May is Speech and Hearing Awareness Month in Canada. In addition to promoting public awareness about hearing health and barriers to communication, Speech and Hearing Awareness Month aims to increase awareness about the important work of speech-language pathologists and audiologists.

According to Speech-Language & Audiology Canada, roughly five per cent of children in Canada have noticeable speech disorders by the first grade. Additionally, one in four adults have some form of hearing loss, and more than one million adults across the country reported having a hearing-related disability. These are just few statistics that demonstrate the prevalence of communication disorders. 

BCGEU proudly represents nearly 100 audiologists and speech pathologists across BC. "Speech-language pathologists and audiologists improve the quality of life of the thousands of British Columbians who live with hearing and speech challenges," said Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President. "From identifying hearing disorders in infants to treating seniors with stroke-related speech problems, these highly trained professionals are on the frontlines of our healthcare system helping people with a variety of communication needs." 

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