Speech Pathology Week 2026

Communication creates possibility

📅 23 – 29 August

This year’s theme, Communication creates possibility, reflects what speech pathologists see every day in practice. When communication and swallowing needs are supported, people have more opportunities to connect, learn, make choices, participate and thrive.

Speech Pathology Week recognises the value and impact of speech pathology across Australia. In 2026, we’re highlighting how the right support can create opportunities for people to connect, learn, make choices, participate and thrive.

This is why Speech Pathology Week 2026 is focused on possibility. Communication creates possibility, and speech pathologists help turn possibility into opportunity.  The theme connects the everyday practice with the broader outcomes the profession helps make possible: stronger participation, greater inclusion, improved wellbeing and better access across health, education, disability, aged care and community settings. 

Daily themes through the week

Across Speech Pathology Week, we will highlight how speech pathologists create both possibility and opportunity through communication.

Day 1: Possibility to connect 
Speech pathologists support people in building and maintaining relationships by strengthening communication in ways that work for them. 

Day 2: Possibility to learn 
Speech pathologists support learning by helping build the language, literacy and communication skills needed across education settings. 

Day 3: Possibility to grow 
Speech pathologists support growth by helping people develop communication skills that build confidence and independence over time. 

Day 4: Possibility to belong 
Speech pathologists support inclusion by helping reduce communication barriers and improve access to everyday participation. 

Day 5: Possibility to choose 
Speech pathologists support choice by helping people express preferences, make decisions and communicate what matters to them. 

Day 6: Possibility to participate 
Speech pathologists support participation across health, education, work and community settings. 

Day 7: Possibility to thrive 
Speech pathologists support wellbeing by strengthening communication and swallowing outcomes that contribute to quality of life. 

Get involved

Do you have a client case study that could support Speech Pathology Week 2026?

We are seeking case studies that demonstrate the impact of speech pathology across communication, swallowing, participation, inclusion and wellbeing.

We would like to capture case studies that demonstrate the difference speech pathologists make in real settings, across different ages, settings, and areas of practice.

Case studies may highlight outcomes such as improved communication, safer swallowing, increased participation, greater independence, stronger connection, improved confidence or better access to everyday activities.

To submit a case study, please fill in the form below and we'll be in touch to discuss its suitability. 

Submit a case study

More to come

SPA is developing a resource kit to help you promote Speech Pathology Week 2026 in your workplace, community and professional networks.

We encourage you to use these resources to help raise awareness of the profession and show the impact of speech pathology across Australia.

This section will be updated with downloadable materials, and we will let you know when they are released.