n a year where communication has proved so important, speech pathologists across the district recently celebrated ‘communicating with confidence’ as part of Speech Pathology Week.
More than 1.2 million people in Australia live with a communication disability and more than one million people live with a swallowing disorder.
The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the challenges faced by Australians with communication disability.
Speech pathologist Beth Knox said it was important we don’t let current challenges like mask wearing and telehealth affect communication with those who have a communications difficulty.
"Communication disability is largely invisible, unseen and out-of-sight," she said.
"It’s important we remember to be inclusive and help those with communication difficulties to maximise their participation in the social, educational, economic and sporting aspects of community life."
Only 38 per cent of Australians with communication disability are participating in the workforce compared with 80 per cent of people without communication disability.
Speech pathologists assess, diagnose and treat communication disability, including difficulties with speech, language, reading and writing, stuttering and voice.
They work with Australians who have communication disability that may have been from birth, emerged during childhood, been acquired during adulthood or developed in old age.
