Louder, Clearer, Stronger

An update to our regional speech and language program that’s helping improve developmental outcomes for children in remote WA

The Speech and Language Support Program, also known as the Louder, Clearer, Stronger Program, at Onslow School officially started in November 2020.

Following on from the success of the Chevron Pilbara Ear Health Program, Chevron, together with Telethon Speech and Hearing, designed a program that aims to support the early identification of children with speech and language delays and provide a pathway for ongoing therapy and support.

Onslow is a small town within the Pilbara region of Western Australia. It is approximately 300km south of Karratha. Due to its remote location, accessing support services such as speech pathology can be very difficult for families in the town.

Since the program began, Telethon Speech & Hearing has completed over 90 speech and language screenings with students from Kindergarten through to Year 3. Over 30 children have subsequently been offered therapy, provided by speech pathologists based in Wembley, to support their ongoing speech and language development.

All therapy is provided via teletherapy during school hours and the students are supported by an Education Assistant from Onslow School. The Onslow School community have been incredibly supportive of the program and this support is reflected in the progress of individual students.

As the program continues to grow, so has the team of specialist staff from TSH. We now have two Speech Pathologists and a specialist Teachers of the Deaf. Starting later in 2022, we will also have an Occupational Therapist joining the team!

We continue to visit the school every term for the completion of assessments, and therapy is provided on a weekly basis via an online platform. The students have adapted to the online learning model with a level of energy and eagerness that is to be admired and this is reflected in their ongoing development and achievement of therapy goals.

This program would not be possible without the joint efforts of Chevon, Telethon Speech and Hearing and, most importantly, the Onslow School community.

We look forward to continuing to support the students, families and staff of Onslow School. Our next visit is in Week 2 next term, and the team will be starting to explore and assess literacy skills.

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Telethon Speech & Hearing acknowledges and thanks all individuals and organisations for their support of our centre, including: Channel 7 Telethon Trust, Channel 7 and The West Australian