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.