The Department of Health employs a number of speech-language pathologists, whose role is to facilitate the development, growth and establishment of articulation (speech production), fluency, language comprehension and expression (verbal, written and/or sign language), and voice, as well as underlying processes, including auditory and/or visual processing; memory and perception in children and adults who have a delay or disorder in these areas.

The role of the speech-language pathologist is multi-faceted and offers assistance to people susceptible to or experiencing communication delays or disorders through the following: prevention programmes; workshops/in-services; training; screening; assessment; diagnosis; intervention/treatment; referral; and collaboration/consultation.

In terms of intervention, the speech-language pathologist provides various forms based on a client's needs and the current demands placed upon speech-language pathologist, including the following therapies: Block, classroom, family-based, functional, group, individual, and play-based therapy. In addition, this professional offers consultation, co-teaching, training of parents/significant caregivers; and workshops/in-services. For further information contact Mrs. Brenda Wilson, Coordinator of Speech, Language and Hearing at the Department of Health, ( 239-3529.