Every day speech pathologists are creating futures by changing lives. In Speech Pathology Week, from 7-13 August, speech pathologist Ashleigh Fattah, will be highlighting the week’s theme: Speech Pathologists – Creating Futures.
Every day more than 1.1 million Australians have difficulty communicating, says Ashleigh Fattah, who is raising awareness during Speech Pathology Week in the Eastern Sydney community.
“Communication is a basic human right. Communication skills underpin our ability to read and write, get a job, and enjoy family and friends. Each year Speech Pathology Australia hosts Speech Pathology Week to make Australians aware of those who have a speech or swallowing difficulty,” said Ashleigh Fattah.
“It’s concerning to see the extent of communication disorders in our community. Such disorders contribute to poor educational outcomes, reduced employment opportunities and an increased likelihood of social, emotional and mental health issues.”
But speech pathologists are not only creating futures, they are also planning for the future.
On 11 August, Speech Pathology Australia – the peak body representing the profession in Australia – will release the final report of its landmark project: Speech Pathology 2030. This timely report will outline the profession’s shared vision for the future and how it will respond to change over the next decade and beyond.
“Nothing is certain about the future, other than we know it’s coming,” said speech pathologist and member of Speech Pathology Australia, Ashleigh Fattah.
“We need to plan for the future so we can continue to work with people to maximise their ability to communicate in a way that best meets their needs and abilities.”
“We need to plan and be prepared for changes in service funding and increasing needs, so as a profession we can remain relevant to our clients, their needs and aspirations.
“Planning will allow us to go on creating futures and changing lives for the better.”
The final report of the Speech Pathology 2030 project will be launched by Alistair McEwin, the recently appointed, and new full-time federal Disability Discrimination Commissioner.
Speech pathologists work with people who have difficulty communicating because of developmental delays, stroke, brain injuries, learning disability, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy and hearing loss, as well as other problems that can affect speech, language and communication, as well as the ability to eat and drink safely.
Speech pathologists work in a wide range of settings – schools, hospitals, nursing homes, universities, kindergartens, rehabilitation centres, community health centres, private practice and mental health services.
Speech Pathology Week highlights the important role that speech pathologists play in assisting Australians with a communication or swallowing difficulty.
For information about Speech Pathology Week visit www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/week
Media contact: Ashleigh Fattah on 02 8188 2570.
Speech Pathology Australia is the national peak body representing more than 7,000 speech pathologists. The Association supports and regulates the ethical, clinical and professional standards of its members, as well as lobbying and advocating for access to services that benefit people with communication and swallowing difficulties.
