Collaboration Between Teachers and Speech and Language Therapists: A Local Study

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Becton, Aisling

Affiliations: Cerebral Palsy Ireland, Marino Centre, Bray, Co. Wicklow, Ireland

Abstract: There is a growing body of literature which documents the benefits of collaboration between teachers and speech and language therapists. To date, there is little evidence of collaboration in the Irish education and health services. This paper presents the results of a small-scale study of Irish primary teachers’ awareness of pupils with speech and language difficulties. The results of the study suggest that very few Irish primary teachers have actually made a referral to a speech and language therapist or have had contact with a therapist about a pupil. Difficulties that exist with the current arrangements between education and health services in Ireland are highlighted. Some possible courses of action to help bring about closer working practices are suggested.

Keywords: collaboration, education, speech and language difficulties

DOI: 10.3233/ACS-1999-9106

Journal: Journal of Clinical Speech and Language Studies, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 57-77, 1999