Students’ academic and social success directly affected by ability to communicate
May is Better Speech and Hearing Month
May 2, 2005, Belleville, Ontario—Communication is our most distinctly human attribute, yet most Canadians take communication for granted. One in 10 Canadians has a speech, language or hearing disorder which hinders their capacity to communicate. Early identification and intervention of speech, language and hearing disorders can often prevent communication difficulties both academically and socially.

The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board is offering public awareness information sharing relative to speech, language and hearing disorders at a booth in the Quinte Mall, Belleville, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 7th, 2005. Qualified Speech Language Pathologists and Special Education staff specializing in hearing impairments will be available to provide information and answer any questions.

“Consistent with the national average, within our school board approximately 10 percent of students are affected by speech, hearing, and/or language difficulties. The Speech Language Pathologists and the Resource Teacher for the Hearing Impaired, in conjunction with our educational staff are committed to improving the communicative and academic success of their students,” remarks Caryn Manthorpe, School Board Speech-Language Pathologist.

The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board has 54 schools serving 18,400 students, employing 1,070 teachers and 705 support staff. The Board covers a wide geographical area of 7,221 square kilometres bordered by Maynooth to the north, Deseronto to the east, Prince Edward County to the south, and Quinte West to the west.

For information contact:
• Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer (613) 966-1170, ext. 2354