Last week, Speech Pathology Week gave us an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the talented team of professionals supporting students, educators and school communities across the Diocese every day.
At DOBCEL, speech pathology has become an increasingly important part of supporting learning, wellbeing and inclusion. Our Diocesan Speech Pathology team works alongside teachers, school leaders, families and other specialists to support students across speech, oral language, literacy and social communication – helping young people participate more fully and confidently in their learning and school life.
Among the team is Senior Speech Pathologist Robyn Cranage, whose remarkable 28 years working within Catholic education in the Diocese provide a unique perspective on just how much the profession has evolved. What was once commonly understood primarily as support for speech and articulation now encompasses a much broader understanding of the relationship between communication, learning, relationships, wellbeing and belonging.
The importance of this work continues to grow. Speech Pathology Australia reports that one in four Australian children are not developmentally on track with their communication skills when they start school. Within an educational environment, communication difficulties can affect everything from literacy and classroom participation to friendships, confidence and a student's capacity to express what they know, need and feel.
Our team responds not only through direct support for students, but through collaboration and capability-building within our schools. By working alongside educators, speech pathologists help create classrooms and learning environments that recognise different communication needs and provide more students with the opportunity to participate and succeed.
As Speech Pathology Week concluded, we were reminded that communication is not an addition to learning – it is fundamental to learning, belonging and participation.
We thank Robyn and every member of our Diocesan Speech Pathology team for the expertise, commitment and care they bring to communities right across the Diocese. Their work helps our students communicate, connect and participate – and, importantly, ensures more young people have the opportunity to find their voice and be heard.
See our Speech Pathology Week celebration on DOBCEL's social media channels.