IASLT Advocacy for People with Communication & Swallowing Difficulties

IASLT Advocacy for People with Communication & Swallowing Difficulties

The Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists' vision is that everyone will have the right to live well, irrespective of communication or eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties.
IASLT lobbies on behalf of its members
IASLT lobbies on behalf of its members

Communication is the most fundamental of human capacities. The opportunity to communicate is recognised as a basic human right.  Everybody has the potential to communicate and must be supported in doing so in order to fulfil their social, educational, emotional and vocational potential. 

Communication takes many different forms.  Speech and language therapists support people with different  communication needs and their families to adapt so everyone can achieve their potential to communicate and be heard.

We are committed to playing our part in ensuring that the voice of people who have communication and swallowing needs is heard in our society.  We recognise especially the need to identify and remove barriers across society that prevent people who have a communication disorder or difference from living well, from accessing life opportunities and participating in their communities.  

We not only advocate for universal access to speech and language therapy services through our representations at national and global level, we also strive to dismantle these barriers by raising awareness and educating society to understand, include and embrace all those with communication and swallowing needs.

IASLT is a member of the International Communication Project (ICP) which promotes communication as a human right.  Learn more about the ICP here.

Below please find examples of our recent IASLT Position Papers, Guidelines and Pre-Budget Submissions

IASLT Position Papers

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Guidelines

Guidelines are current best practice procedures based on available evidence. They contribute to high quality speech and language therapy service delivery.

Guidelines for Professional Supervision

Guidelines for Professional Supervision in Speech and Language Therapy

This document is applicable to IASLT members of all grades and across all work contexts. It aims to support members to implement an appropriate programme of supervision within their work contexts. It is a supportive document detailing best practice in the area.

 
Guidelines

Standards of Practice for Speech and Language Therapists on the Management of Feeding, Eating, Drinking and Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia)

This document is the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapist’s (IASLT) official policy statement of professional practice for Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) working with feeding, eating, drinking and swallowing disorders (FEDS).

 

Statements and Pre-Budget Submissions

Read More About IASLT Statements and Pre-Budget Submissions