In This Section: What is speech impairment? Myths and realities of speech impairment Positive interactions Workplace adjustments

What is Speech Impairment?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates that approximately 2% of Australians have speech impairment. The impairment may result in difficulties in pronunciation of sounds, in projection, and fluency problems. Speech impairments may range from problems with articulation or voice strength to complete voicelessness, chronic hoarseness, stuttering or stammering.

Speech difficulties can also be associated with cerebral palsy, hearing impairment and brain injury. People with speech disabilities may be difficult to understand and have difficulty expressing ideas. These problems may be aggravated by anxiety when trying to communicate in a group. Some people may use a speech synthesiser connected to a small computer to act as a voice for them.

Myths and Realities of Speech Impairment

	Myth Reality People with speech impairment tend to lack confidence, are shy and often anxious. People with speech impairment may display these emotions, just like any person. Speech impairments, such as stuttering, are often portrayed as being the result of emotional conflict or fearfulness. People with speech impairment will exhibit the same full range of personality traits as those who do not have such impairment. Many people with speech impairments may be hesitant about participating in activities that require speaking. Even if the person has adjusted well to speech impairment, new situations may aggravate old anxieties. People with speech impairment can and often do have excellent communication skills. They should not be seen as deficient at verbal communication. People with speech impairment often have difficulties with hearing and communicating. Don't assume that people with speech impairment cannot hear or comprehend. Difficulty with speech and communication does not necessarily mean the thinking process is faulty.

Positive Interactions

Interacting with a person with a disability, including a person with a speech impairment, should be characterised by respect for their rights to dignity, confidentiality and equity.

Over time, people do become familiar with an individual's speech impairment but time and patience is required.

• Address the person naturally. Don't assume they cannot hear or comprehend.
• Allow the person time to express themselves, without interrupting or trying to finish their sentences.
• Ask the person to repeat or re-phrase a statement if you don't understand it. If you are still unable to understand what the person is saying, ask them to write the information down.
• Avoid speaking slowly or simply unless they require this.
• Resist the temptation to speak for the person if they are experiencing difficulties in expressing themselves.
• A person who has no speech at all will usually have pen and paper or equipment to communicate with.

Workplace Adjustments

• Demonstrate appropriate communication methods by encouraging co-workers to speak clearly and one at a time.
• Provide opportunities for - but do not compel - the employee to speak in a group situation.
• An employee may use an auxiliary aid such as a speech synthesiser or interpreter to support participation in workplace experiences and opportunities.

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