Latest News from the International Communication Project (September 2020)
The ICP newsletter brings you communication-related information and stories from around the world. Continue reading to learn more about the work of speech-language pathologists in Peru and Kuwait, the work of one of our ICP Participating Organisations, as well as a roundup of communication health stories around the world.
COVID-19 and Communication Disabilities
The International Communication (ICP) is acutely aware of the added challenges faced by people with communication disabilities during the coronavirus pandemic. For this reason, the ICP made it a priority to provide access to resources and information (on its website) about the pandemic for people with communication disorders, and for communication professionals who may be working in environments where they cannot easily access reliable and up-to-date information.
Speech Therapists on the COVID-19 Frontline
Speech therapists (or speech pathologist) across the world have played an important role in helping to combat the threat from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This article is just one speech therapist’s story. It is one that has been repeated across the world as communication professionals work to assist people to communicate and swallow safely during COVID-19.
Could Speech Help Detect COVID-19?
Researchers are studying speech recordings of people infected with COVID-19 to see if vocal biomarkers provide measurable indicators of the disease. Changes in a patient’s voice that are too subtle for people to hear or even notice in themselves.
Leading Disabilities Advocate Recognised
Before the coronavirus pandemic subsumed the planet, one of the world’s leading disabilities advocates was recognised for his efforts by his native country, New Zealand. Robert Martin has spent more than 30 years advocating for the rights of disabled New Zealanders and serves on the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Awareness Days Related to Communication
The International Communication Project (ICP) encourages everyone to get involved, where they can, with the following important days and dates relating to communication. The ICP recognises that communication is a fundamental human right.
- 8 September: International Literacy Day
- 13 September: Anniversary of UN Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- 21 September: World Alzheimer’s Day
- 23 September: International Day of Sign Languages
- 10 October: World Mental Health Day
- 16 October: DLD Awareness Day
- 22 October: International Stuttering Awareness Day
- 29 October: World Stroke Day
- 3 December: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
International Communication Around the World
The International Communication Project (ICP) regularly features stories about communication and swallowing difficulties on its website and social media accounts from around the world.
In sharing this news with you, we aim to keep you informed of conversations pertinent to communications and swallowing as they happen around the world. The opinions expressed in these stories do not necessarily represent the views of the ICP, nor does the inclusion of a story indicate endorsement of the article’s viewpoint or accuracy.
If you have a story you’d like to see featured, please contact us!
China: Across China: Unlocking the world of sound for hearing-impaired kids.
Egypt: MIU students launch public awareness campaign for early detection of hearing impairment.
Germany: How the brain controls our speech.
Ghana: Make sign language national – Govt urged.
India: Keeping them updated on COVID-19 through sign language.
Indonesia: Sign Language and Speaking Therapy for Children with Hearing Problems.
Kenya: Why Africa needs to address deafness.
Nigeria: ‘Our people get bypassed because deafness is not visible’.
Philippines: Speech pathology for virus patients.
Spain: Researcher designs robot-assisted care system for speech and language therapy.
United Arab Emirates: Coronavirus: UAE teachers get creative with interactive videos during nursery shutdown.
Zambia: Nurses: the key drivers to improving access to ear and hearing care in Zambia.
Do you have a story to share? Get in touch—we would love to hear from you.