Speech and language therapy services
Information
The public health service may provide a speech and language therapy service to people with communication difficulties. These services may be provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and delivered by specialists in communication disorders.
Specialists in communication disorders are called 'speech and language therapists'. Speech and language therapists assess, diagnose, and treat people with communication difficulties in a wide variety of settings including local health centres, hospitals and schools. Therapy services help people with speech, language, fluency, voice and swallowing difficulties.
Some people may fail to access education, social, economic and career opportunities due to communication difficulties or one kind or another. Therapy services help people to maximize their communication potential and can help with daily living.
Rules
Speech and language therapy services may be available through Local Health Offices or voluntary organisations on contract to the HSE to people with communication difficulties.
Public health speech and language therapy services are free and, in most areas, priority is given to children. The service may be provided in schools or in health centres or clinics.
Adults may also avail of speech and language therapy services if referred by their family doctor (GP), public health nurse or as part of combined care provided in public hospitals but only if the service is provided by the HSE. Priority is given to you as an adult if you have a speech and language disability that has been caused by a stroke, accident or a progressive neurological disorder.
Tax relief and speech and language therapy services
You may be able to claim tax relief for medical expenses and costs incurred for speech and language therapy carried out by a speech and language therapist who has been approved by the Minister for Health for a qualifying child. Further information about how to claim tax relief for medical expenses is outlined in our document on Taxation and Medical Expenses.
Rates
Speech and language therapy services provided through the public health service are free of charge. You have to pay for private services. However, you may be able to claim tax relief as outlined above.
How to apply
You can be referred for speech and language therapy by your GP or public health nurse. Contact your Local Health Office for information on services in your area.
Where to apply
Your Local Health Office.
The following voluntary and professional organisations can give you advice and information on speech and language therapy services in Ireland.
The Volunteer Stroke Scheme is a scheme that helps people who have developed communication disorders as a result of experiencing stroke and their families.
The Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT) is the professional body working at national and international level to ensure professional standards in speech and language therapy are maintained. They provide some useful factsheets online about stammering, dyspraxia and acquired communication disorders. Further information is available from:
Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists
PO Box 541
Ballinlough
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Ireland
Tel:+353 (0)85 7068707
Homepage: http://www.iaslt.ie/
Email: info@iaslt.com
The Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Private Practice has a list of speech and language therapists in private practice specialising in various aspects of speech and language therapy throughout the country. The directory divides areas of speech and language therapy into 15 separate fields, which are further categorised into the treatment of adults or treatment of children.
Irish Stammering Association
Carmichael House
North Brunswick St
Dublin
Ireland
Tel:+353 (0)1 8724405
Fax:+353 (0)1 8735737
Cleft Lip and Palate Association
c/o 36 Woodlands Avenue
Dun Laoghaire
Dublin 15
Ireland
Tel:+353 (0)87 1319803
Homepage: http://www.cleft.ie/
Email: info@cleft.ie
Language
Related Documents
- Mental Health Professionals
This document describes the roles and functions of mental health professionals. - Occupational therapy services
Occupational therapy services in Ireland are designed to help people with disabilities achieve the maximum degree of independence in ordinary living. - Community Care Services
Public health services in Ireland delivered in the community are called community care services. Overview of services and links to other sections of this site.
Contact Us
If you have a question relating to this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0761 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm) or you can visit your local Citizens Information Centre.