January 2023

The ability to communicate and how it relates to life cannot be overemphasized. Neither can it be overlooked. Generally, this is what NDIS speech therapy entails. 

This is because being proficient in language has been linked to efficiency in learning, increased comprehension ability, and expressing oneself properly. 

However, because of difficulties with speech and language, some people might find it difficult to communicate clearly. 

And, the good news is; NDIS speech therapy hopes to achieve improvement in fluency and comfort in interacting and establishing connections with others. 

Who are speech pathologists and what do they do?

Also known as speech therapists, speech pathologists are a kind of medical practitioners that have been properly trained to deal with problems regarding human communication. To put it simply, they have been trained in the field of human communication. 

On this note, it’s also important to understand that the terms “speak” and “language” cannot be used interchangeably. That is, they are not synonymous. Why? First off, language encompasses the putting together of words so it makes sense and can form meaningful sentences. On the other hand, speech involves the art of saying and pronouncing such words or sentences. 

Therefore, specialists in speech pathology are people who work or are employed to improve patients’ verbal and nonverbal communication problems. They do this through many techniques that readily involve teaching the patients effective techniques that enable them to speak, listen, and comprehend. All these are readily obtained in the NDIS speech therapy curricula. 

How can a speech therapist assist me? 

We are glad you asked. A speech pathologist is equipped to help with different shades of issues that border on communication and language use.

Below are ways you can gain from NDIS speech therapy. 

• Identify issues with your voice and help you improve on them through consistent practice.  There are effective techniques that can help even with muddled communication.  
• NDIS speech therapy includes methods that help you overcome stuttering. That is,  including how to overcome stressful situations when talking and make coherent speeches. 
• NDIS speech therapy also deals with chewing and swallowing. There are exercises to help strengthen the structures in your oral cavity such as the tongue, lips, mouth, and even throat. The tips and exercises will assist the patient in practicing even the most difficult sounds.
• Patients will be taught how to use the appropriate assistive technologies that aid in language and communication.
• Patients will also learn correct word choice; thereby learning to read and write. These two factors form the two most important aspects of language, speaking, and literacy.

Finally, as part of the NDIS speech therapy, a speech pathologist will, first of all, evaluate your immediate level of proficiency in language and communication and come up with a plan that will assist you with speaking, communication, food, and swallowing issues. 

Funding 

There are NDIS-funded projects that pay for speech pathology services especially after they have been certified to need such therapy. That is, duly registered patients under the NDIS can receive services from speech pathologists for free. 

For registered and qualified patients, they can enjoy free services from speech pathologists such as: 

• They can be supported and will get the appropriate interventions if they have difficulties swallowing and will their care plans developed.
• They will receive communication aid assessment and training for even their loved ones and caregivers to assist in caring for them. 
• They will be evaluated for therapeutic programs to achieve language, communication, and learning objectives.
• Participants will also receive capacity-building support as part of NDIS speech therapy. 

Whether they will be funded or not depends on the severity of the disability and how it affects day-to-day life and a host of other factors. 

What do you think? Don’t forget to leave a comment behind!