Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are professionals whose practice is controlled in Ontario by the Regulated Health Professionals Act and the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Act.

SLPs have specialized knowledge and skills in speech, language, and communication development and disorders, and are key members of interdisciplinary educational teams.

Why are Speech-Language Pathologists necessary within an educational setting?

Language is the medium through which teachers instruct and students learn. Effective communication skills support students in accessing the curriculum, getting along socially with others, and participating in school. The ability of students to understand and use oral and written language to communicate will affect their academic, social, and vocational success.

Approximately 10% of school-age children have speech and language delays or disorders which vary in nature and severity. Speech- Language Disorders often co-exist with a number of other disabilities such as autism, learning disabilities, developmental handicaps, behaviour difficulties, physical handicaps, and hearing impairment.

SLPs assist teachers in understanding the oral language needs of students and the interrelationships between listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Together with teachers, SLPs develop curriculum-based strategies to address the language learning needs of students in the classroom.

When should a student be discussed with the Speech-Language Pathologist?

In many district school boards a referral to the SLP is discussed at a school support team meeting so that a student’s speech and language needs may be considered within the broader contact of the student’s educational needs.

Teachers and/or parents should discuss a student with the SLP if they have questions concerning a student’s ability to:

• Follow directions
• Understand classroom conversations
• Understand and retell stories
• Socialize with peers
• Organize ideas sequentially
• Use appropriate vocabulary, word order, and grammar
• Speak on a topic
• Speak clearly
• Speak fluently
• Learn sounds skills necessary to read and write

What services do Speech-Language Pathologists provide?

The school-based SLP provides a range of services to support students with speech, language, and communication needs within the educational setting.

Services may include:

1. Consultation
2. Assessment
3. Programming

Reference: Online

• https://www.osla.on.ca/uploads/Speech-Language%20Pathologists%20Roles%20and%20Services%20-%20School%20Boards.pdf
• http://www.speechtherapyct.com/whats_new/THE%20ROLE%20OF%20A%20SPEECH-LANGUAGE%20PATHOLOGIST.pdf