made to overcome them ignited Teena’s passion for understanding speech and language development. Teena was ignited to pursue a career in speech and language pathology, setting herself up to make a difference in helping others overcome similar challenges. It was through this experience that she realised how transformative speech therapy can be, both for individuals and their families.
Teena says the most rewarding aspect of her job is witnessing the transformative power of communication. She says, “helping individuals find their voice and express themselves effectively is incredibly fulfilling. It’s not just about improving speech; it’s about empowering people to connect with others, share their thoughts, and participate fully in their communities. Seeing a participant gain confidence and the ability to communicate their needs and feelings is a powerful reminder of the essential role that communication plays in our lives.”
During Speech Pathology Awareness Week, Teena is excited to highlight the importance of our field and advocate for the rights of individuals to express themselves. This week provides a valuable opportunity to educate the public about the crucial role speech pathologists play in supporting communication and swallowing disorders. She looks forward to raising awareness about the diverse needs of our clients and promoting the belief that effective communication is a fundamental right for everyone. It’s also a time to celebrate the achievements and progress made by those we work with, and to foster greater understanding and support for the field of speech pathology.
Therapy Care’s Speech Pathologist, Amanda
Amanda was influenced to become a speech pathologist because of someone she once knew lived with dysarthria and needed speech therapy. It wasn’t until Amanda was a lot older that she learned that on top of their diagnoses, they also lived with depression. Amanda says, “thinking about it as an adult now, I too would feel disheartened if I had to leave my job or lose friendships because of my loss of independence or speech intelligibility. I think there’s a strong relationship between communication and mental health for people living with communication difficulties of all ages. Not being understood by the people we want to communicate with can lead to frustration or isolation.”
Amanda is passionate about witnessing participants gain more confidence in their communication, whether it’s verbally or by using AAC, and becoming better understood by the people around them.
During Speech Pathology Awareness Week, Amanda would like the community to understand that, “communication is more than just talking – it involves any method of conveying a message to another person no matter how they communicate.” Amanda hopes that knowing this will empower people to look for cues outside of language when communicating with someone with limited speech.
Therapy Care’s Speech Pathologist, Freja
Freja’s journey to becoming a Speech Pathologist began with a passion for English studies. Initially, she was drawn to the intricacies of language and communication, but soon realised she wanted a more practical application of her skills.
Volunteering in various community settings opened her eyes to the transformative power of speech pathology. The linguistic component of speech therapy fascinated her, and the opportunity to give back to the community in such a meaningful way solidified her decision to study further in this field.
Freja says, “the most rewarding part of my job is helping individuals find their voice and communicate more effectively. This brings me so much joy and fulfillment. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my work can make a tangible difference in someone’s life, fostering both personal growth and community connection.”
“The most rewarding part of my job as a Speech Pathologist is observing the progress of my clients. There’s nothing quite like seeing an NDIS participant achieve a communication milestone, whether it’s a child saying their first word or an adult regaining speech after a stroke. The gratitude and appreciation from families makes me feel incredibly proud and affirms the impact of my work.”
Speech Pathology Awareness Week is a crucial time to highlight and celebrate the diverse ways we communicate. The concept of neurodiversity is gaining traction and reshaping how we understand and support communication differences. Our goal is to empower individuals to express themselves in ways that are most effective and comfortable for them, whether through AAC devices, gestures, or other methods. We also emphasise the importance of training communication partners—family, friends, educators—to better understand and facilitate these communication styles. By increasing awareness and understanding, we can create more inclusive environments.
Therapy Care’s Speech Pathologist, Eloisa
Eloisa always envisioned a profession that went beyond the confines of a traditional desk job, one that offered variety and most importantly, a sense of purpose every day.
Speech Pathology captivated her with its blend of science, creativity, and human connection. It promised a chance to engage directly with individuals, each with unique stories and goals, and to make a tangible difference in their lives. This career fuels her passion for helping others achieve their full potential in communication.
Eloisa says, “the most rewarding aspect of my role as a Speech Pathologist is the profound impact it has on the lives of the participants and their families. Hearing from participants, parents, and loved ones about their newfound ability to express themselves is incredibly heartwarming. Their stories of relief and joy at being understood and seen are the ultimate testament to the power of effective communication. It’s not just about speech; it’s about opening doors to opportunities, fostering connections, and enhancing the overall quality of life of participants.”
Speech Pathology Awareness Week is an invaluable opportunity to shine a spotlight on the crucial roles that speech and language pathologists play in our communities. “I hope that through increased awareness, more people will come to appreciate and understand the depth and breadth of our work,” says Eloisa.
Speech pathologists are not just therapists; they are advocates, educators, and partners in communication.
Eloisa concludes, “our work encompasses a wide range of services, from helping children articulate their first words to assisting adults in reclaiming their communication abilities after life-altering events. By fostering a greater understanding of our role, we can cultivate a more inclusive society that values and supports diverse communication needs.”
