Speech-, language-, and hearing therapists work with learners to support their communication, listening, and overall developmental needs. They assess and treat difficulties related to speech sounds, understanding and using language, feeding and swallowing, voice, fluency and listening skills. Their work often includes creating personalised therapy plans, collaborating with families, teachers and other professionals – helping learners build the skills they need to communicate effectively in daily life. Through early identification and targeted intervention, they play a key role in supporting a learner’s academic, social and emotional development.
Individual and group therapy are provided where indicated following a comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment where learner needs are identified and prioritised. Additionally, they assist learners who qualify for alternative and/or augmentative communication systems (AAC) to communicate by using pictures or devices. The team also provides hearing screening, placing a high priority on early identification of any possible hearing loss. By addressing communication, hearing and learning challenges proactively and collaboratively, the team helps remove barriers to learning and ensures that all Paarl School learners have equitable access to education.