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Speech-language impairment

Speech-language impairment (SLI) is an Education Queensland category based on the highly specialised educational needs of these students. Students with speech-language impairment have an impairment of the structures and functions specific to speech-language processing.

A speech-language impairment may result in one or more of the following. The student has significant difficulties:

being able to speak (or may have speech that is very hard to understand);
making sense of speech sounds;
being able to understand others;
being able to say what he or she wants;
using language to interact socially.

These problems can prevent students participating and learning at school. To be included in the Education Queensland disability category of speech-language impairment, the student will have long lasting, severe difficulties in one or more of these areas. The category of speech-language impairment does not include speech and language difficulties that are less severe, or that may improve with appropriate help. Speech-language impairment is permanent, though the type and degree of needs may change over time. This means a student who has speech-language impairment will require ongoing individualised educational planning.

Education Queensland SLPs have a specific role in the Education Adjustment Program process in the identification of students with SLI. They may or may not have an ongoing role in the support of these students.

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