National Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month
April is Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month
DoDEA celebrates National Speech-Language-Hearing Month in May. The purpose of recognizing SLHM in DoDEA is to highlight the professionals who support individuals with speech, language, and hearing disorders.
The 2025 theme, “Connecting Through Communication,” emphasizes the essential role that communication plays in every aspect of life—from relationships and education to employment and emotional well-being.
DoDEA recognizes the critical role our speech-language pathologists and consultants for the hearing-impaired play in ensuring every student thrives.
These professionals specialize in assessing, preventing, and treating the hearing and communication concerns of our military-connected students. Whether evaluating students, developing and implementing treatment plans, guiding and assisting teachers with educational programming, or supporting parents, they help our students navigate their world through increased communication or hearing skills.
DoDEA schools are encouraged to honor and recognize their speech-language pathologists and teachers who support the hearing impaired during the month of May for their work in supporting our military-connected students.
The roots of Speech-Language-Hearing Month (formerly Better Hearing and Speech Month) trace back a century, when it was first organized to help promote public understanding of speech and hearing disorders. At the time, awareness of these conditions—and the availability of treatment options—was limited. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), which was founded in 1925, led the charge to educate the public and elevate the roles of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists.
With children and adults affected by communication disorders, the month-long observance provides an opportunity to highlight early signs of these challenges, encourage intervention, and reduce the stigma that still surrounds some forms of communication impairment.
According to ASHA, nearly 1 in 12 children in the United States has a disorder related to voice, speech, language, or swallowing. Additionally, around 15% of American adults report trouble hearing, and that number increases significantly with age. Many of these issues are treatable—especially when identified early—but too often, warning signs go unnoticed or unaddressed.
