Engagement & Communication with Speech or Language Disability

Engagement and Communication Practices with Persons who have a Speech or Language Disability

Disability engagement and communication requires some planning and thought, especially when you are working toward being a church where everyone feels welcome and a sense of belonging. Many people have not thought about ways to make interactions with those of us who are disabled easier and more relaxed. To start with, remember that each person is unique and all of us are made in the image of God. If you encounter a disabled person who may need assistance, ask if help is wanted and exactly how you can help.

What is a speech or language disability?

Many conditions cause difficulty forming or expressing speech. Examples include aphasia after a stroke, stuttering, or speech difficulty due to autism or other developmental disability. The ability to use speech may vary with fatigue or stress. Throat surgery or vocal cord paralysis can impede speech production. Many Deaf persons use sign language to communicate, though do not consider the inability to speak orally to be a disability. Society tends to consider anything other than fluent oral speech to be an abnormal way to communicate and people who use other communication systems face significant stigma.

When you are with a person who has a speech or language disability:

  • Don’t assume the person has an intellectual disability.

  • Don’t pretend you’ve understood if you haven’t.

  • Do ask the person to repeat what you don’t understand.

  • Ask questions that can be answered by “yes” or “no.”

  • Give your whole, unhurried attention. Be patient.

  • A person’s speech may be slow or difficult, but it is worth waiting for what that person has to say.

  • Encourage the use of an electronic communication device, alphabet board, texting, ASL, or other communication tool if the person uses one.

For more information:

Day in the Life: Understanding the Experiences of People with Speech and Language Disorders
👉 https://www.inclusionhub.com/articles/understanding-experiences-speech-language-disorders

Revised March 2024
Rev. Debbie Hills, Deaconess Lynn Swedberg, and Tim Vermande.
Based on a 2009 adaptation by Dr. Charlotte Shepard, Rev. Wineva Hankamer, and Rev. Dr. Devorah Greenstein of the 2004 National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA Equal Access Guide, pages 24-25.

👉 https://www.inclusionhub.com/articles/understanding-experiences-speech-language-disorders