Better Hearing and Speech Month
Each May, Better Hearing & Speech Month (BHSM) provides an opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders. This year, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has revised pans for BHSM to reflect the impact of coronavirus. At this time, ASHA has shared pertinent information to the public featuring guidance for preventing and managing communication disorders during this unprecedented time. We have attached their infographics regarding recommendations for speech, language, and hearing below.
School Services, Interrupted
Build Preschoolers’ Speech and Language Skills With Everyday Interactions and Activities
Early Intervention and COVID-19
Caring for Your Child’s Hearing Health at Home During COVID-19
Zoom Meetings and Stuttering
Teletherapy Tips for Parents
Helping Children With Language Disorders Maintain Social Connection During COVID-19
Now more than ever - we have realized that communication, verbal and non-verbal, is critical. We have utilized communication devices such as phones, tablets, and computers to complete school work, work from home, and communicate with loved ones. At this time, we invite you to reflect upon why communication is essential to you. During this time of distance, we may be unable to gather face to face or embrace a friend or family member, but communication remains essential in order to communicate our thoughts, ideas, and emotions.
As ASHA stated on their website, we invite you to finish the phrase, “Communication is essential because _____”. We would love to highlight your thoughts, ideas, and emotions in the comments below. And if you get the chance, send a special word of gratitude to an Audiologist or Speech-Language Pathologist who has impacted your life. We are grateful to these professionals for their dedication and commitment to the field. Through their passion, they help others not only with the ability to hear, but to find their voice, and communicate with the world around them.
For more information about Better Hearing & Speech Month, please visit ASHA Better Hearing and Speech Month.
Alyssa Bloxam, M.A., CCC-SLP
Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
alyssa@collaborativecorner.org