supporting students wtih speech impediments

Speech impairments include difficulties in projection as in chronic hoarseness and aeosophagal speech; fluency problems as in stuttering and stammering.

Some of these difficulties can be managed by such mechanical devices as electronic speaking machines or computerised voice synthesisers.  All of them can be aggravated by the anxiety inherent in oral communication in front of a group.

During the course: patience is the most effective strategy in teaching students with speech impairments.  The following suggestions may also be appropriate and helpful :

• Giving students the opportunity, without compelling them, to speak in class.
• Permitting students the time they require to express themselves without unsolicited aid to fill in gaps in their speech. Don't be reluctant to ask the student to repeat a statement.
• Addressing students naturally.
• Where appropriate, considering course modifications, such as one-to-one presentations and the use of a computer with a voice synthesiser.

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