What is Speech-Language Pathology?
Speech-Language Pathology (also known as Speech Therapy, Speech-Language Therapy) is an independent, regulated health profession in most provinces and territories in Canada, whose practitioners are responsible for promoting the prevention and early identification of communication and swallowing disorders, and for assessing and treating disorders of speech, voice, language, and oral structure and motor control (including swallowing).
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Speech-language pathologists may work in many different settings, including day care centres, schools, hospitals, home care, community health centres, rehabilitation centres, nursing homes, and universities and colleges.
The practice of Speech-Language Pathology (like Audiology) is legally regulated in Ontario by the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO). CASLPO exists to ensure, among other things, that Speech-Language Pathologists (and Audiologists) serve Ontarians ethically and fairly, that they uphold the principles of informed consent to health care and client confidentiality, maintain secure and adequately detailed clinical records, and continually upgrade their professional education. CASLPO also serves to protect the Ontario public from unregulated practitioners who claim (or "hold out") that they do the work of Speech-Language Pathologists.