TORONTO, June 15 /CNW/ - The Ontario Association of Speech-Language
Pathologists and Audiologists (OSLA) recognizes the good news in the
Government's recent announcement of $20 million for psychological assessments
for the students who need them. At the same time, OSLA has recommended to the
Ministry of Education that the Ministry engage in discussions with OSLA to
address the need for assessments for those students with speech, language, and
communication disorders, and, just as important, to address the need for
programs and programming supports that result from these assessments.
    "Students with special needs account for nearly 14 per cent of the
student population. Speech, language, and communication disorders often
co-exist with learning profiles such as autism, learning disabilities,
developmental handicaps, behaviour difficulties, physical handicaps, and
hearing impairment. It is estimated that 10% of the students in District
School Boards in Ontario experience difficulty communicating both orally and
in written form," stated Susan Lawton, OSLA's School Services Committee Chair.
    "Effective communication skills support students in accessing the
curriculum, getting along socially with others and participating in school.
Language is the medium through which teachers instruct and students learn. The
ability of students to understand and use oral and written language to
communicate is critical for their academic, social, and vocational success,"
added Susan.
    OSLA's Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors, Sharon McWhirter, poses a
simple question to the Government, "Will there be funding for speech-language
pathologists to support the expansion of existing programs, and/or the
development of new programs for students with speech, language, and
communication disorders?" OSLA is asking when the Ministry is going to provide
additional, necessary funding for these services - services and support that
are vitally important to all students, provided by speech-language
pathologists.
    OSLA encourages the Ministry to increase funding for assessments and
intervention programs to help students succeed. Student success is a key
mandate of this Government, and OSLA is seeking Government recognition of the
vital role communication plays in student success.

    Over 2800 Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists are registered
and working in Ontario. The Ontario Association of Speech-Language
Pathologists and Audiologists is their professional voice.


    <<
    Backgrounder

    Who are Ontario's speech language pathologists?  Those who work in school
    boards:

    -  Possess specialized knowledge, training, and skills in speech,
       language, and communication development and disorders
    -  Assist teachers in understanding the oral language needs of students
    -  Help teachers and others appreciate the interrelationships among
       speaking, reading, writing, and understanding
    -  Together with teachers, develop curriculum-based strategies to address
       the language learning needs of students in the classroom
    -  Often serving as the first non-teaching professionals involved with
       students as they make the transition from preschool programs
    -  Provide intervention, programming, and collaborative consultation with
       parents and school personnel
    -  Intervene early in a student's career to help reduce or eliminate the
       need for further involvement of other special education personnel
    -  Provide benefits for not only the student with special education
       needs, but for all students
    >>

For further information: Beth Ann Kenny, OSLA Executive Director, Cell: (416) 986-0576