Services Available
Specific services include diagnostic-evaluation and management services by speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Services are provided by graduate students under the direct supervision of faculty members and clinical instructors. All professional staff members are licensed by the Florida Board of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology and certified by the American Speech Language Hearing Association.
Hearing
Even a mild hearing impairment can be important because of its effects in such areas as language development and school performance in young children and adult communication at home and in the work environment. The following hearing assessments are available at the Clinic:
- Comprehensive hearing evaluations for infants, children, and adults
- Hearing aid candidacy assessment
- OSHA mandated hearing assessment for noise exposed workers
- Hearing aid or assistive listening device selection and fitting
- Cochlear Implant Evaluations for Children and Adults
- Cochlear Implant Programming for Children and Adults
Speech-Language
Intervention programs vary depending on the nature and severity of the communication disorder, the person’s age, and individual concerns. Therapy is provided for children and adults and may be scheduled for individual or group sessions. Parents of children in therapy as well as family members or caregivers of adult clients receive information regarding the person’s progress and ways to facilitate communication skills outside the clinic. Services related to speech and language include:
- Articulation disorders
- Language delay or disorders
- Fluency disorders
- Voice disorders
- Disorders of speech, language, and cognition due to neurological damage or disease (e.g., stroke, head injury, or progressive neurological disease)
- Augmentative communication systems for the non-vocal client
- Language learning disorders (oral and written) related to learning disabilities
- Auditory Verbal Therapy for individuals with hearing aids or cochlear implants provided by a licensed audiologist certified in auditory verbal therapy
- Swallowing disorders/Dysphagia management
- Speech and language differences due to region or ethnic dialect or English as a second language
Assistive Communication Lab
The Assistive Communication Lab focuses on meeting augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) needs of people with severe communication disorders. Augmentative and alternative communication is an area of rehabilitation offering ways to develop or restore an individual’s ability to express him/herself and increase independence. The lab assists individuals with severe communication disorders including those related to cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, autism, traumatic brain injury, stroke, or neuromuscular disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy. Augmentative and alternative systems may include communication boards and books, sign language and electronic communication devices. Assessment services provide individuals and caregivers opportunities to identify appropriate resources. Intervention programs are available to enhance effective individual and caregiver use of resources.