Speech Sounds Capacity Building Manual

The Speech Sounds Manual is designed to support families in understanding and working with their child’s speech and articulation development. Many children with disabilities or developmental delays may experience difficulty producing certain speech sounds, which can impact their ability to communicate effectively. This manual provides a clear overview of the most commonly targeted speech sounds in early intervention, along with practical tools to support development at home. Included are visuals for cued articulation, which is a method that combines speech with visual hand cues to enhance clarity and understanding of sound placement with the lips, mouth and tongue. Families will find these cues helpful when practicing speech sounds during everyday routines. The manual also outlines strategies for embedding speech practice naturally into home life, such as during play, reading, or mealtimes, making practice more enjoyable and engaging. This resource explains how articulation typically develops, what to expect at various stages, and when to seek further support. It also provides concepts and tracking tools to help monitor progress and identify patterns in your child’s speech. Whether your child is already working with a speech therapist or you’re waiting for support, this manual empowers you with the tools to begin building your child’s communication skills right away. It’s a valuable companion to professional therapy and supports families in creating a language-rich environment that fosters success and confidence.