May is almost here which means that it’s time to start planning activities to celebrate Better Hearing & Speech Month (BHSM)! 

I searched high and low for hospital-friendly BHSM ideas, but most of what I found was geared towards the schools. 

I had a burst of inspiration while my grad student was working with a patient one day. 

Here’s a list of all of the ideas that I brainstormed. These ideas are geared towards educating other staff members about the field. I hope that this list helps you think about how you want to celebrate BHSM this May!   

Better Hearing & Speech Month Activities

1. Create a flier or bookmark with SLP terms to increase awareness of the SLP scope of practice (aphasia, alexia, agraphia, apraxia, dysarthria, dysphagia…)

2. Create a cranial nerve or swallowing anatomy/physiology quiz and offer a prize for the most correct answers 

3. Give away an SLP-themed cookie along with a list of fun facts about the field of speech-language pathology

4. Send out a PDF of printable low-tech AAC boards that PTs and OTs could use when they get stuck communicating with someone with aphasia 

5. Send out a list of memory recommendations to use when patients aren’t completing their home programming

6. Create a cheat sheet to help PTs and OTs know when to refer patients to speech

7. Create an SLP flier for PTs and OTs to give to patients after they’ve made a referral so the patient knows what SLPs do

8. Send out a “Book club” or “podcast club” with interesting books or podcasts related to rehab, living with a disability, etc. 

9. Send out a list of “SLPs making a difference” (e.g., SLPs to follow on social media, new research in the field, etc.)

10. Create a game using the international phonemic alphabet (e.g., mad lib, word search, matching game)

11. Send out a link to a communication style/executive functioning quiz that therapists can take for themselves

12. Send out a list of apps that help anyone stay organized (e.g., Paprika app, TikTik app)

13. Send out “Get to know us” emails with facts about the department’ SLPs

14. Make something like a “pin the hyoid on the neck” game to test your colleague’s knowledge of swallowing anatomy 

15. Have people try out AAC devices either to have a conversation, make requests for snacks, etc.(e.g., they have to practice using x3 communication functions with the device in order to get the prize/food/etc.)

I would love to know which ideas are your favorite, and if you use any of them for BHSM this year!