Speech Therapy (also referred to as Speech and Language Therapy and
Speech Pathology in different parts of the world) refers to a specialty that
aims to evaluate and treat communication and also swallowing disorders.
Communication covers all aspects of the ability to receive, send, process, and
comprehend concepts or verbal, nonverbal and graphic symbol systems. A
communication disorder may therefore be evident in the processes of hearing,
language, and/or speech (ASHA, 1992).
Communication and swallowing disorders are commonly associated with a
variety of physical and cognitive impairments such as Cerebral Palsy, Down
Syndrome and Developmental Delay. As a result, the number of people
affected by these disorders is very high. Although data in Cambodia is
insufficient, informed estimates indicate that the potential number of
beneficiaries from a fully operational Speech Therapy service is likely to be
more than 600,000 individuals.
There are a range of conventions, laws and policies at a national and
international level that are relevant to people with communication and
swallowing disorders in Cambodia. Many explicitly mention the need to
develop tools and interventions for hearing and visually impaired. However,
Speech Therapy refers to the treatment of all communication and swallowing
disorders more broadly, and therefore these documents do not cover a large
proportion of the needs of this population. The focus on hearing and visual
impairments in government policies and laws demonstrates good intent by the
Royal Government of Cambodia to protect and uphold the human rights of
people living with some communication disabilities. However, a lack of state
policy that comprehensively covers the needs and rights of those with speech
and language impairments, and is inclusive of swallowing disorders, is hugely
problematic