
Current SLP allocations have remained unchanged for three decades, while the volume and complexity of student needs have steadily increased.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association wants to see an increase in the number of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs). President Trent Langdon says “Speech-Language Pathologists play a vital role in our public education system."They support students with communication and language needs that are critical to academic success and life-long personal development.” Current SLP allocations have remained unchanged for three decades, while the volume and complexity of student needs have steadily increased. This has led to large caseloads and long wait times, resulting in delays in services. Langdon says this isn’t a new issue. The NLTA has been consistently advocating for increased SLP allocations through collective bargaining, teacher allocation and K-12 system reviews, and provincial budget submissions. When students get early access to SLP services, especially in the primary grades, they’re far less likely to require more intensive support later on, ultimately resulting in overall savings for the province.