Speech Language Pathologists work as part of the school team to support all students with needs in communication. The Department of Education Speech Language Therapy services are delivered as part of the educational program and are directed towards improving educational outcomes to support successful transitions in education, training and work. A Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) assesses, treats and supports people with difficulties communicating. A partnership between Calamvale Community College and the University of Queensland Speech Pathology Department provides ongoing clinical placements for studying SLPs to work within the school context.
Some of the specific areas of communication that SLPs support include:
- Speech - i.e. how a person uses sounds when talking. For example, an SLP might work with a Year 1 student who is hard to understand because her sounds have not developed appropriately (e.g. she says 'sish' for 'fish').
- Language - i.e. how a person uses and understands words and sentences to communicate with others. For example, an SLP might work with a student who has difficulty telling a story, difficulty using the right grammar when talking, and /or has a limited vocabulary.
- Literacy – Acquisition of literacy, underlying developmental literacy skills, and introducing literacy supports (e.g. technology to assist reading/writing).
- Stuttering - SLPs work with people who have a disruption of the smooth flow of speech.
- Voice - SLPs work with people who have voice problems which are often a result of misuse or abuse of the vocal cords.
- Social skills - i.e. those skills necessary to communicate appropriately with others. For example, a SLP might work with a student who uses language inappropriately when talking to others (e.g. has no eye contact, cannot start and maintain a conversation).
- Feeding/swallowing – feeding difficulties can occur in students and adults due to a variety of reasons. SLPs are often involved in the feeding management plan.
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)– this may include the use of communication devices, systems, strategies and tools that replace or support natural speech for students who have difficulties communicating using speech. SLPs are often involved in the identification and trailing of different AAC.