RCSLT: What is Speech and Language Therapy?

Project background

We’ve made animations for quite a few of the Royal Colleges now, so the whole animation team was really excited when the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists got in touch to ask if we could help them to create a film to help explain what a speech and language therapist is... and what it isn’t.

There were lots of misconceptions that needed to be excised. Many people are under the impression that speech and language therapists only work with children or that they only work with people who are nonverbal. Many people also had no idea that they work with people who have trouble swallowing or that they can assist in rehabilitation and recovery after operations.

Speech and language therapists do work in schools, but they also work in hospitals, care homes and prisons. Much of their work is also with adults recovering from strokes and other conditions that affect speaking and swallowing.

Artwork and imagery

The College really liked the idea of using characters to tell the story of how speech and language therapists work, so we helped them develop Samira, Katie and Patrick based on the amalgamated case studies of several different people.

In creating the visual style for this animation, we worked with the fantastic Jacob, whose friendly depictions really brought the characters to life, and whose informative illustrations gently enhance the viewer’s comprehension.

Creating an accessible animation

As part of the animation package, we provided a BSL translation at cost and also an audio description PDF that can be hosted alongside the visuals to be used by visually impaired people using screen readers. These PDFs explain everything that happens onscreen so that people with visual impairment don’t miss out on any information.

With these viewers and listeners in mind, we also tried to avoid using onscreen text or referring to visual cues within the script. To be as accessible as possible, we also avoided confusing idioms, or the types of images that research shows can be confusing or distracting to people with autism.

Working with communications experts

Speech and language therapists are experts in communication of all forms, and it really was an incredible experience for us to learn from what they had to say about what truly clear and inclusive messaging looks and feels like. We also learned more about the different ways in which people can spread and take in information.

We hope that we have not only created a great explainer animation that the Royal College can use for many years to come, but also that the team have learned valuable tools that we can use to enhance all of our other work, now and in the future.