Ways To Thank Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists in Early Intervention Programs

May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, a time to show appreciation to the amazing professionals who help children communicate effectively and swallow safely.

It’s important to recognize audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs)—as well as audiology and speech-language pathology assistants—for their hard work, dedication, and unique contributions to the children and families they support. Here are some ideas to express gratitude for all these professionals do to help children and families thrive.

• Post a sign at your building/office entrance to let colleagues know about NSLHM.
• Shout out audiology or speech-language pathology team members during interprofessional team meetings.
• Host an "ask me anything" session with these teams to help others learn more about the professions.
• Feature them on your website or social media accounts—or include a thank you ad/story in your program or employer newsletter.
• Write a personal note of appreciation or a thank-you card.
• Host a breakfast or lunch for them, or set up snacks in the staff room (or during a team meeting). Include some “grab and go” items since these professionals are constantly on the move.
• Create a “wall of appreciation” in a central office or shared workspace. Ask families to either (a) share their own sentiments for thank-you cards or (b) have them create themed signs answering the prompts of “My audiologist helps me by...” or “My SLP helps me by...”—and compile a fun, colorful collage of these. Use these signs for hard-working audiology assistants and SLP assistants.
• Recognize them with a NSLHM gift, a gift card, or another thoughtful token of appreciation.

Through these and other expressions of gratitude, you can help these professionals to feel appreciated. This is important during May—and year-round.