ESLA celebrates the European Day of Speech and Language Therapy on 6 March 2025

Every March 6th Europe celebrates European Day of Speech and Language Therapy, an annual event
dedicated to raising awareness of communication and swallowing disorders and the importance of
speech and language therapy in promoting effective communication and enhancing the quality of
life for individuals of all ages. On this day, Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) across Europe
come together to organise workshops, trainings, awareness campaigns, media coverage, and
conferences. These events aim to educate the public about the speech and language therapy
profession, highlight success stories, and emphasize the positive impact therapy has on individuals
and communities.

Communication is fundamental to human connection, learning, and participation in society. This year's theme "Enrich the environment to enrich communication" highlights the importance of
creating supportive environments that foster speech, language, and communication for individuals
of all ages, particularly those with communication difficulties. Speech and language therapists
across Europe are working together to promote inclusive spaces – at home, in schools, workplaces,
and healthcare settings – where everyone can develop, use, and enjoy communication.

“In a society that’s often overtaken by technology, very often we tend to forget the beauty of human
communication”, Norma Camilleri, ESLA Chair, said. “Our role as Speech and Language Therapists
includes creating an environment that is conducive to encouraging, developing and maximising
communication. The European Speech and Language Therapy Association (ESLA) chose the theme
‘Enrich the environment to enrich communication’ for this year’s European SLT Day to highlight the
impact that the environment we live in has on communication. This is also in line with the Atlas
Manifesto: Think Language First, which ESLA endorsed last year. This manifesto emphasises that
language is the gateway to educational attainment.” Camilleri added that it is our duty to ensure
that communication is accessible to all.

To mark this occasion, SLT organizations and professionals across Europe will be hosting awareness
campaigns, workshops, and community events to share practical strategies for enriching
communication environments.

ESLA is the leading organisation representing the speech and language therapy profession in Europe.
As the authoritative voice of the profession in Europe, ESLA supports the common interests of 37
member associations with a total of over 40,000 members across 34 countries. Through its actions,
ESLA aims to increase the visibility and awareness of Speech Language Therapy, by actively
promoting the profession, and safeguarding professional and educational standards. ESLA will be
celebrating the European Day with a seminar at the French Parliament, Paris, on Friday 28 March.
For further information interested participants are invited to visit our website and social media.