SP in Schools project 2017 Low Res V2

It is important that assessment take place in the dominant language, as assessment in the non-dominant language may falsely suggest language disorder due to a lack of exposure or proficiency in this language. Assessment of multilingual speakers with acquired speech and/or language disorders must consider patterns of use in both languages. It is important to assess the communicative contexts in which each language is needed. Assessment in all the multilingual language and communication difficulties in all of the languages spoken by an individual is the current recommendation for best practice. Much research has shown that often intervention is only provided in the language of the speech pathologist (usually English) and not in the languages spoken by the person receiving intervention. However, intervention in the home language has been found to have positive effects on the development of additional languages. Decision-making around the choice of language(s) for intervention must be done in collaboration with the family and teacher to facilitate optimal participation in all of an student’s languages is recommended. The provision of intervention for speech,

individual’s contexts. Factors to be taken into account include: • family preferences and attitudes; • the range of linguistic and cultural contexts in which a person participates; • current/past proficiency in both languages; • levels of English proficiency within the home; • the availability of resources to support intervention in the home language; and • the speech pathologist’s skills in languages other than English. Additionally, many factors need to be taken into account when selecting and implementing an alternative or augmentative communication system for use in families from CALD backgrounds. Finally, students, families, schools and communities are excellent resources for understanding students’ cultures and languages. Participate in cultural activities and events in order to learn and make partnerships that will benefit your students.

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Speech Pathology Australia: Speech Pathology in Schools Project