Chilliwack General Hospital launches group voice therapy for people with Parkinson’s Disease.
Photo (L-R): Emma Josephson, Ramanjit Bains, Victoria Goyer and Katie Marochi from the Speech-Language Pathology team.
For people living with Parkinson’s disease, changes in communication can feel profoundly isolating. Conversations take more effort. Many people begin to withdraw because communication feels exhausting.
Speech-language pathologists at Chilliwack General Hospital have responded by launching a voice therapy group that is helping participants strengthen their communication skills and rediscover connection, confidence and community.
Developed by the outpatient Speech-Language Pathology team, the six-week group combines structured voice exercises, education and opportunities for shared learning. The group format also offers something uniquely powerful: A sense of camaraderie and shared understanding that participants find deeply motivating.
“Our groups quickly become a supportive community,” shares Ramanjit Bains, outpatient speech-language pathologist. “They encourage one another, celebrate each other’s successes, normalize challenges and build confidence to use their voices in everyday situations — from speaking with family to participating in social activities.”
Parkinson’s disease commonly affects speech and voice, often resulting in reduced loudness, monotone speech and decreased speech clarity. An estimated 90 per cent of people with Parkinson’s are likely to develop speech and voice changes, which can significantly impact daily communication, social participation and quality of life. Early and consistent voice therapy is recognized as a key intervention in helping individuals maintain effective communication.
Since the program’s launch, three groups have completed the six-week program. Their success has reinforced the value of specialized, targeted group programming within outpatient rehabilitation, and reflects a proactive approach to addressing the increasing demand for outpatient speech-language pathology services in the community. By offering therapy in a small, supportive group environment, the speech-language pathology team can meet rising service demands and provide timely intervention for individuals who might otherwise face extended wait times.
Response to the program has been overwhelmingly positive. Participants have enthusiastically spread awareness of the program among their peers and others living with Parkinson’s disease.
“The group speech therapy was extremely beneficial in maintaining my current vocal capabilities,” says Malcolm Fernandes, a participant who has returned for a refresher group. “The team at Chilliwack General Hospital took the time to get all participants involved in a well-structured atmosphere that made everyone feel very comfortable. The benefit in improving one’s quality of life through speech therapy cannot be underestimated.”
The speech-language pathology team at Chilliwack General Hospital agrees.
“Voice therapy isn’t only about volume or clarity. It’s about helping people feel heard again. When members leave the group more confident and more connected, we know the program is making a real difference,” says Ramanjit.
Individuals with Parkinson’s disease who are experiencing changes in speech, voice or swallowing are encouraged to speak with their health care provider about referral options to Chilliwack General Hospital Outpatient Rehabilitation.
As demand continues to grow, programs like this play a vital role in supporting communication, independence and quality of life.
May is National Speech and Hearing Month.
