22 July 2024

Speech and language therapists from the UK made strong contributions at the recent meeting of the International Association of Communication Sciences and Disorders, known as IALP – the global body for speech and language therapy. RCSLT Chair Sean Pert was present as a member of the IALP Executive Committee.

Janice Murray, recently retired Professor of Communication Disability (AAC) at Manchester Metropolitan University, explored coming developments in technology including AAC; Jois Stansfied, Emeritus Professor of Speech Pathology, investigated the history and origins of the speech therapy profession, going back as far as 1703; Debbie Sell presented the past, present and future of work in cleft; and Annie Johnson spoke inspiringly about the development of dysphagia services in Cambodia.

An exchange with the World Health Organisation about the WHO’s Rehab 2030 programme highlighted the role of SLTs in its development and implementation. There were updates on the development of SLT training programmes in Vietnam, Zambia and Ghana; and an exploration of cultural awareness and food security in relation to swallowing disability.

This chimes with the RCSLT’s recently refreshed international vision and strategy, which is based on commitments including advocacy, collaboration, co-production, equitable partnership, transparency and anti-racism.