The Development of a New Era of Speech-Language Pathology in Greece

1995 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marinella Tsoukala ◽  
Rebecca Tziorvas

Speech-language pathology services in Greece continue to expand, and it is an exciting time to be a speech-language pathologist within the existing structure. The role of speech-language pathologists in Greece has changed over the years from therapist, to include educator, advocate, and politician. The many tasks facing speech-language pathologists in Greece have been difficult ones. It has taken patience and persistence to educate the general public about communication disorders and the role of speech-language pathologists in treating these problems. It has also been arduous to convince the government to recognize our profession and its value within the community. We believe that by the establishment of a speech-language department at a Greek university, our profession will be fortified and renewed. The development of a university-based training program will aid in the creation of posts in educational and hospital settings, as well as bridge the gap that exists between the current number of speech-language pathologists and the number of people requiring treatment. Furthermore, the creation of a university department will allow for much needed research within the Greek community. In particular, it may aid in the gathering of normative data and the standardization of tests for the Greek population. The path in establishing speech-language pathology education and services in Greece is a long one, but through our commitment and our energetic and earnest approach, we hope to reach our goals.

Author(s):  
Melissa A. Pierce

In countries other than the United States, the study and practice of speech-language pathology is little known or nonexistent. Recognition of professionals in the field is minimal. Speech-language pathologists in countries where speech-language pathology is a widely recognized and respected profession often seek to share their expertise in places where little support is available for individuals with communication disorders. The Peace Corps offers a unique, long-term volunteer opportunity to people with a variety of backgrounds, including speech-language pathologists. Though Peace Corps programs do not specifically focus on speech-language pathology, many are easily adapted to the profession because they support populations of people with disabilities. This article describes how the needs of local children with communication disorders are readily addressed by a Special Education Peace Corps volunteer.


Author(s):  
Janice K. Tucker

Telepractice in speech-language pathology shows the potential to mitigate the current shortage of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) available to serve a growing number of persons with communication disorders.  Since a majority of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certified SLPs work in schools and the population of communicatively impaired clients in schools continues to grow, research into the use of telepractice in the educational setting is warranted.  This article reports upon the perspectives of SLPs regarding the use of telepractice in school settings. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with five SLPs experienced in the delivery of telepractice. Four major themes emerged: barriers, benefits, reasons for acceptance and use of telepractice, and suggestions to resolve telepractice professional issues.


2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (2S) ◽  
pp. 986-992 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily L. Morrow ◽  
Lyn S. Turkstra ◽  
Melissa C. Duff

Purpose The purpose of this article is to highlight the need for increased focus on cognitive communication in North American speech-language pathology graduate education models. Method We describe key findings from a recent survey of acute care speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the United States and expand upon the ensuing discussion at the 2020 International Cognitive-Communication Disorders Conference to consider some of the specific challenges of training for cognitive communication and make suggestions for rethinking how to prepare future clinicians to manage cognitive-communication disorders. Results Results from the survey of acute care SLPs indicated inconsistent confidence and training in managing cognitive-communication disorders. We discuss the pros and cons of several avenues for improving the consistency of cognitive-communication training, including a standalone cognitive-communication course, integrating cognitive communication in all courses across the speech-language pathology undergraduate and graduate curriculum, and using problem-based learning frameworks to better prepare students as independent thinkers in the area of cognitive communication and beyond. Conclusions Cognitive-communication disorders cut across clinical diagnoses and settings and are one of the largest and fastest growing parts of the SLP's scope of practice. Yet, surveys, including the one discussed here, have repeatedly indicated that SLPs do not feel prepared or confident to work with individuals with cognitive-communication disorders. We propose several avenues for increasing educational emphasis on cognitive communication. We hope these ideas will generate discussion and guide decision making to empower SLPs to think critically and step confidently into their roles as leaders in managing the heterogeneous and ever-growing populations of individuals with cognitive-communication disorders.


2009 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 38-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michaela J. Ritter

Abstract In recent years, major changes have occurred in the field of speech-language pathology and education. In the past 2 decades researchers, educators, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have increased their focus on the identification, assessment, and treatment of reading disabilities in children (Catts, 1991; Catts, Fey, Zhang, & Tomblin, 2001; Justice & Ezell, 2004; Kaderavek & Justice, 2004). The primary goal of this article is to discuss a variety of ways that the speech-language pathologist can be both directly and indirectly involved in working with children who present with language and reading impairments. For example, Baylor University's Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders has had the opportunity to be involved in the prevention, identification, and treatment of reading disabilities in children both in a direct and indirect way.


