Speech language pathologists are baffled as to why the provincial government is not increasing their number to address what is widely seen as a growing demand for their services.

Some in the profession have said that they hear the same story over and over—a parent having to wait a long time, sometimes up to two years—to have their child seen by a speech language pathologist.

Trent Langdon, President of the NLTA, says he, too, cannot understand why there has been no substantial increase in the allocation of such professionals for a long time.

He says the long-term impact of having access to such services is significant.

“If you increase supports and have the proper supports early on, you’re going to improve the education system overall,” he says. “It’s a no-brainer in my mind and it’s a common issue in our schools that the allocations are so low but the needs are growing exponentially.”