Up to 80% of people diagnosed with MND will experience changes to their speech at some point during their journey with the disease. This is due to muscles wasting which can lead to slurred and faint speech and limited facial expressions, gestures, and body language.
Many people with MND will require support from communication aids, equipment and assistive technology. Regular reviews with a speech pathologist are recommended to help understand how MND might affect your speech, provide you and your family with strategies, and find the right equipment for your needs.
Speech Pathology Week
Speech Pathology Week is from 24 – 30 August 2025 and this year’s campaign is ‘impact through communication’ which highlights how speech pathologists support and strengthen communication in communities in different ways.
To reflect this, each day has a different theme:
- Day 1: Connection through communication
- Day 2: Confidence through communication
- Day 3: Inclusion through communication
- Day 4: Empowerment through communication
- Day 5: Opportunity through communication
- Day 6: Wellbeing through communication
- Day 7: Independence through communication
The important role of a Speech Pathologist
A speech pathologist is an important part of a multidisciplinary team for someone with MND. They can provide strategies to help people communicate and equip people with communication aids to maintain connection and independence. Speech pathologist can provide a referral for communication aids and equipment through MND NSW’s FlexEquip - Assistive Technology website. FlexEquip has a range of communication aids to support a person with MND.
Non-electronic communication aids
Communication chart
Communication charts are easy-to-use laminated cards and are available with phrase tiles, letter tiles, or pictures. We have a couple of examples of these charts we can laminate and send to you. You can request these from MND NSW by contacting the Info Line on 1800 777 175. These are examples only, contact your speech pathologist for communication charts that are right for you.
E-Tran Board
E-Tran Board is a clear Perspex board designed for face-to-face communication by spelling out words using eye-movements. Learn more here: E-Tran board
Electronic communication aids
iPad with communication app
iPad with communication software is high-tech, portable device that comes pre-loaded with applications to aid communication. A speech pathologist can support you to choose the right ones for you. Learn more here: Portable communication aids
Eye Gaze
Eye Gaze technology uses eye movements as commands on a computer screen to either spell out words or select pre-set phrases. A speech pathologist and an occupational therapist are required to trial and set up this device. Learn more here: Eye gaze equipment for MND participants
Other things to consider
Speech Awareness Cards
Speech Awareness Cards are business style cards that say “I have Motor Neurone Disease which affects my speech. I can hear and understand you”. You can request these from MND NSW by contacting the Info Line on 1800 777 175.
Our mobile phone background/lockscreen speech cards fit most phones, and can be downloaded by clicking here.
Voice Banking
Voice banking is a helpful way of recording your voice to use as an electronic voice when you can no longer use our own. A speech pathologist can help you set this up. Voice banking vouchers are available from FlexEquip.
Learn more
