Students with Speech and
Language Disabilities

Tips for Teaching Students with Speech-Related Disabilities

Some reasonable accommodations and effective strategies are:

• Be patient while the student is speaking. Do not attempt to hurry the student along or finish the student's sentences. This may increase the student's anxiety which in turn is likely to make it more difficult for the student to express him or herself.

• Ask the student to repeat words or phrases that you do not understand. Making an effort to truly understand the student communicates your positive regard for the student and recognizes him or her as an integral part of the class.

• Once the student is finished speaking, summarize his or her statement or question to make sure that you understand. Never pretend to understand when you do not. Most people quickly recognize this and this discourages the student from attempting to participate in the future.

• Some students with speech-related disabilities may prefer not to speak in class. Do not require the student to speak, but consider agreeing upon a cue for the student to give you if he or she does want to participate in the conversation.

• Never assume that because a person has difficulty speaking their comprehension is limited in any way. Communicate with the student in the same way you communicate with other students.

• Students may prefer to type or write their comments or questions and have another student read them aloud. Some students may also use technology such as voice synthesizer software to participate in class discussions.

• Consider modifying assignments such as class presentations. Alternatives may include having the student present the material to you, accepting a paper instead of a presentation, permitting the use of a voice synthesizer, or having the student design a website or multimedia presentation to show to the class.

• Course substitutions may need to be considered for speech communications class. The approach to this will differ from institution to institution and may depend on the student's degree program.