What is Altered Speech?
Altered speech is an umbrella term for any speech that does not fit the typical pattern of expression in a given area. What is altered speech in one area may not be considered altered in another.
Altered speech may be the product of a number of things. On the medical side, strokes, traumatic brain injuries(TBIs), hearing loss, and any number of other conditions may cause altered speech. Conditions like stutters and delayed speech also exist. Socially, someone may have been raised to speak a specific way, they may not be speaking in their native language, or any number of other things could occur.
Referring to Someone with Altered Speech
Typically, person-first language is used to refer to someone with altered speech or a condition that produces it. However, everyone has their own preferences. If you are unsure, you can always ask someone how they would prefer to be referred to.
Altered speech may also be called a speech-language impairment or altered speech pattern.
Etiquette Note
It is best practice to assume someone with altered speech is in full possession of their faculties. Speak directly to them, allow them time to respond, and engage just like you would anyone else. Many people with altered speech patterns report being treated like children, and this is not acceptable.
It is also important to remind cadets that making fun of or judging someone for how they speak is not appropriate behavior.
Creating an Accessible Environment for Someone with Altered Speech
Never Assume What Someone is Saying
In romantic movies, finishing each other’s sentences is cute. In real life, finishing sentences for someone with an altered speech pattern is frustrating for the speaker. They know what they’re trying to say, and having someone interrupt to finish their sentence often ruins their train of thought.
Instead, we should all restrain the impulse to say what we think someone else is going to say. By practicing this, we actually become more attentive listeners and focus more on the content of what someone is saying.
Communicate at the Person’s Pace
Often in the United States, communication speed is just as important as delivery. This is a problem, especially in areas where fast speech patterns are prevalent. Often, people with altered speech communicate slower than those around them.
Instead, we should embrace moving conversations at the pace of whoever needs the most time to communicate. By doing so, we can ensure we focus on the content of the message and responding in a beneficial way.
Embrace Written or Alternative Communication
Some people with altered speech prefer not to speak at all or minimize their speaking. Instead, they use written or adaptive communication to get their points across. Embracing these as valid means of communication and responding to them as though they were spoken helps everyone feel like a part of our organization.
Consider Voice Amplification
Some people with altered speech cannot modulate their voices well, have trouble with volume, or otherwise struggle to make themselves heard. Using voice amplification through a sound system, for example, can help solve this problem.
If this is an issue, someone may have their own preferred technology to address it.
Feel like this guide is missing something? Let us know at sfcoa@sfi.org.
Want to know more about accessible communication? Check out Accessible Communication 101.