May 2025 Topic of the Month (National Speech-Language and Hearing Month)
May is National Speech-Language and Hearing Month. Many students struggle in these areas, whether it be developmental (such as speech delay) or acquired (such as aphasia after a stroke). Over 46 million Americans experience communication disorders, which can affect their ability to speak, understand, hear, or process language. These issues can be developmental (such as speech delay in children) or acquired (such as aphasia after a stroke). Early diagnosis is key. Children who receive early intervention for speech and language delays are more likely to succeed in school and social environments. Common examples of Speech and Language Disorders include articulation disorders, voice disorders, and fluency disorders (stuttering) and common examples of hearing disorders include conductive, sensorineural, or mixed hearing loss, auditory processing disorder (APD), and use of hearing aids, cochlear implants, or FM systems.
So how can you help those with Speech-Language and Hearing disorders in educational settings? One way is to present materials in multiple forms, such as visual aids or including captions for video and audio content. Another is to use alternative communication methods, such as AAC devices or gestures. Written instructions can also help those with hearing disorders, such as APD to be able to participate fully in the classroom. Many accommodations align with Universal Design for Learning or UDL by providing multiple means of representation, allowing multiple ways to express knowledge, and creating flexible learning environments.
In summary, students with speech, language, and hearing disorders thrive when schools provide tailored and legally mandated supports. Whether through IEPs, 504 plans, or inclusive classroom practices, effective accommodations ensure that every student can access learning, participate fully, and achieve success!
Check out these national sources to learn more!
ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association)
https://www.asha.org/national-speech-language-hearing-month/
Understood
https://www.understood.org/en/articles/classroom-accommodations-for-language-disorders
National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes (NDC)
https://nationaldeafcenter.org/resources/access-accommodations/
Illinois also has a great number of resources to explore related to speech and hearing resources. Here a just a few:
Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse: https://eiclearinghouse.org/guides/speech-lang/
State of Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Resources: https://idhhc.illinois.gov/resources/statewide-resources.html
Resource Links from ISBE: https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Deaf-and-Visually-Impaired.aspx
Illinois Early Learning Project: https://illinoisearlylearning.org/weblink/activities-to-encourage-speech-and-language-development/
