Ways To Thank Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists in Private Practices

May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, a time to show appreciation to the amazing professionals who help people 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 adults they support. Here are some ideas to express gratitude for all they do to improve the quality of life for their clients and patients.

• Post a sign at your office entrance or front desk to let patients and clients—and their families—know about National Speech-Language-Hearing Month.
• Shout out audiology or speech-language pathology team members during interprofessional team meetings.
• 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 clients/patients (or their family members) 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...” or “My SLP helps me...”—and compile a fun, colorful collage of these. Use these signs for hard-working audiology assistants and speech-language pathology 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.