Speech Impairment

Teaching Techniques

Characteristics of speech impairment.

 Noticeably behind other students in speech and language skills.
 Trouble forming sounds.
 Difficulty with pitch, volume, or quality of voice.
 May display stuttering and interruption in the flow of speech.
 Omits or substitutes.
 May have trouble getting others to understand.
 Troubles with the voice sounds.
 Repeats speech.
 Speaking volume.
 Breathy, harsh, husky or a monotone voice.
  Sounds nasally or whinny.
 Frequently prolongs and repeats sounds, words or phrases.
 Has unintelligible speech, or indistinct speech.

Teaching techniques that may assist

students with speech impairments.
 Allow more time for students to finish activities, assignments and tests.
 Have student sit near the teacher to easily meet their learning needs.
 Discuss possible areas of difficulty and working with the student to implement
accommodations.
 Always ask before providing assistance and using positive reinforcement when
student completes an activity independently.
 Use peer assistance when appropriate.
 Modify activities or exercises so assignments can be completed by the student, by
providing the same or similar academic objectives.
 Create tests that are appropriate for the student with speech impairment.
 Providing scribes for test taking if student needs assistance.
  Make sure student understands test instructions completely and provide assistance
if needed.

With the use of these techniques, most students can achieve a

fulfilled education. By allowing time for the student to understand
the assignment, activity, or test, could allow the student to
complete this task independently and successfully. With the
agreement of the student, provide the help needed for the student to
work independently and providing positive reinforcement gives the
student a sense of accomplishment. That along will go along way
with this student. Peer assistance allows the students to interact
socially and build social and verbal skills. Keeping up a rapport
with the student and discussing problem areas with each other can
accomplish quit a lot, it will keep both the teacher and the student
on the same page. Giving both the teacher and student a win-win.