Training counterparts in cleft palate speech therapy in the less developed world: an extended report

This paper describes the training of five counterparts in cleft palate speech therapy which took place in Sri Lanka. The context in which this training occurred is described. The original aims of the training, and criteria drawn up for the selection of the counterparts, are contrasted with the modifications required to these once the British therapists started working in Sri Lanka. Information is given on the training objectives, syllabus, curriculum and methods of evaluation of the counterparts' progress. The achievements of the counterparts are described, and factors relating to the difficulties and ease with which the counterparts were trained are discussed. The paper concludes with a discussion of the cultural, political and clinical problems encountered in this type of training, and highlights the special difficulties encountered in the training of counterparts in the field of speech therapy in less developed countries.