Attending the Edward River Library’s Baby Bounce and Storytime sessions on Wednesday to highlight the importance of communication, early intervention and the benefits of books and music for early speech, language and literacy development.
Deniliquin Community Health is very fortunate to have three speech pathologists – Meagan Lowry, Christina Mildren and Simone Conn.
The trio also work in hospitals in Deniliquin and surrounding areas including Finley, Berrigan, Jerilderie, Tocumwal, Barooga, Barham, Moulamein and Moama.
There are 1.2 million Australians with communication disability, however communication disability remains largely invisible.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the challenges faced by Australians with communication disability.
Meagan said being able to communicate is a human right.
“Communication is fundamental to a person’s ability to participate fully in the social, educational, economic and sporting aspects of our community,” she said.
“Many Australians with communication disability cannot maximise educational, health and social outcomes, without the intervention of a speech pathologist.”
Only 38 per cent of Australians with communication disability are participating in the workforce, compared to 80 per cent of people without communication disability.
People with communication disability are also less likely to have a non-school qualification (42 per cent), than those without communication disability (61 per cent).
Meagan also explained that communication is more than just speech.
“Australians with communication difficulties communicate with others using a variety of ways, including sign language, electronic speech devices, or word-based or picture-based communication boards or books,” she said.
“Technology is playing a growing and vital role in keeping Australians with communication difficulties engaged with their family, friends and those in the Deniliquin community.
“The more we talk about communication disabilities the more awareness there will be which helps create more informed and empathetic communities.”
Referral to Murrumbidgee Local Health District’s speech pathology team can be made through the Community Care Intake Service on 1800 654 324.
