Access to speech-language pathology and audiology services can profoundly shape a person’s life. This year’s theme – Access Changes Everything – highlights how essential communication health services are across the lifespan. When individuals have timely access to these services, they experience stronger health outcomes, deeper social connection, and greater opportunities to participate fully in school, work, and community life.
However, when access is limited, the effects can be far-reaching. Communication challenges that go unaddressed can lead to increased stress, social isolation, reduced academic success, and barriers in daily functioning. These challenges impact not only individuals but also their families and communities.
This May, Speech & Hearing Month shines a spotlight on the importance of equitable access to speech-language pathology and audiology services.
Many of us take communication for granted, but speaking, hearing, and being understood are essential to daily life. For those with communication challenges, even simple interactions can be difficult—impacting work, education, relationships, and overall well-being.
Communication disorders affect physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being. Identifying and addressing them early improves outcomes at any age.
Speech-language pathologists and audiologists assess and treat communication disorders across all ages. S-LPs specialize in communication and swallowing, while audiologists focus on hearing, balance, and related conditions. Communication health assistants support them under supervision.
Each year, SAC produces new Speech and Hearing Month materials to promote communication health and raise public awareness about communication disorders.
We encourage communication health professionals and members of the public to download, print, distribute and share all of our materials to spread the word about the importance of communication health.
Stay tuned for this year’s resources, coming late April 2026.
Our Public Awareness Toolkit provides members and the public with everything they need to help spread awareness about the professions and advocate for improved access to communication health professionals. With ready-to-use graphics, captions, and email templates, this toolkit makes it easy to get involved and share the message during this Speech & Hearing Month.
Speech-language pathologists and audiologists help people with communication disorders. If you or someone you know is struggling with speech, communication, listening, or language skills, help is available.
Each year, we host a Kids’ Contest to encourage young people to share their experiences of working with communication health professionals.
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