NAVIGATING pandemic hurdles, particularly mask wearing, is taking a largely hidden toll on community members with a communication impairment, a Ballarat speech pathologist says.
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Ballarat Health Services' Rachel Maher said missing the little things was having a big impact in working with communication clients in the pandemic.
While some face-to-face sessions were going ahead, masks were covering up key facial expressions and cues for clients to read. This includes seeing how to shape words.
Community-based rehabilitation, like practising ordering a coffee, were suspended.
Ms Maher called on the community to show patience and be aware communication could be tough for a lot of people.
"So many people have a communication impairment or disability and you wouldn't even realise. Communication is particularly tricky at the moment," Ms Maher said. "A lot of people are misinterpreted for being drunk when their slurred speech might be linked to an impairment.
"The main thing is not to be quick to judge when someone speaks. Easy English signage can be important because we need to not assume everyone can read or write or understand all speech. We need to be aware people may have different comprehensions."
About 1.2 million Australians have a communication disability, which can affect relationships, employment, education and social inclusion.
Speech Pathology Week, which runs to Saturday, is this year celebrating communicating with confidence.
Speech Pathology Australia is encouraging awareness that communication for some people can be made in a variety of ways like via electronic voice output devices, word or picture-based communication boards or books, sign, gesture and writing.
A popular and well-established program to help boost communication confidence in Ballarat is the Chatterbox Choir.
Formerly known as The Mumbles, the choir is a rehabilitation program for BHS' aphasia patients.
Ms Maher said works were underway to create a virtual choir because connections were just as important as the singing component - the choir was renamed to reflect members' love for a chat in break times.
She said research showed music intervention was beneficial in speech, particular for people with aphasia, and in enhancing positive moods.
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Chatterbox Choir leader and musician Geoff Hassall said it was incredible to watch the growing communication confidence in members.
"It varies enormously person-to-person but the group energy is a massive factor," Mr Hassall said. "Being part of the group seems to turbo charge chance. They're all a fair bit more vocal than when they started.
"It's just a mood lifter too."
Mr Hassall said it had been hard to keep up engagement and connections with members under pandemic restrictions. He hoped a move online might help make a difference.
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