Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) estimates that more than 1.1 million Australians have difficulty communicating or being understood, a statistic speech pathologists hope to change through a national story-telling campaign.
Launched today as the beginning of Speech Pathology Week, the ‘Great Australian Communication Story’ project encourages people around the country to ‘tell their story’ and connect with their community.
SPA National President Christine Stone said many Australians struggle to communicate effectively enough to interact with their friends and families, work and participate in social events.
“Even though we estimate more than 1.1 million Australians have difficulty communicating, we know that number is much, much higher.”
“Difficulties can be present at any age, from newborn babies who can’t feed properly, to a preschool child who has difficulty making speech sounds, a primary school child who has autism, a teenager who stutters, a young adult who has had a stroke, a teacher whose voice is strained, a retired person with Parkinson’s disease – right up to an older person living with dementia.”
“During Speech Pathology Week, we want people to share their stories, and to know that they are not alone,” Ms Stone said.
The ‘Great Australian Communication Story‘ aims to take a snapshot of the stories and experience of people living and working with communication impairment in Australia in 2012.
The project asks members of the public to fill in speech bubble templates which will be compiled into an ebook, to be released in September this year.
“Communication is about sharing stories and information. Just because someone communicates differently from you doesn’t mean that their story isn’t worth hearing,” Ms Stone said.
If you would like to take part in “The Great Australian Communication Story” or are concerned about a friend or family member who may have a communication difficulty, visit: www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au
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