The International Association of Laryngectomees supports, promotes, encourages, and educates individuals with a laryngectomy, along with their caregivers, Speech Language Pathologists, allied health professionals, and support groups around the world.
A laryngectomy is the complete surgical removal of the larynx, because of cancer or other reasons, rendering a person speechless, with a different way of breathing and swallowing.
The aim of the IAL is to provide both emotional and physical support by:
- Teaching laryngectomees about methods of speech, helping them attain the best speech possible, and assisting in their return to a “new normal” way of life.
- To publish and deliver helpful information for the rehabilitation of those who have undergone a laryngectomy.
- Teaching speech language pathologists the proper care of the laryngectomee, introducing them to new products and procedures, and provide them with educational opportunities.
- Teaching medical professionals proper emergency care, and the everyday care of the laryngectomee as a total neck breather.
- To improve the understanding of employers about cancer of the larynx, so that a laryngectomized person may retain or obtain employment after surgery.
- To support, promote, and encourage the success and/or development of laryngectomee clubs throughout the world.
- To provide an Annual Meeting for laryngectomees which provides them an opportunity to learn from others in the same situation, learn of new products and the latest medical advances.
- To provide an annual Voice Institute to teach medical professionals ie: SLP’s, EMT’s, anesthesiologists, students, and ENT’s about the care of laryngectomees, while providing them with “Continuing Education Units” that are needed to keep their license valid.
