What is a Speech Pathologist?

According to CASLPA (Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologist), "Speech-Language Pathologists may work alone or as part of a team to help individuals of all ages to communicate effectively..." For more information on Speech Pathologists, please visit www.caslpa.ca.

Will my insurance pay for the course?

Some group insurance plans cover the cost of a Speech-Language Pathologists up to a certain amount ($300 - $500 is typical).

Can I get my employer to pay for this course?

Companies often see the benefits of improving their employees' communication skills. Please refer your employer or learning service co-ordinator to this website or have them contact Sylvia directly.

Aren't some accents impossible to change?

Every accent can be modified to a point where the speaker becomes easy to understand. It just takes direction and practise.

Will my accent come back if I stop working on it?

Once new sounds and patterns have been learned to the point where you use them automatically, the old patterns will not return.

Does fancy equipment make it easier to change a person's accent?

Absolutely not. The two best pieces of equipment are a well-trained ear and a high quality tape recorder. Speech Pathologists are trained to listen to and evaluate all aspects of speech. They are highly skilled at helping others produce new sounds and patterns beginning in easy contexts and progressing to conversation. A tape recorder is still the best piece of equipment as the tape can be quickly rewound to give you immediate feedback about your production. For homework assignments, you can choose between audiotapes, CD-ROM or Audio CD.

How much practise is involved? Clients are required to practise at least one hour per day. This is absolutely necessary in order for the new sounds, rhythms and intonation to become automatic in their speech. Before the course starts, everyone is asked to sign a contract stating they will meet the minimum practise requirements.

Which courses show the most improvement - the longer ones or the more condensed?

Research has shown very similar results between courses that run over a period of 13 weeks and shorter, 3-day intensive courses.

Why is it important to take the course from a registered Speech Pathologist?

Anyone can offer a course on Accent Reduction no matter what his or her training or background. Speech Pathologists have the training and clinical experience to work in the area of Accent Reduction. In Ontario, they are also regulated by CASLPO (College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario). According to CASLPO: "Using a regulated practitioner is your assurance of professional and ethical treatment." Speech-Language Pathologists are required to maintain high standards of care, assuring clients that they will receive effective, quality service. To learn more about this, please visit www.caslpo.com

How do you know it's an accent and not some other speech problem?

Speech Pathologists are trained to listen for errors that are more than just an accent and may require speech therapy. One of the easiest ways to tell is to find out how well a person speaks their native language. If they speak it with no errors and have never needed speech therapy, chances are their sound patterns when they speak English are an accent.