Speech, Language and Communication Impairment

Facts

• In every group of children 2-3 will have various levels of a SLCI (Speech Language and Communication Impairment). Research has showed that SLCI affects 6% of children in the population.
• Coaches are not expected to be experts in this highly specialised field but to understand that sensitivity and common sense should be used. Asking questions that a player is uncomfortable with answering should be avoided at all costs. If a coach wishes to check understanding then it can be done less obviously. 

Do I need special training to coach players with disabilities or medical conditions?

In an perfect world it would be ideal to have every coach fully qualified to work in this area. However many coaches give up their free time to coach and cannot be expected to attend workshops to train them. If possible coaches should attend awareness sessions but if this is not possible, as long as they take some notice of the players needs and try to address them after taking advice then they are meeting their duty as a part time or voluntary coach.

If you take note of the points already made and you follow advice from the player and parent / carers to gain as much information as possible you are almost there. There are basic procedures to follow for all players if you want them to reach their full potential.

• Plan your sessions
• Make sessions safe for all who participate
• Make them as enjoyable as possible
• Try to meet the needs of all players, knowing as much as possible about their situation and any safety considerations.
• Recognise that for whatever reason a player may not be as advanced as their peers.
• Evaluate all your sessions and keep good records of successes or not.
• Be patient.
• Be open minded.
• Do some research to discover the relevant requirement for the specific disability classification should the player require this.
• Be aware of Child Protection issues.