Speech therapist

Heidi Babic is one of the 30 specialists trained in this speciality field nationwide and she is practising here in Springs.

She gave a broad explanation of what a speech therapist is and how to become one.

If you are still in school, you should focus strongly on mathematics, science and biology as subjects, as you must have a certain knowledge of the anatomy.

You need to apply yourself if you want this as a career as it is a very selected course.

If you are chosen, a personality test will be conducted to see if you fit the necessary criteria.

You can study speech therapy at Wits University and Pretoria University as well as others across the country.

One year community service is also compulsory.

There are many diverse fields in this career.

You can also work with feeding and swallowing difficulties as well as other complex difficulties.

If the course is too much for you to be able to afford, you can apply for a government bursary.

You need to have a love for people and genuine concern and empathy for clients.

Speech therapy is a skill which is in demand worldwide.

A starting salary at a government institution is more or less R15 000.

Heidi also works with children who suffered hearing loss at birth and many other cases of special needs children.

Heidi says that the outcomes of these children who have had help, are superior to those who have not.

Information and support is provided via parent advisers who visit the family at home twice a month which is a service free of charge to all people.

“The earlier parents can assist their children, the better for their future,” says Heidi.