American Speech-Language Hearing Association Conference 2017

This past week our office was closed on Thursday and Friday.

The therapists took a trip to Los Angeles, California to attend the yearly ASHA conference.

The ASHA Convention is the strongest educational program for speech-language pathologists, audiologists, speech and hearing scientists, and related professionals.

Make sure to ask your therapist how the conference was!

"This was my first time at ASHA and I had an awesome experience! I am excited to apply everything I learned from the conference into therapy.  It was amazing to be surrounded by thousands of people who share the same passion as me."  

- Adina (SLPA)

Dyslexia Awareness Month

Dyslexia Awareness Month

Dyslexia is defined as difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and poor spelling and decoding abilities. Typically, Dyslexia results from a deficit in the phonological component of language. 

Dyslexia Awareness month was first celebrated in 2002. 

You can help raise awareness by using the hashtag #DyslexiaAwarenessMonth on social media! 

Resources:

• http://nild.org/october-is-national-dyslexia-month-do-you-know-the-signs/

National Down Syndrome Awareness Month

National Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Down Syndrome is a condition where a person is born with an extra chromosome. The physical features and medical problems associated with down syndrome can vary widely from child-to-child. Kids with Down Syndrome tend to share certain physical features such as a flat facial profile, an upward slant to the eyes, small ears, and protruding tongue. Some also may have low muscle tone (called hypotonia), which is also a characteristic.

Today, many kids with down syndrome go to school, hold jobs, and enjoy many of the same activities as other kids their age. They go to college, and transition to semi-independent living as well. 

This month is not about celebrating disabilities, it's about celebrating abilities! Join us in celebrating and raising awareness. 

Resources:

• http://www.ndss.org/Down-Syndrome/
• http://downsyndromecommunity.org

Identify the Signs of Communication Disorders

Do you know the common sings of communication disorders? 

Early intervention is always best! Which is why ASHA partnered with Read Aloud 15 MINUTES to create age specific flyers on common signs of communication disorders. 

Here are few common signs of a communication disorder:

• Struggles to say sounds or words
• Repetition of words or parts of words
• Says words in wrong order
• Struggles with using words and understanding others

Early detection signs are commonly categorized for age specific development. Please use these resources to target your child's specific age range to determine any delays in reaching milestones. 

Signs of Speech & Language Disorders

Resource for Parents with Young Children

International Augmentative & Alternative Communication Awareness Month

October is the International AAC Awareness month!

PrAACticialAAC.org has many resources to help raise awareness of AAC and resources for those who have devices. 

This site also has a printable file flip chart called "Everyone Deserves a Voice" AAC Strategies for Success. 

Here is a blurb from the pamphlet: 

Students who use AAC need their communication systems within arms reach at all times. If you can see the student, you should also be able to see their AAC. Its never okay to turn it off or take it away. For students to learn to use AAC, they need to see adults & peers using it, too. Immerse them in an environment that is rich in AAC use throughout the day. Point to the AAC symbols as you speak. Use the AAC devise or app OR make a non-electoronic mock-up. 

We have a laminated version of this flip chart in our lobby at all times. 

However, during this month we will have multiple on the desk for you to take home and share with friends and family! 

Free Zoo Days!

Did you know the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium offers free admission on select days for seniors (65+) and those with a disability?

Click here to visit the website

Better Hearing & Speech Month 2017

May is Better Hearing and Speech Month!

Communication: The Key to Connection. 

Approximately 46 million Americans experience some form of communication disorder. Communication disorders can compromise physical and emotional health.

Better Hearing and Speech Month is working to raise awareness about communication disorders and resources available. 

Click here to find out how you can get involved!