Speech Therapy

Children with speech and language delays benefit from Speech Therapy services. Our team of Speech and Language Pathologists work with children individually and in groups to develop communication programs that help them to communicate their needs and wants to other people. 

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Amy Ezekiel, Speech-Language Pathologist
Amy Ezekiel, Speech-Language Pathologist
Melanie Yanni, Speech-Language Pathologist
Melanie Yanni, Speech-Language Pathologist
Brittany Fountain, Speech-Language Pathologist
Brittany Fountain, Speech-Language Pathologist
Rose Huttner, Speech Pathologist
Rose Huttner, Speech-Language Pathologist
Sarah Cerone Speech-Language Pathologist
Sarah Cerone Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech Stories!  Click this link! 

Speech and Communication Development

Make sure you don’t miss out on Brittany’s Crusade to improve understanding of how Augmentative & Alternative Communication works. She is working with students, staff and volunteers to decrease fear and stigma around AAC, and increase acceptance of individuals who use it. 

SGDs

By Brittany Countryman 2.11.24

High-tech AAC devices, or speech-generating devices (SGDs), can help individuals with complex communication needs express wants, needs, and ideas more effectively. There are six main communication functions: requesting, protesting, describing, making comments, asking and answering questions, and expressing feelings. Using low-tech options, such as picture exchange or communication boards are difficult to achieve all functions. High-tech options, such as SGDs, can be used to complete these communication functions and more.
There are many different types of SGDs ranging from tablets to computers to eye gaze devices. At Crossroads, we typically use tablets with a communication program that’s appropriate for the student’s needs and abilities. Some programs may have large grid sizes (with multiple, small icons on a page) while others may have smaller grid sizes (with larger icons). Most programs have multiple pages and folders (e.g. pressing “School” brings you to a page with school vocabulary, pressing “Food” brings you to a page with food options) so the individual has access to a wide range of vocabulary. The program is carefully chosen by an SLP based on the student’s needs. A few common software/applications include TouchChat with WordPower, Proloquo2go, Speak for Yourself, TD Snap, and LAMP Words for Life.
Sometimes SGDs are dedicated devices, where the software is only for communication. So, while a student might have an iPad as their communication device, its use is often restricted to the camera, settings, and communication apps, not allowing the student to download games or use the internet.
By Brittany Countryman, SLP
A child talks to her speech therapist using her AAC device.

Understanding AAC

By Brittany Countryman 2.5.24

AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) is a term referring to all communication other than verbal speech. This includes communication methods that supplement a person’s natural speech and language. This is often used by people who, some or all of the time, can’t rely on verbal language to express themselves. This includes children and adults with physical or cognitive disabilities, Autism, cerebral palsy, downs syndrome, aphasia, or apraxia. It also includes adults with speech and language difficulties due to stroke, traumatic brain injury, throat cancer, and neurologic or degenerative diseases like Parkinsons.

But methods of AAC are also used by all of us, everyday. This might be sign language, gestures, facial expressions, body language, or pictures. It’s also written words, typing, technology like computers, phones, or iPads. The students we serve at Crossroads often use picture exchange (PECS), communication boards, and speech generating devices in addition to gestures, sign, body language, when they are limited in verbal language. All classrooms utilize AAC through visual schedules, choice boards, and pictures to give directions or label items and places.

Imagine you lost your voice tomorrow; how would you communicate with everyone around you?

Forms of communicating