Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. The Union of Private Practice Speech and Language Therapists (UPPSLT) hosted its first Annual Forum, bringing together speech and language therapists for three days of scientific discussion, professional exchange and networking. ESLA Chair Sahra Mengal attended the event, reaffirming ESLA's commitment to supporting its member associations and advancing the recognition of speech and language therapy across Europe.
The forum represented an important milestone for UPPSLT and provided an opportunity to address both clinical developments and the evolving role of private speech and language therapy services in Bulgaria.
The scientific programme covered a broad range of topics, including early childhood development, motor speech disorders, stuttering, dysphagia, hearing impairments and working with children with multiple disabilities. Participants also explored clinical perspectives from the United States, alongside discussions on professional standards, continuing education and the organisation of private practice.
ESLA's Commitment to Its Member Associations
ESLA envisions a Europe where speech and language therapists are recognised for their essential contributions to health, education and social inclusion, and where individuals with communication and swallowing difficulties have equitable access to high-quality services.
Achieving this vision requires attention to the different professional realities across European countries. National associations operate within diverse healthcare and educational systems, regulatory frameworks and professional environments, each presenting distinct opportunities and challenges.
ESLA is committed to supporting its members through European-level advocacy, promoting professional recognition, facilitating access to knowledge and ensuring that national perspectives inform policy discussions and initiatives affecting the profession.
Reflecting on her participation, ESLA Chair Sahra Mengal commented:
"What impressed me most was the enthusiasm, ambition and sense of community among our Bulgarian colleagues. Each national association brings valuable perspectives and experiences to ESLA, and I believe our role is both to learn from these and to help create opportunities for our members to influence developments nationally and across Europe. Events like this remind us why international collaboration matters - we have so much to learn from one another and even more to achieve together."
A Milestone for the Bulgarian Association
UPPSLT was established to represent and advance the interests of speech and language therapists working in private practice in Bulgaria.
The association's priorities include promoting high professional and ethical standards, supporting continuing professional development, encouraging evidence-based practice and creating opportunities for knowledge exchange among practitioners.
Its first Annual Forum demonstrated the association's ambition to build an engaged professional community and contribute actively to developments in speech and language therapy, both nationally and at European level.
Looking Ahead
ESLA congratulates UPPSLT on the successful organisation of its inaugural forum and thanks the organisers for their invitation and warm hospitality.
The event marks a promising beginning for the association's future activities, and ESLA looks forward to seeing Bulgarian colleagues bring their expertise, perspectives and initiatives to the wider European professional community.