Speech-Language Therapists Give People a Voice

Speech Language Pathologist Appreciation Day or National Speech Pathologist Day is May 18, and it is a wonderful opportunity to recognize our small, but mighty speech team at Boundless. Seven speech therapists work on the Boundless Worthington and Newark campuses, and Abby Harris, MA CCC-SLP leads their efforts. 

A speech language pathologist (SLP), also known as a speech therapist (ST), specializes in diagnostic and communication and language disorders. They serve all ages in a variety of functions, but the heart of what Boundless speech language pathologists do is help others find their “voice” whether it be through verbal expression, a low-tech alternative, or with a communication device.  

“The most rewarding part of my job is giving people a voice,” Harris said. “Sometimes that is finding technology to help them communicate.” 

To become a SLP, you need to earn a master’s degree in speech pathology and complete a nine-month clinical fellowship to receive a CCC (certificate of clinical competence).  

At Boundless, our SLPs work in outpatient services, center-based services, in our intermediate care facilities (ICF), and multi-system youth (MSY) homes.  

Through the outpatient services Boundless offers an early identification clinic (EIC), augmentative and alternative communications clinic (AAC) and speech therapies for individual and group services.  

The earlier speech issues are identified, the better. Beginning speech therapy at an early age helps set someone up for the most success.  

Danielle Mallasee remembers when her two-year-old son, Gannon, first came to Boundless. “In the beginning, he was not speaking any words, so he started speech therapy right away. And within six months, Gannon was saying a few words. He has continued speech, two times a week for the last three years. Now, at five years old, because of such an amazing team of teachers. Gannon is now able to speak full sentences. He can count to eleven, he knows all his animals, and so much more. We are so thankful for the speech therapy Boundless has provided our son.”  

All of our approximately hundred center-based clients in Worthington and receive speech-language therapy as part of their day programs. Each person gets at least thirty minutes of one-on-one therapy weekly. Fulfilling our commitment to provide person-centered care, Boundless SLPs are wonderful at collaborating with all the other stake holders who interact with their clients. They provide training to both staff and parents so the communication strategies that are successful can be used in every area of the person’s life, which is critical for success. 

Good speech therapy can greatly improve someone’s life like in Michael’s situation. Michael attends speech therapy twice a week in Newark with Bridget O’Riordan. His mom, Diana Lehman, said the therapies are important, but it is how Michael is treated with genuine care that makes the difference to him. 

“Michael enjoys spending time with Bridget and looks forward to it twice a week. They have a wonderful relationship. Bridget cares about Michael and lets him take the lead on what they will work on each session. She has gotten to know Michael over the years and knows what interests him and how to make each session fun and meaningful to him. She is also a strong advocate for him as we are in the process of obtaining a new AAC device.” Lehman said.  

If staff and family members are not trained along with the individual there is a high device abandonment rate, Harris said. Devices need to be used consistently throughout the day.  

“Bridget and I have had many conversations regarding Michael’s speech and language. He has been making some amazing gains as his sounds and words are becoming clearer and he is starting to initiate conversation now. These seemingly small steps are huge gains for Michael and our family. It has been amazing to be welcomed to observe many of these sessions as it also helps me learn about my son and things that we can do at home to assist and encourage his communication abilities,” said Lehman.  

Everyone wants to be understood. “We have found that when we can help someone express what they want, there is a decrease in aggressive behaviors,” Harris said.  

Kristin Strapp, Boundless speech language pathologist, shares how she worked with a nonverbal twenty-two-year-old client, Kris, who has had a communication device for many years, but had not used it functionally. One of his guardian’s goals was for him to be able to identify when he was hurt or not feeling well as it is usually a guessing game and may take a while to understand what is causing pain. I worked with Kris and we targeted body parts and functional words such as "hurt", and "help" during their therapy sessions for several months. He began identifying them correctly in sessions, but I was unsure if this skill would carry over to the outside community. One day he accidentally bumped his head and was held his hand to it. When I asked what was wrong, he independently went to "head." His behavior staff was able to get him the help he needed in a timely manner! His guardian also recently reports that he has started to use the word "help" to request assistance instead of resorting to aggressive behaviors. Because of his progress with his communication, his behaviors have also significantly reduced. His family is now beginning to investigate day programs that would be appropriate for him to help get him back into the community. 

Outside of language assistance, in our intermediate care facilities, SLPs also conduct feeding therapy to ensure that people can safely eat distinct types of food textures without trouble.  

Wherever Boundless speech language pathologists are working, they are positively impacting the lives of those they serve. If you or your loved one benefits from their care, please tell them thank you this week.