What are Speech Disorders?
There are many speech disorders that can affect Canadians. Some people suffer from stuttering, lisps, and voice disorders. Some conditions are so severe that a person won’t speak at all. These are significant restrictions for people as it limits their ability to express and communicate with their loved ones.
With the variety of speech disorders that have been identified by medical professionals, the causes of the ailment vary from case to case. Most people are diagnosed with a speech disorder at birth or during infancy, while others can develop the condition later in life as a result of environmental factors or capricious factors like drug abuse, brain injuries, or physical impairments (e.g. Cleft lip and palate).
Common speech problems and disorders include:
- Apraxia of speech
- Dysarthria
- Dysprosody
- Muteness
- Speech sound disorders
- Stuttering
- Voice disorders
Many of these speech disorders can be treated through speech therapy, though others require medical attention by a doctor versed in phoniatrics – the study and treatment of organs involved in speech production. Other treatments include correcting organic conditions, and psychotherapy. Kids suffering from a speech disorder may need a special education program in school or require a speech-language pathologist to support their growth.
Where can I find support for my speech problems?
A speech disorder makes it frustratingly difficult to properly convey one’s ideas or emotions. The person is unable to show the full breadth of their knowledge and intelligence. From a working environment to life at home, speech problems are a constant hindrance that negatively impacts various aspects of life.
The Canadian government recognizes speech disorders as a disability for these reasons, making disability benefits in Canada available to those combating the condition. The Canadian Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and the Child Disability Benefit are programs people can turn to for relief from unavoidable costs associated with their disabilities.
The Disability Tax Credit is designed to reduce the amount of tax you owe and can result in a tax refund, alleviating the financial and emotional costs associated with speech disorders or other disabilities.
How can I claim the Disability Tax Credit?
The National Benefit Authority is Canada’s largest service provider for the DTC. Having helped over 40,000 Canadians recover their disability tax benefits, we do all the diligent research and paperwork required for a successful claim.
We can help determine your Disability Tax Credit amount, fill out your Disability Tax Certificate (or the T2201 application) and other required disability tax forms, and follow up with the Canada Revenue Agency on your behalf.
Whether you’re submitting a claim for the first time, re-applying, or you’re looking to recover Disability Tax Credit retroactive funds, our team is committed in retrieving every dollar of the Disability Tax Credit you’re entitled to!
