Speech Therapy (also known as Speech Pathology) is a type of therapy that supports people who experience challenges with communication and/or swallowing difficulties. Speech Therapy is provided by a qualified Speech Pathologist, a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) or a “Speechie”.

Speechies work with people with disabilities to help them to communicate more effectively, improve their speech and language skills, and manage their swallowing difficulties. They will assess your needs, strengths, and challenges, and develop an individualised plan to support you to achieve your goals.  Speechies can undertake assessments, therapeutic interventions, communication aids, reading, writing and early literacy and swallowing or chewing with fussy eaters or non-oral feeding.  The specific tasks and responsibilities of a Speechie can include:

• Conducting assessments to communication and swallowing abilities, needs and goals
• Developing an individualised plan, including recommendations for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices and modifications to the environment to improve communication and swallowing abilities
• Providing therapy to improve speech and language skills, such as articulation, language comprehension and social communication
• Providing training and education to family members, caregivers, and support workers
• Monitoring progress and adjusting your NDIS plan as needed to ensure you are receiving the appropriate support and achieving your goals

Overall, the Speech Pathologist's role in NDIS is to support people with communication and swallowing difficulties to maximise their communication abilities and achieve their goals in all aspects of their lives.