2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-13
Author(s):  
Edie R. Hapner

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)'s Preferred Practice Patterns for the Profession of Speech-Language Pathology (ASHA, 2004) and Prevention of Communication Disorders (ASHA, 1988) advise speech-language pathologists to engage in activities to educate and prevent diseases and disorders that affect speech and swallowing. However, many speech-language pathologists may be unfamiliar with the use of head and neck cancer screening that can be easily integrated into oral mechanism examinations and perceptual voice evaluations. This paper reviews the problem created by the lack of knowledge and reduced risk perception by the general public and healthcare professionals regarding signs, symptoms, and risks for head and neck cancer. A simple six-step screening tool is included to aid the reader in integrating head and neck cancer screenings into a general oral mechanism and speech/voice evaluation.


2010 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 145-148
Author(s):  
Jill Parmenter ◽  
Paula McGraw

Abstract Mentoring is one of the most important services experienced speech-language pathologists can provide to the profession of speech-language pathology. The mentoring we provide today will impact the future of the profession. This article will examine the roles and responsibilities of a mentoring speech-language pathologist, considering the specific needs of a Clinical Fellow (CF) as well as the mentoring needed for professionals throughout their careers.


Author(s):  
Maryanne Weatherill

This chapter discusses a clinical case from the interdisciplinary practice of dysphagia and the collaboration between speech-language pathology clinicians and dietetics professionals from the perspective of the speech-language pathologist. The discussion begins with an introduction to the normal swallowing process to better understand disordered swallowing and the role of therapeutic and compensatory interventions. Changes in swallowing that occur with normal aging and their impact are identified and reviewed. Common interventions and considerations in the clinical management of dysphagia from the perspective of the speech-language pathologist are included with rationale based on the current literature. Swallowing motor functions and factors in dysphagia decision making are discussed in relationship to clinical problem solving with a sample case and nutritional interventions. The chapter closes with general recommendations and conclusions to assist in learning and understanding of the concepts discussed.


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Lim ◽  
Patricia McCabe ◽  
Alison Purcell

Background, aims and objectives: This study aimed to compare the perception of barriers to service delivery among speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in Canada and Australia and the extent to which they used parent or carer training to overcome these barriers.  Methods: Participants were 81 Australian and 63 Canadian SLPs who completed an online survey. Questions comprised open ended and forced choice questions with some ranking of questions also required. Chi-square analyses were conducted comparing Canadian and Australian SLPs.  Results: Few differences existed among the respondents. Respondents overwhelmingly selected “not enough speech-language pathology positions to meet demand” as their main barrier. This barrier along with “parents/carer’s lack of knowledge about the need for speech-language pathology”, “lack of parent/carer engagement” and “lack of awareness of role of speech-language pathologist” were the principal barriers. Training parents and carers to conduct therapy at home was the most used strategy among both Canadian and Australian SLPs.  Discussion: The finding that the SLPs perceive low engagement from parents both in the training sessions and when working with their child may suggest that there is a need for speech-language pathologists to determine more effective ways to train and engage parents and carers.  Conclusion: More research into the efficacy of parent or carer training across a wider range of speech-language pathology practice areas and across a more diverse range of parents or carers needs to be undertaken.


2014 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Hughes

Purpose The purpose of this tutorial is to introduce speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to the broad issues surrounding the problem of school bullying in childhood and adolescence. Specifically, types of bullying and their causes are considered, as are the roles students take when bullying occurs and the effects of bullying on students with communication disorders. Strategies and suggestions to help SLPs more effectively prevent and manage bullying of students with communication disorders are discussed. Method A review of the scholarly literature in education, psychology, child and adolescent development, and speech-language pathology was conducted. Recommendations for how SLPs can prevent and intervene in bullying incidences were extrapolated from the reviewed literature. Results Students with communication disorders are at particularly high risk for being bullied by peers. Some students with communication disorders are “provocative victims” in that they demonstrate impairments in social skills that draw the attention of bullies. Both provocative victims and typical students may react aggressively when bullied and bully others in retaliation. Conclusion SLPs can and should help to create an inclusive environment for all students while addressing bullying of students with communication disorders via therapeutic activities.


2020 ◽  
Vol 71 ◽  
pp. 123-126
Author(s):  
Perumal Santhanam Divya ◽  
R. Sai Sreya

The primary goal of a speech-language pathologist in a laryngectomee is to restore the clients’ functional speech ability, facilitate comfortable swallowing, and, thus, improve the quality of life. The client, a 65-year-old female, came to the department of speech-language pathology for evaluation. She was diagnosed with carcinoma in the glottic and supraglottic region and had undergone. Total laryngectomy with hemithyroidectomy with primary tracheoesophageal puncture and voice prosthesis inserted. The client had lost her voice completely and had swallowing difficulty and presented with the complaint of food getting stuck in the throat and increased duration of swallowing.


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