September 8 is International Literacy Day
Canada is a top-ranked country in terms of literacy levels, but almost half of Canadian adults have difficulties with reading and numbers, according to the Movement for Canadian Literacy. To improve literacy levels, it is important for Canadians to develop literacy skills at a young age.
The Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (CASLPA) represents more than 5,800 speech and hearing professionals, who have an important role to play in literacy. CASLPA members foster improved literacy in their daily work, including speech-language pathologists working in early speech development or emergent literacy and audiologists who diagnose early hearing problems.
"Oral language development is the foundation of child literacy," says Susan Rvachew, PhD, a CASLPA speech-language pathologist member from Quebec. "Speech-language pathologists work with children, families and school personnel to maximize language and literacy development in children. We also work to improve adult literacy skills. A lower literacy level as an adult, resulting from learning disability, brain injury or hearing loss, has a significant impact on health, life expectancy, poverty/finances and societal relationships and integration."
In recent years, CASLPA has worked to educate the public to improve early literacy by producing a Speech, Language and Hearing Milestones brochure and several fact sheets. These resources are available at www.speechandhearing.ca. CASLPA members are also involved in programs that provide intervention, strategies and support to maximize the language and literacy skills of people of all ages.
On September 8th, take the International Literacy Day Challenge. Try out activities like reading to or with a child, starting a blog or engaging in social media. Subscribe to a magazine, take a professional development course or write an email to a former colleague;lots of everyday activities can help you practice literacy. For more information on this challenge, visit ABC Life Literacy Canada at www.abclifeliteracy.ca.
If you or someone you know has a communication problem or limitation, CASLPA recommends contacting a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. For more information about the role these professionals play in the management of communication disorders or to find a speech-language pathologist or audiologist in your area, visit CASLPA's website at www.speechandhearing.ca.
