Hazel Shaw Independent Speech and Language Therapist

13/06/2026

Absolutely thrilled to see this wonderful and very well-deserved recognition for Mikey Akers, founder of Mikey’s Wish Foundation, who has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to Special Educational Needs 💜

As a Speech & Language Therapist specialising in Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and as a proud friend and supporter of Speech Apraxia International, I have seen first-hand the incredible difference Mikey and his family have made to children and families within the SEND community.

The support, awareness, advocacy and sense of community they have created for families of children with speech and communication needs is truly remarkable. Their passion and commitment continue to make such a positive impact on so many lives.

Huge congratulations, Mikey — such a fantastic and deserved achievement 👏💜

We are incredibly proud to announce that our founder, Mikey Akers, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to Special Educational Needs.

05/06/2026

Maisy loved all the attention she got at the vets today whilst getting her jabs. Thank you to The Worcester Vet Group - Ambleside Clinic and St Peters Clinic for making her feel so special ♥️

28/05/2026

I had a trip down memory lane today whilst on a routine visit to Birmingham Children’s Hospital with my son 🥰

Standing outside the Speech and Language Therapy department brought back so many memories of where my passion for speech, cleft and complex speech disorders first began whilst working as a Cleft Link Therapist.

I was incredibly lucky to receive such phenomenal training there and to work alongside some truly inspiring Speech and Language Therapists who shared the same enthusiasm and dedication to supporting children with cleft and speech difficulties.

It definitely feels like a place that helped shape the therapist I am today 💙❤️

19/05/2026

I think this heartwarming photo perfectly captures the bond that can quickly develop between children and therapy animals 🐾💙

This young person absolutely adores Maisy and despite her only joining him for one session so far, she has became such an important part of it. Her calm presence helped create an environment where he felt relaxed, settled and ready to listen carefully without even really realising he was doing it.

One of the areas we have been focusing on has been developing self-monitoring skills so he can begin to notice and correct his own speech errors more independently - and Maisy was the perfect quiet listening partner for this!

She may look like she is fast asleep under the table, but somehow Maisy always seems to know exactly when she is needed 🐱

I'm very grateful for my little therapy assistant and fully aware of how lucky I am to have such an instinctive and gentle cat who seems to understand exactly what children need ❤️

18/05/2026

A little behind-the-scenes prep before today’s sessions 😊

Harry enjoyed helping me organise resources and test out some of the activities before today’s session. He loves getting involved with creative tasks and was very happy to lend a hand while I got everything ready.

A lot of planning and preparation goes into each session I do to make sure activities are tailored to the individual child’s interests, communication style and targets. Even the table and chairs have adjustable heights so they are a perfect fit!

The aim is always to create sessions that feel motivating, interactive and enjoyable - because children learn best when they are engaged and having fun.

14/05/2026

Information on Childhood Apraxia of Speech

Free leaflet for anyone who wants to help raise awareness of childhood apraxia of speech or learn more about the diagnosis.

14/05/2026

Wearing blue for Apraxia Awareness Day 🥰

10/05/2026

Today I had the absolute privilege of attending the Mikey's Wish Foundation Mikey's Wish - Verbal Dyspraxia Awareness representing Speech Apraxia International

It was such an honour to meet so many incredible children, young people and families living with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). The warmth, understanding and sense of community throughout the day was genuinely moving.

I took my boys along with me and was incredibly proud to see them fully embracing the day. They used their personalised Aided Language Display lanyards - designed by me specifically for the event - to support communication with others throughout the day. What was especially lovely was seeing other children begin to point to the symbols too, using them as a way to connect, communicate and be understood. It was such a powerful reminder that communication is about far more than speech alone.

Harry was also incredibly proud to receive a special Mikey’s Wish medal in recognition of helping to raise awareness of CAS and supporting others to communicate. Watching his interest, understanding and compassion grow has been really special.

During an interview today, I was asked what being part of the event meant to me. The question and the realisation of my answer caught me slightly off guard because I suddenly realised something important - for a long time I have felt like I was constantly having to fight for the importance of specialist Speech and Language Therapy for children with CAS, cleft and other complex speech disorders. Today reminded me that I am not doing that alone.

There is a whole community of families, professionals, advocates and young people all passionately striving for the same thing: for every child to have access to specialist support, to be understood and to have their voice heard.

Today helped me find my own voice a little more too — and I’ll keep using it to advocate for the children and families who deserve to be heard. 💙

23/04/2026

This looks like a great opportunity for any Speech and Language Therapists near Brecon.