Celebrating communication: May is speech and hearing awareness month

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Many of us take our hearing and ability to speak for granted. Whether we are chatting with a group of friends, playing on the basketball court or listening to the radio, our ability to communicate is vital in our everyday activities.   For 1 in 10 Canadians however, speech, language or hearing problems are a daily challenge affecting the work/school, family and social aspects of their lives.

May Month has been celebrated across North America since 1927 as an annual event that promotes and celebrates members of the professions and the impact they make on the health of our country.   The Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (CASLPA), and our 5,000 members across the country are working together throughout the month of May to raise public awareness of the professions and the many issues surrounding speech, language and hearing disorders.   Speech-language pathologists, audiologists and supportive personnel are trained professionals who work with Canadians of all ages dealing with many different types of communication disorders. Whether working with a hearing impaired child or an elderly person recovering from a stroke, they strive tirelessly to help improve the quality of life and health of the people they serve.  

Watch for exciting May Month events in your community such as hearing screenings, speech clinic open houses, contests, radio talk shows and other activities.   CASLPA is celebrating May Month 2007 with the launch of nationally distributed television and radio public service announcements that raise awareness of speech, language and hearing issues. Check them out at: www.caslpa.ca/english/resources/media_centre.asp . CASLPA is also honouring 468 long-term members who have belonged to the association for more than 25 years.   Together, this group represents 11,700 years of service to the professions and the communities and patients they serve.   Check out our website to see who from your community is on the list: www.caslpa.ca/english/professions/25year_award.asp .

CASLPA is a not-for-profit association supporting the professional needs of its members through a wide variety of programs and services.   If you would like to know more, please visit our website www.caslpa.ca .

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