Summary Profile
Speech and Language Therapy is a challenging, varied and creative job. It provides the opportunity to facilitate others to reach their social, educational and vocational potential, by enabling them to communicate effectively with others.
After completing her degree in Manchester University in 1996, Karen Henderson began working as a Speech and Language Therapist with the Central Remedial Clinic (CRC) in Clontarf, Dublin. She has been working for Cheeverstown House in Templeogue, since June 2002.
There she works with other professionals such as Occupational Therapists, Music Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists and doctors, in the course of assessing, diagnosing and treating a variety of communication difficulties in adults and children who are living with disabilities or disorders.
“I work primarily with individuals with physical disability, many of whom are non-speaking or have unclear speech. Our role is to assess for and implement Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems. These systems supplement and in some cases replace speech as a means of communication.”
There is currently a national shortage of Speech and Language Therapists and hence a large number of vacant posts in Ireland.
In order to apply for a Speech and Language Therapist’s post, you must show you have qualified from an approved 3rd level institution.
Most courses demand languages and science subjects at honours Leaving Cert level. The degree is varied, combining academic teaching with hands-on clinical experience and encompassing such areas as Anatomy, Physiology, Embryology, Linguistics, Audiology, Psychology, Phonetics, Child language and development, Neurology and Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
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International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication - an organisation devoted to advancing the field of Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC).
Central Remedial Clinic – is a non-residential national centre for the care, treatment and development of children and adults with physical and multiple disabilities.
