Definition
Speech-language impairments may includes a variety of conditions that contain challenges in effective communication. Some students may display dificulty with the articulation of speech sounds and fluency. This also includes impairments in the use of spoken sounds or written sounds. Writing may include impairments in grammar and phonology, the content of the language, and the function of the language. This impairment also includes a child's receptive and expressive skills.
Characteristics
Characteristics of students with speech language impairments vary, but may include:
- Improper use of words and their meanings
- Inability to fully articulate sounds
- Inability to express ideas written or orally
- Inappropriate grammatical patterns
- Reduced vocabulary
- Inability to follow directions
Accommodations
Accommodations for students who have speech-language impairments vary, but may include:
- Provide the student with information on topics prior to going over them in class
- Minimize classroom noise/distractions
- Provide copy of class notes
- Give assignments orally and written
- Give simple one step directions
- Allow the student time to express themselves (do not interrupt a slow speaker)
- Provide SLP with spelling/vocabulary list
- Allow the student to use assistive technology to help communicate with peers
Modifications
Modifications for students who have speech-language impairments vary, but may include:
- Based on speech severity, allow the student to substitute oral assignments with written papers
- Provide supplemental instruction with a speech-language pathologist
- Modify assignments to allow students to draw pictures or write
- Use a scribe, reader, and language adaptor as required
- Use alternative communication system to demonstrate student learning.
Resources
- Speech-Language Impairment: How to Identify the Most Common and Least Diagnosed Disability of Childhood
An interesting scientific journal about how students and children are not being diagnosed as they should be. A teacher can use this resource for themselves, or can refer a parent to read the article based on their child's needs.
- Accommodations/Modifications for Speech-Language Related Disorders
This website dedicates itself to identifying appropriate accommodations and modifications for speech-language related disorders. This resource is especially applicable to teachers who must accommodate for speech-language impairments in their classroom.
- Speech-Language Impairments
This is a great resource for teachers to give parents. It includes information in Spanish, as well as information on definitions, characteristics, incidence, and finding help.
- Adjustments for Students with a Speech-Language Impairment
A resource that contains many ideas in modifying the curriculum and environment for students with speech-language impairments. This resource can be used personally, or shared with the teaching staff if many classrooms have students who have IEPs for speech.