Vocal Impairments A speech disorder is any interference with a person s ability to express ideas, experiences, knowledge and feelings through speech. Speech impairments range from articulation or voice difficulties to being totally non-vocal. Slowness of speech does not mean slowness of mind . Students with a speech impairment may be hesitant about participating in activities which require speaking.
Speech impairment can be very tiring especially when in a new environment.
The major barrier to equal educational opportunities facing students with a speech impairment is the quick verbal exchanges often part of the university environment through lectures and tutorials. For students who cannot communicate orally and who have additional physical impairments that interfere with typing, signing and writing, other communication aids may be used. These include speech-synthesising computers and language boards that include a layout of the alphabet. Relax tension in a listener often commu nicates itself to the person who has speech problems and may exacerbate the problem. Speak naturally to the student.