The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association designates May as “Better Speech and Hearing Month!” This is the time of year when we recognize the significant role Speech-Language Pathologists play in our schools.
The need for a professional to deal with disorders of speech was identified in the 1920’s; however, “speech correctionists” were not introduced to the schools until the 1950’s. In the beginning, speech correctionists dealt with articulation, but over the years, the field has grown to include voice, fluency, language, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), acquisition, and oral-motor evaluations and therapies. SLPs serve students in public school systems from the age of 3 through the age of 21.
If a Speech therapist has made a difference in your life or the life of someone close to you, please take some time this month to thank them for the role they play in our schools.
Photo: Speech Therapists serving in Mt. Pleasant ISD, Harts Bluff ISD and Winfield (l-r): Lori Wright SLP, Sarah Webb SLP, Holly Kincaid SLP, Stacy Fitts SLP, Sara Muskrat SLP, Jenna Davis SLP-A and Carol Barnhart SLP.