Diversity: My call to Action

"This gripping and relatable tale covers many different themes, detailing life experiences which many readers may recognise. From experiencing the consequences of being different, exploring and learning new things, finding one's calling, identity, growth, helping others, learning resilience, and dealing with life's oftentimes unpleasant repercussions. All in all, this is a very entertaining and thought-provoking read about human nature and diversity." "Using her own life experiences and experience in her field, the author reveals to the reader the hidden power and importance of words as more than mere communication – as power, as voice, as sharing, and ultimately as a means of achieving greater understanding of each other and our inner worlds." Ginevra Picani - Editor Europe Books "I walked into a restaurant but I couldn't talk. I moved my mouth but words couldn't come out. When I realised this, I broke down. I couldn't communicate." Famous South African Singer, Lira A speech-language therapist helped to restore Lira's communication skills. This book helps to uncover, gain knowledge and understand this profession. "This beautiful book has so many important messages for current and future speech-language professionals, teachers and parents. The emphasis on family-centred practice and maintaining one's language and culture is an important message. I love that you shared the negative impact of the English-only rule at home. Its so important that those in the field understand the severe limitations of standardized tools." Ellen Kester - President of Bilinguistic Speech and Language Services, Austin, US "I was shocked at the therapist's revelation that she did not speak or understand isiXhosa, the dominant language of the people in the area she served, even though she was meant to assist them with their speech and language difficulties. This created a communication barrier between the therapist and the people that she served. Furthermore she remarked that she had minimal understanding of the culture of this community." This conversation was the stimulus for my calling to this profession to be MAD. (Make A Difference)