Communication and older people with lifelong disability: A role for speech pathologists?

SUMMARY

I have discussed some of the issues that I consider most pertinent to people who are ageing with a life-long disability and speech pathologists. I have not discussed the need to be able to communicate across everyday situations and contexts, as this is important for all people at all stages of their life. Instead, I have chosen to focus on areas in which I believe speech pathologists have an important role to play, but in which to date there is little evidence of speech pathology involvement. I share Duchan's (2001) hope that speech pathology services and research will evolve to a social and participatory model. I believe that those who are ageing with a disability have much to teach us and, that by working with them, we will not only develop better services and more relevant research, but we will also help combat negative attitudes towards ageing and disability that are prevalent in our community. We all hope to age successfully and with dignity. It behoves us as members of a helping profession to support others to attain these same goals.