Speech pathology week at logan

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Two people holding balloons at a decorated table with colorful flags and a sign reading Laryngeal.
Speech pathologists at Logan Hospital

/speʧ pəˈθɒləʤi wiːk æt ˈloʊgən/

Think that headline is a mistake? Think again!

It is written using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA); an internationally recognised coding system that helps Speech Pathologists diagnose and treat speech issues more effectively.

Logan's Sharnie Daymond explained that the IPA accurately represented the sounds of speech.

"This tool allows us to use a universal system of symbols representing specific sounds of language that allows us to assess speech patterns, ensure continuity of care with other language and dialect professionals and accurately document a client's speech sounds over time," she said.

Sharnie and her fellow speech pathologists used a word deciphering game to showcase their use of IPA in the hospital, at a communication carnival held during Speech Pathology Week.

Fun met friendly competition as hospital staff put their skills to the test, using unique communication tools to try and win a prize.

Speech Pathologist Ashlee Black who helped organise the event, said the irony of the communication carnival was striking.

"The contrast was almost deafening as we celebrated communication in its most boisterous forms, yet our daily work revolves around amplifying the voices that often go unheard," Ashlee said.

"In a sense, the carnival's noise served as a loud reminder of the challenges our clients face, highlighting the profound impact of even the simplest words spoken and understood."

Congratulations to the Nutrition & Dietetics department who won by a landslide and to the Occupational Therapy department who came second.