Stroke Recovery in Richmond

On December 7, Erin gave a free presentation at the Stroke Recovery Association branch of Richmond.  The presentation, held at South Arm Community Centre, was a great success. The Stroke Recovery group meets every Friday at 11:00am and provides support and education in the recovery process.  In 2013, watch for additional dates for this presentation in other communities.

For more information on the Stroke Recovery Association of BC, please click here.

Stroke Recovery and Communication

On December 7, Erin will be giving a free presentation at the Stroke Recovery Association branch of Richmond, The presentation will start at 11am at South Arm Community Centre. If you, a friend, or family member has been affected by a stroke, this presentation highlights how a stroke can impact communication skills and how you can help. Donations to the Stroke Recovery Association are welcome, but not required to participate.
For more information on the Stroke Recovery Association of BC, please click here.

In Your Community

On November 24, Chatham Speech an Language Services participated in Richmond's first ever Autism Resource Fair at Brighouse Elementary School.  The event, organized by the Richmond Autism Interagency Committee (RAIC), connected families and professionals with the many different services available in our community.

Speakers at the event provided invaluable medical, developmental, family, and funding information on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Connecting with Your MLA

On October 29, Erin, clinic director, met with Hon. John Yap, MLA of Richmond-Steveston, to discuss Autism Awareness Month in Canada and small business in our community.

October is Autism Awareness Month in Canada

October is Autism Awareness Month in Canada, bringing our attention to children, families, and professionals whose lives are touched by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Communication and social skill problems are often noted as the first symptoms of ASD, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are part of a team of professionals who are trained in both diagnosis and treatment.

"The team said that Ryan has autism. Ryan’s been working with his teachers and an SLP. He lets us know what he wants for lunch by showing us a picture and using gestures. He says a few words to tell us what he wants to play with. The other day, he said, “train” for his “Thomas the Tank Engine” book. His eyes lit up when I knew which book to grab from his shelf." Parent comment, ASHA 2010

Richmond Autism Day – A Resource Fair

The Richmond Autism Interagency Committee (RAIC)

presents

Richmond Autism Day – A Resource Fair

Date: 

November 24, 2012

Location: 

Neighborhood Learning Centre/Brighouse Elementary School

6800 Azure Rd., Richmond, BC V7C 2S8

Tentative Schedule:

9:00 – 9:10 Introduction

9:10 – 12:00 Presentations by Dr. Behrmann, Pam Collins, MCFD, and Myles McKee

12:00 – 3:00 Lunch, Open Booths and Networking

Please join us in learning more about services available to families who have children with ASD.  This event is specific to services available in our community and provides the opportunity to connect with other parents and professionals.

For more information, please contact us:  http://www.chathamspeech.com/Contact_Us.html

Stay tuned for more information!

Fall Groups at Chatham!

It's that time of year again. Summer is winding down and we are looking ahead to the new school year. This fall, we are offering a variety of groups for boosting speech, language, social, and academic skills. Our summer Social Detectives program was a great success and we are pleased to be offering it again.

Please register early as space is limited to ensure a high level of instructor support. Contact us for more information regarding availability and pricing.

Wishing you and your family a safe and happy fall!

http://www.chathamspeech.com/Groups.html

Summer Groups at Chatham!

We are excitedly offering a variety of groups over the summer for boosting speech, language, social, and academic skills.  Groups provide ample opportunity for generalizing skills in a class-like environment.  All of our groups are run by a registered speech-language pathologist and target specific skill areas.  

Stay tuned for more information coming soon!

New May Month Website

Check out CASLPA's new 'May Month' website: maymonth.ca.  There you will find lots of resources, information, and events to help promote Speech and Hearing Awareness Month across Canada.

Prime Minister Steven Harper Acknowledges Speech and Hearing Month

Prime Minister Steven Harper extends his best wishes to the public for a successful Speech and Hearing Awareness Month.  He highlights the important work of our national association, CASLPA, in raising awareness for our profession and for the valuable work that we do. Please check out his letter here.

An estimated 1 in 10 people suffer from a speech, language, or hearing disorder.  That adds up to approximately 400,000 British Columbians.  You are not alone, click here to find out how we can help.

"I took Seth to see an SLP. The SLP told me that he is doing okay but needs encouragement to talk. I’m enjoying my time reading with Seth every night. He likes it too. We talk a lot about what happens in the story. He even asks for books by name. I’m so glad we didn't wait to see the SLP!" - Andy, ASHA 2010

Does your child have a speech or language disorder?

It can be challenging for parents to determine when they should seek the advice of a registered speech-language pathologist.  The British Columbia Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (BCASLPA), Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), and the Richmond Public Library (RPL) have developed an interactive checklist to help you to decide if now is the time to contact a qualified professional.  Please follow this link to help guide you in your next step.

Please contact our clinic to find out how we can help those with speech and language disorders.

"After Michael was tested by his SLP, I had a much better understanding of what was happening with his speech and language. The SLP helps him say sounds and words. He’s much happier now that he can talk." - George, ASHA 2010

What is speech? What is language?

Speech includes articulation, fluency, and voice.

• Articulation. This is how speech sounds are made. Your tongue, lips, teeth, and other muscles move together to make sounds. 

• Fluency. When we talk, we are usually able to say a sentence or more without too much trouble.  If your someone stops a lot or repeats sounds or words, he may be stuttering. 

• Voice. You need to make sound to talk. Sound comes from your voice box, or larynx. Voice problems happen when a person's voice doesn't sound right for his age or gender. 

Language includes listening, talking, reading, and writing. People use language to:

• Understand what is said and follow directions
• Use words in the right order to say what she thinks, feels, wants, and needs
• Write down thoughts and ideas
• Understand what she reads
• Show that she knows what words mean and how to use them

"We took Jamie to see a speech-language pathologist. The SLP tested him and found that he isn't saying some of his speech sounds the right way, which makes it hard for others to understand him. He also has a language disorder, which is why he isn't following directions or saying a lot of new words. Now, the SLP sees him at day care and is helping him understand directions, use more words, and say sounds more clearly." - Karl

ASHA 2010

May is Better Speech and Hearing Month

Today marks the first day of May, Better Speech and Hearing Month.  Please join me in raising awareness of those who experience speech, language, and hearing disorders.

Communication connects us at home, at work, at school, and in our communities.  Please visit our newly updated website at www.chathamspeech.com for more information on our clinic and how we can help.

Speak well.  Hear well.  Live well.