Celebrating Difference: E koekoe te tūī, e ketekete te kākā, e kūkū te kererū

Speech-language Therapy Awareness Week 2024 is here, and this year we are embracing the theme of Celebrating Difference, inspired by the beautiful whakataukī: E koekoe te tūī, e ketekete te kākā, e kūkū te kererū. This whakataukī reminds us that every bird sings its song, just as each person communicates in their unique way. It’s a celebration of the diversity and richness that different ways of communication bring to our lives, communities, and world.

The New Zealand Speech-language Therapists’ Association (NZSTA) invites everyone to celebrate the beauty of communication differences during this special week. Through events, online campaigns, and community engagement, we’ll highlight the importance of speech-language therapy and its incredible impact on people’s lives.

Online Awareness Campaign

Throughout the week, we’ll share daily infographics focusing on different aspects of communication, including AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), stuttering, aphasia, selective mutism, and more. These posts aim to spread awareness about the diversity of communication and promote understanding and inclusion.

In addition to these educational posts, we welcome contributions to our Share Your Story: Celebrating Difference campaign. We’re calling on you to share your personal communication stories, whether it’s a unique way of expressing yourself or how speech-language therapy has helped you or a loved one embrace your individuality. We want to celebrate the incredible ways we all communicate. 

Special Event: Te Reo o Aotearoa Storytelling Session

Join us on Tuesday, 24th September, at 10.30 am at Tūranga Library in Christchurch for a special Te Reo o Aotearoa storytelling session. We will share stories and songs in English, te reo Māori, and New Zealand Sign Language, highlighting the beautiful diversity of communication in Aotearoa. There will be stickers, a colouring competition, and spot prizes for children. We encourage you to come along and celebrate with us!

If you’re interested in organising a similar event in your community, we suggest contacting your local library, school, or early childhood education centre to get involved.

 Colouring Competition for Kids

We invite all children under 12 to participate in our SLT Awareness Week colouring competition. To reflect this year's theme, add beautiful native New Zealand birds to your page. Entries must be submitted by Friday, September 27th, to communications@speechtherapy.org.nz for a chance to win a prize pack.

Digital Resources

To help spread the word about Speech-language Therapy Awareness Week, we’ve made a range of digital resources available, including A2 and A3 posters and a sticker template. These can be printed and displayed at schools, libraries, workplaces, or anywhere else that could benefit from celebrating communication diversity.

Let’s come together to celebrate differences, embrace diversity, and recognise the power of speech-language therapy in creating a more inclusive and understanding world.

Download resources from our website: https://speechtherapy.org.nz/for-whanau/slt-awareness-week/ 

For media inquiries or more information, contact:

admin@speechtherapy.org.nz
New Zealand Speech-language Therapists’ Association (NZSTA)

Website: https://speechtherapy.org.nz/
Social Media Handles: https://www.facebook.com/newzealandspeechlanguagetherapy/ 

Together, let’s celebrate every unique voice in Aotearoa!