Press Release submitted by parents of

Lanark, Leeds & Grenville Chapter of O.A.F.C.C.D.,

September 25, 1996

 

"Too Many, Wait Too Long, For Too Little"

 

        "Language is the means by which all other subjects are pursued" (1). Second to being alive, communication is the most

critical human function, allowing for full participation in society. Communication disorders are the largest handicapping condition in society affecting 5 - 10% of the general population and ranging from hearing impairments to language disorders. In schools there are a lot of children in this category.

 

        The month of May marked Better Speech and Hearing Month, and the formation of a local chapter of the Ontario Association for Families of Children with Communication Disorders (O.A.F.C.C.D.). The group is very concerned that cutbacks are removing speech and language services from public schools and children are not getting the services they need. The primary function of the educational system is to allow all children to acquire the skills needed to live, work and contribute to society. Therefore, the management of communication disorders is a necessary responsibility of the schools.

 

        A communication disorder is an inability to understand or use speech and language to related to others in society. The problem can be in one or more of the following areas; language (involves listening, speaking, reading and writing), articulation (the pronunciation of sounds and words), voice and stuttering.

 

        The most common communication disorder is language impairment, affection at least 6% of the total school population. Language provides the main method of establishing and maintaining social relationships and a quality of life we enjoy. Language problems have an impact on academic success. Most of what a child learns in the classroom must be understood verbally from listening or reading, and the child will respond in spoken or written form. As the language-delayed child ages, the gap between himself/herself and his/her peers widens unless the child receives therapy.

 

        Research suggests that the preschool and school years are an optimal period for the acquisition of many language skills. Children with communication impairments are more frequently ignored by peers and tend not to be as popular as their normally developing classmates. Friendship is one of the most basic human needs and the one thing that all parents want for their children. If all of our children, including those with communication disorders are to have the opportunity to "belong", their communication needs must be met.

 

        As a child moves through the educational system, the demands for communication change. Speech and language services are needed to support the child, as well as the parents and teachers, who will help the child meet these changing demands. The earlier treatment is initiated, the better the outcomes in education i.e. gains in reading skills, adaptive behaviour and a reduction in the drop-out rate for students in secondary school. This ultimately means that these children become contributing and independent members of society, thus saving our limited resources. We can provide what is needed now or we can provide support through the social system for lifetimes wasted (2).

 

        The goal of the local chapter of O.A.F.C.C.D. is to promote the need for early identification and increased access to continued improvements in speech and language services. The group is determining what services are needed for children. If you have been affected by service cuts at your hospital or school and you would like to network with other families for support, please contact in Leeds, JoAnne Larente at (613) 345-6652; in Grenville, Rosmary Marriner at (613) 657-4650; and in Lanark, Susan McLellan at (613) 264-0714. For details on the next meeting, please contact one of the above.

 

"If all my possessions were taken from me with one exception, I would choose to keep the power of communication, for by it I would soon regain all the rest"    Daniel Webster

 

Footnotes:

 

(1) The Communicator   J. Boyer from the Center for Advancement of Teaching and Learning

 

(2) Genese Warr-Leeper, Ph.D. Support for Speech and Language Services in Educational Settings. University of Western

     Ontario

 

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