Did you know that Speech-Language Pathologists (S-LPs) play a crucial role in hospitals across Ontario? These highly trained professionals assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders, working closely with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure patients receive comprehensive care.

In specialized hospital settings, S-LPs often provide advanced services such as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and tracheoesophageal voice restoration for patients recovering from a laryngectomy. With their deep clinical knowledge, S-LPs are the leading professionals in the assessment, treatment, and long-term management of dysphagia – a common condition among individuals with neurological disorders, head and neck cancers, and post-surgical complications. They also devote time to educating patients and families on strategies and tools to improve daily functions and safety.

As we prepare to celebrate Speech & Hearing Month this May with the theme ‘S-LPs & Audiologists: Doing More Than You Think,’ we recognize the often-overlooked contributions of S-LPs in hospital settings—and highlight the urgent need for enhanced support and resources so they can continue delivering high-quality care where it’s needed most.