Speech Language Program

Speech is the process of processing audible sounds using the articulators (i.e. tongue, teeth, lips).

Generally speaking, it means that the student:

• Does not say all of his/her words/sounds clearly or that he/she is intelligible;
• Stutters (disfluency);
• Speaks too rapidly or clutters his/her words;
• Exhibits a voice disorder (e.g. hoarse or hyper/hypo-nasality).

Language involves three (3) distinct areas:  receptive language (understanding), expressive language (grammar/syntax, semantics/vocabulary); and pragmatics (use of language in social contexts).

Generally speaking, it means that the student has difficulty:

• Understanding language (reception) – e.g. not able to follow directions;
• Using language appropriately (expression) - e.g. limited vocabulary, incorrect syntax;
• Using language to communicate in social contexts (e.g. inability to express feelings, initiate a conversation, maintain a topic;

However, it must be noted that just because a student has weaknesses in language function doesn’t mean he/she should be referred for speech/language services. There must be an adverse educational impact, which will determine whether an impairment is also a disability.

Generally, a student is found eligible to receive speech and/or language services when it is determined that a significant delay/disorder impacts his/her academic performance, or for young children, impacts his/her participation in age appropriate activities.

NOTE:  A student may exhibit a speech delay/disorder and may not be eligible for services.  For example:  

• A five year old who may be unable to produce the /r/ sound would not be considered eligible to receive services because the sound is often not developed in children until the age of 7 or 8.
• A student may have a mild dysfluency problem that does not significantly impact his/her communication skills or academics.

The Speech Language Program provides a continuum of comprehensive instructional and consultative services for students ranging from those with severe communicative problems to those who need to learn to communicate appropriately in the regular education classroom.

Services are provided so that students may access, participate and progress in developmentally appropriate activities in the general education curriculum. The Speech and Language Pathologist involves parents, teachers and other professionals associated with the student to stimulate and improve the student’s communication skills. Speech Language Pathologists can provide support to educators, school teams, parents and other staff members on matters related to speech and language.

Services are provided to students in Infant Toddler Programs in home, school and community settings as determined by their Individualized Family Service Plan. Services for school age students are provided in their educational setting as determined by the students Individualized Education Program.

Services are provided in:

• Early Intervention settings (birth to three)
• Preschool Programs (three to five)
• Academic settings for (five through 21)

Speech and Language Pathologists are professionals who help students make functional and measurable changes in their communicative abilities so that they are able to participate as fully and as independently as possible in educational, social, and vocational aspects of life.

Speech and Language Pathologists  who work in the schools are responsible for providing a wide variety of services through the Special Education process  This process involves handling  referrals, facilitating informed parent involvement, completing assessments, providing evaluation review and interpretation, assisting with refinements of initial impressions and  providing guidance  and direction for remedial instruction and intervention.

Speech and Language Pathologists are professionals trained to screen, identify, assess, diagnose, counsel and offer remediation of speech and language disorders.  Services include but are not limited to evaluations, re-evaluations, observations, program planning, and remediation.