The Department of Human Communication Sciences and Disorders

Abstract

The Department of Human Communication Sciences and Disorders first opened its doors in 1991. Known as the Communication Therapy Division at the time, it launched the first local four-year undergraduate degree programme in Communication Therapy through the University of Malta’s Institute of Health Care. This programme led to eligibility for registration as a speech language pathologist (SLP). Professor Helen Grech was then the coordinator of the programme and head of the same department. Together with the late Professor John Rizzo Naudi and Ms Helene (Jackie) Clydesdale, Professor Grech was instrumental in sowing the seeds and nurturing the programmes which were eventually offered by the department. With many years of hard work and dedication, Professor Grech skilfully developed and enriched the department, making her vision a reality.