Lyon-based speech therapist Astghik Topuzkhanian is delivering a two-day lecture course at Armenian State Pedagogical University at the invitation of Janna Paylozyan, Head of the ASPU Department of Speech and Rehabilitation Therapy.
The specialist has visited Armenia many times but this visit greatly differs from the previous ones. For the first time, she held a meeting with future and current speech therapists working in different institutions [in Armenia] to discuss with them the French experience, compare it with the local one, reveal the problems of the sphere and find solutions to them.
The French-Armenian specialist stressed that each and every medical institution should have speech therapists which, unfortunately, she did not see in Armenia. In addition, she added that the number of practical lessons is comparatively few at the University.
Speaking about her future plans, Astghik Topuzkhanian said she had developed a program to train Armenian speech and language therapists and stressed that the training program would provide good opportunities to expand cooperation.
Talking to old.aspu.am, Janna Paylozyan said the profession of speech-language pathology is frequently confused with the profession of specialists working in schools. She regretted to say that few know and understand the role and importance of speech therapists in medical institutions, where these specialists seem to be left neglected and are not involved in activities.
The meeting was attended by specialists of medical and educational institutions and rehabilitation centers, as well as students of the Pedagogical University.
