Speech impairment
Introduction
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimates that at least 2% of Australians have a speech disability. Such disabilities include difficulties in pronunciation of sounds, projection and fluency problems.
What is speech impairment
Speech impairments may range from problems with articulation or voice strength to complete voicelessness, chronic hoarseness, stuttering or stammering. Speech difficulties can also be associated with cerebal palsy, hearing impairment and brain injury. People with speech disabilities may be difficult to understand and have difficulty in expressing ideas.
Accommodations/assistive technology
Some of these difficulties can be managed by such mechanical devices as electronic speaking machines or computerised voice synthesisers. Others may be treated through speech therapy. All of them can be aggravated by the anxiety associated with oral communication in a group.
Teaching strategies
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patience is the most effective strategy in teaching students with speech impairments
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speak directly to, not about the student
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speak with the same volume, pitch and pace as usual
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maintain eye contact
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encourage self expression but do not pressure the student to speak
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allow adequate time for the student to speak
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accept and respond to all appropriate attempts at communication
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avoid completing words and phrases
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repeat what you feel has been said so that a "Yes" or "No" answer may be given
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ask for words and phrases to be repeated a number of times if necessary rather than pretend you understand
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be alert to the use of communication devices.
Acknowledgments
These webpages have been primarily derived from the publications:
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"Students with Disabilities-Resource Guide for Staff"(1995), developed by the Disability Resource Office at James Cook University
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"Reasonable Accommodations: Strategies for Teaching University Students with Disabilities" (1991) produced jointly by Macquarie University, the University of New South Wales, the University of Sydney and the University of Technology, Sydney
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TIPD (Tertiary Initiatives for People with a Disability in universities) publication, (1993)
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"Strategies for Teaching Students with Disabilities-Towards Reasonable Accommodations" and the Universities Disability Cooperative Project (NSW) publication, (2000) "Inclusive Practices for Students with a Disability - A Guide for Academic Staff".