Sarah Palfrey has been a speech-language pathologist (also known as an “SLP" or “Speechie") in schools for over 20 years. She has had the privilege of working in many schools across Brisbane, Logan City and the Redlands Coast. Currently, Sarah works at Dunwich State School, Ormiston State School and Victoria Point State High School.
So, what does a speech-language pathologist do?
They help students to:
- communicate effectively at school
- understand and use language for thinking, discussing, reading, writing and learning
- develop literacy and numeracy
- manage social interactions
- develop their speech sound system
- have a healthy voice
- eat and drink safely at school.
They do this through working individually with students, or in small groups, or consulting with and training educators to support students in the classroom.
Sarah says that one of the best things about being an SLP is helping students overcome their communication challenges so that they have the opportunity to listen, understand and be heard. Communication is a human right and is so very important for building strong connections with family, friends and the wider community.
Sarah visits Dunwich State School fortnightly, usually on a Thursday.