The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is observing Better Hearing and Speech Month in May. The observance recognizes the contribution of the district’s 17 audiologists and 505 speech-language pathologists who work with speech- and hearing-impaired students.

“[It] encourages the support and recognition of the dedicated audiologists and speech-language pathologists who improve the quality of life for adults and children everywhere,” said LAUSD board member Scott Schmerelson, who sponsored a measure designating Better Hearing and Speech Month. “We are particularly proud of the hard-working professionals who provide services to over 30,000 L.A. Unified students with communication disorders every year.”

Co-sponsored by board president Steve Zimmer and vice president Dr. George J. McKenna III, the resolution notes that communication disorders cost billions of dollars annually in special education services, medical treatment and lost work productivity.

“I am proud of the professionals who support the needs of our students with hearing and speech impairments,” McKenna said. “These critical services enhance the value of the education our students receive.”

Better Hearing and Speech Month is observed by school districts throughout the nation in conjunction with the California Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. For information, visit lausd.net.