Celebrating Better Hearing and Speech Month

 

Making Connections! Celebrating Better Hearing and Speech Month

By Speech Language Pathologists: Dana Hall, Jessica Gasalberti, and Jennifer Jacobs

 

Each May, Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM) provides an opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders and the role Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs), like those that work at P.G. Chambers School, have in providing tools, strategies, and treatment that can be life-changing.

In the spirit of “building connections,” students worked with their current treating SLP to select a past or unfamiliar therapist in the department. They developed a series of questions and then conducted interviews via the virtual platform, gotomeeting.com. The process strengthened old connections, built new relationships, and enhanced our sense of community. SLPs were able to foster development of the students’ speech and language skills in a fun and meaningful way.

Jessica Gasalberti’s student Gianna interviewed Kristin Geraghty, her former SLP.

Gianna:  What do you like to do for fun?

Kristin: I like to read, play with my son and dog, and watch movies.  I also like to listen to music and dance.

Gianna: We have something in common, the dance thing.  We both like to dance!

 

Jennifer Jacobs worked with her student, Esraa to get to know Dana Hall, and found that like Gianna she also had something in common with her interviewee!

Esraa: What’s your favorite thing to eat, Dana?

Dana: I would say my favorite thing to eat is pizza.

Esraa: Yes, I would say that’s my favorite.  What kind of toppings do you like?

Dana: I like vegetables – broccoli or eggplant.

Esraa: We have something in common.  I like cheese.

Dana:  Yum.

Esraa:  It’s nice to get to know you better Dana.

 

Mindy Porcelan worked with her student Giovanni to reconnect with his former speech therapist, Christine Cayero.

Giovanni:  A speech therapist’s job is to help kids learn about speech. What was your favorite game that you played with me in speech?

Christine:  I loved reading with you. I think Jumanji was my favorite. I loved talking with you and having conversations. I loved playing Uno with you and working on the Ed Sheeran and Lego presentations.

The best therapies are ones that do not seem like work! Students and SLPs alike enjoyed the opportunity to connect and get to know one another a little bit better. As we celebrate the remarkable impact our SLPs have on children across the country, we are grateful to our P.G. Chambers School therapists whose connection with our students goes beyond the classroom to become like family.