BCNDP MLA Jennifer Rice 2-Minute Statement on Speech and Hearing Awareness Month

"The ability to communicate is your bridge to the rest of the world. May is Speech and Hearing Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to the early detection and prevention of communication disorders and seeks to increase the public sensitivity to the challenges faced by individuals experiencing them. Speech pathologists and audiologists assist people young and old struggling with speech, language, hearing, voice, swallowing, stuttering or social communication problems. One in ten people in B.C. have a speech or language disorder. One in approximately 100 children in Canada have autism who experience speech-language difficulty. More than 1 million Canadians have a hearing-related disability. Twenty percent of adults over 65, and 40 percent of adults over 75, experience a significant hearing problem. By the time a child is four and a half, they will know approximately 2,000 words and 90 to 100 percent of their speech will now be understood. From birth to school, children's language development is rapid. Ensuring that children's speech and language is appropriate for their age will promote their learning both in and out of the classroom. The B.C. Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists can connect people who have communication disorders with highly trained, certified professionals across the province who can help. Lives are changed by improved communication. Seeking help can make a positive difference to you, your family and our society. Speech-language pathologists and audiologists play an important role making that difference. Today I recognize these professionals for all that they do."