
In this eye-opening episode of 'Some Stutter Luh!', hosts Paul, Laura and Greg welcome Molly Clarke, a speech language pathologist, to discuss the critical shortage of publicly funded speech language pathology (SLP) services in Newfoundland and Labrador. Molly shares her journey from starting her own clinic to becoming an advocate for more SLP positions in the public sector. She highlights the challenges faced by families and clinicians alike, such as long wait times, lack of resources, and the financial constraints on new graduates. Molly's advocacy work, sparked by hearing parents struggle with wait times on CBC radio, has rapidly gained media attention. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of public awareness, parental advocacy, and the need for systemic change to ensure children receive necessary support. The episode calls for action, inviting listeners to join in advocacy efforts, possibly through writing to MHAs (Members of the House of Assembly) or public protests, to bring lasting change to the SLP services in the province.00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions00:20 Meet Molly Clarke: Speech Language Pathologist00:56 Advocating for Publicly Funded SLP Positions01:52 Challenges in the Public System05:31 The Reality of Casual Employment07:50 Starting a Private Practice15:13 Ethical Dilemmas in Private Practice23:05 The Need for More Public SLP Positions30:14 Survey Results on SLP Services30:53 Challenges Faced by SLPs and Caregivers31:29 Restrictions on Public Criticism33:44 Union and Political Advocacy38:29 Parental Advocacy and Government Response41:54 Communication Disorders and Their Impact48:52 Call to Action for Change54:57 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts#speechlanguagepathology #therapy #newfoundland #labrador #crisis #healthcare #stuttering #stammering #language #disabilitypride #disabilityawareness #advocacy #government #publicgoods #funding #currentaffairs #politics Original news storyN.L. speech therapist says she can't get a job, despite 2-year waitlists for kids needing helphttps://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/speech-language-pathology-nl-1.7551750CBC interviewhttps://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-47-on-the-go/clip/16150836-speech-therapists-working-remotely-due-local-hiringReddit DiscussionN.L. speech therapist says she can't get a job, despite 2-year waitlists for kids needing helphttps://www.reddit.com/r/newfoundland/comments/1l53bwt/nl_speech_therapist_says_she_canx27t_get_a_job/