Ways To Thank Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists in Health Care and Residential Facilities

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

It’s important to recognize audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) for their hard work, dedication, and unique contributions to the people they support. Here are some ideas to express gratitude for all they do to improve the quality of life for individuals of all ages.

• Post a sign at your building/office entrance or front desk to let the public know about National Speech-Language-Hearing Month.
• Shout out your audiology or speech-language pathology team members during daily huddles or interprofessional team meetings.
• Help them refresh supplies by giving them a gift card to purchase materials or personal items like K-cups, microwaves, and mini fridges in staff rooms.
• Offer time for a facility-wide staffing or grand rounds featuring the audiology and speech-language pathology teams during May—or host an “ask me anything” session with these teams—to help others learn more about the professions.
• Feature them on your website or on your social media accounts—or include a thank-you ad/story in your 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.
• Create a “wall of appreciation.” Ask patients and residents 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.
• 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.