Communication Therapy
 The
Communication Therapy Service is committed to developing each student's
total communication skills to his/her personal potential. A licensed
and certified Speech and Language Pathologist staffs the department.
Students are seen for a Communication Assessment upon admission
to ICRE-R. Individual goals are established and treatment takes place
in individual and small groups.
Communication Skills assessment and treatment takes place in the following
program areas:
Speech
Speech includes a student's ability to pronounce sounds in words, sentences,
and at a conversational level. It also includes voice quality (the sound
of the voice) and fluency (rhythm and flow of speech).
Eating and Swallowing
Eating and Swallowing involves determining a student's safety and effectiveness
in handling food and drink in the mouth. Radiological testing may be
necessary to review the swallowing process. Recommendations are made
about the best consistency for a student's food and the optimal method
for feeding the student.
Language
Language includes a student's ability to use words to express needs
and ideas or to understand words that others express to them. It includes
understanding the meaning of words and how to put words together in
messages. At a more complex level, language involves the ability to
understand and use word combinations appropriate to specific situations.
If a student does not understand language, it is a receptive language
problem. If the student has difficulty sharing thoughts, ideas, and
needs, it is an expressive problem.
Augmentative Communication
Augmentative Communication is a system or device used to support a
student's communication when he/she cannot speak orally. An augmentative
communication system may use any of the following: gestures, sign language,
symbols, a word board, or an electronic device. The system used depends
on the skills of the student and is very individualized.
Functional Communication Skills
Functional Communication Skills are also included in this service.
Students receive assistance in skills such as directing others in their
personal care, developing personal advocacy skills, and facilitating
creative expression.
Each student's communication goals are integrated into the ICRE-R Transition
Program. As some students also receive therapy in the community, the
ICRE-R Communication Therapy Service works closely with community resources.
Back to Top
|
