Speech Pathology Week runs from August 20 to 26 and this year’s theme is ‘Communication access – everyone gets the message’.

Local speech pathologists, Linda Foskey and Rebecca Brett from New England Speech Pathology are behind Speech Pathology Australia’s call for greater action to ensure communication accessibility for the 1.1 million Australians estimated to have a communication disability.

“Like mobility or wheelchair access, communication access is enabling people with communication disorders to get their message across by removing barriers to effective communication or providing extra support and strategies,” Ms Foskey said.

“Communication access is vital to enable everyone to participate fully in the social, educational, economic and sporting aspects of community life in Moree.”

Ms Foskey and Ms Brett visit Moree once a fortnight and usually see about 10 clients each visit, mostly clients through the NDIS.

Ms Brett said some people with disabilities have little to no speech and speech pathologists have a range of tools to open up communication for them such as electronic speech devices, word or picture-based communication boards or books, signs and gestures, spelling and through verbal means.

“Communication accessibility can be as easy as rephrasing your question in simple language, using pictures, writing, gestures or symbols to help get across your message,” she said.

From children with developmental delays or a lisp to adults with learning or intellectual disabilities, or those who have suffered a brain injury or stroke, speech pathologists look at the best techniques for every individual person.

“It’s not one size fits all,” Ms Foskey said.

For more information about Speech Pathology Week go to www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/week.