Occupational, Speech and Language Therapy

Occupational therapists help people overcome their physical, mental or social problems. They teach people additional skills and guide them towards living independent and satisfying lives. It encompasses a very wide variety of activities concerned with overcoming physical, psychological and social difficulties.

Speech and language therapists identify, assess and assist those suffering from communication disorders; a large number of clients would be children although adults could also seek assistance for problems caused by illness, psychological trauma or for any number of reasons.

Modern improvements in the world of science and communications have made great differences to both of these professions; therapists have a chance to make a huge impact in the lives of those who need it most.

Education
There are a number of degree options at universities around the country in both theses areas of therapy. As with many courses in the health and medicine sector, the required CAO points are relatively high – over 500 in most cases. Most courses require students to have taken at least one honours science subject for their Leaving Cert.

Occupational Therapy students take a variety of academic medical and social science subjects including Psychology, Anatomy, Physiology, Neurophysiology, Group Work & Professional Skills and Enabling Occupation.

Speech & Language Therapy students take a similar combination of subjects, along with others such as Audiology, Linguistics, Social Policy and Psychology.

Both courses typically involve practical work placements in professional, clinical settings, which form an important part of the students’ training.

Other courses for people with an interest in the realm of therapy include Physiotherapy and Athletic Therapy & Training.

Options After Qualification
Occupational Therapy graduates find work in hospitals, community rehabilitation services, mental health services, voluntary organisations and child services.

Speech & language therapists work in community health centres, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, classrooms, childcare centres and people’s homes.

Therapy is constantly evolving with the development of new practices and techniques, so many graduates return to education during their careers to update their skills and qualifications. Postgraduate qualifications and specialisations are also popular with graduates in the health and medical sectors.

The Work
Occupational therapists concentrate on the particular troubles or issues that an individual is facing and designs an individual programme to assist and encourage their development. The overall aim is to teach skills that will lead to increased levels of independence and confidence.

For example, occupational therapists might work with stroke victims or people badly injured in traffic accidents, and help them take up a hobby or learn a new skill (such as painting or carpentry). This allows them to ‘re-learn’ the use of their hands and bodies, giving them a renewed sense of self-belief and facilitating their rehabilitation.

Speech & language therapists enable people with communication disorders to achieve their maximum potential to communicate. Therapists assess an individual’s situation and needs, come up with a diagnosis, and implement a therapeutic programme.

Developmental speech problems include aphasia, motor-speech disorders, cognitive impairment and swallowing disorders. Some people may develop these problems after an accident or stressful event, while others may have a disorder from birth.

Speech & language therapists can assist with disorders where the patient’s understanding of the spoken word may be impaired. They can also help with disorders of articulation and fluency, when the intelligibility and continuity of speech is affected. They may also work with adults and children with learning disabilities to help them meet their communicative potential. Therapists also play a significant role in the management of clients with swallowing disorders.

Both occupational and speech & language therapists can be involved in the planning and implementation of health promotion and education programmes.

Personal Qualities & Work Environment
Patience, understanding and resourcefulness are all required to be a successful therapist. Excellent communication skills and an enquiring mind will assist in this line of work; an aptitude for science subjects would also be useful.

Most therapists work in dedicated clinics, while some travel to classrooms or people’s homes on a regular basis. The hours are usually regular.

The Money
There is currently a shortage of trained therapists in the Irish health service, so there are good opportunities for graduates. Qualified and experienced practitioners earn between €30,000 and €60,000 per annum.

The Jargon
Audiology: The science of hearing
Disorder: An ailment that affects the function of the mind or body
Aphasia: A loss of the ability to articulate ideas or to understand spoken or written language

Job Titles
Speech Therapist
Language Therapist
Occupational Therapist

Further Resources
Citizens Information Board
7th Floor
Hume House
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
Phone: 01 605 9000
Web: www.citizensinformation.ie

Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland
29 Gardiner Place
Dublin 1
Phone: 01 878 0247
Web: www.aoti.ie
Email: aoti@eircom.net

Health Promotion Unit
Department of Health and Children
Hawkins House
Hawkins Street
Dublin 2
Phone: 01 635 4000
Web: www.healthpromotion.ie

Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists
29 Gardiner Place
Dublin 1
Phone: 01 878 0215
Web: www.iaslt.com
Email: info@iaslt.com

Department of Occupational Therapy
School of Health Sciences
College of Science
University of Limerick
Limerick
Phone: 061 234 232
Web: www.occupationaltherapy.ul.ie
Email: clinicaltherapies@ul.ie