Speech-Language Pathology Services
The role of the Speech - Language Pathologist includes provision of a range of services to identify and remediate disorders of speech and language development, social communication and of feeding and swallowing disorders.
These services include the following:
Evaluation and eligibility determination services
Speech Therapy Services including remediation of the following disorders:
Speech Sound Disorders such as articulation, phonological, phonemic awareness disorders, and motor planning difficulties.
Language Disorders including disorders of auditory compression and verbal expression related to difficulty with semantic, morphological, syntacticand pragmatic disorders.
Fluency Disorders such as stuttering and cluttering disorders.
Voice Disorders that include disruption of vocal quality due to hoarseness, nasality, and management of volume.
Social Communication Disorders addressing deficits in social-emotional reciprocity, nonverbal communicative behaviors used for social interaction, and deficits in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships.
Development of Augmentative/Alternative Communication Systems to assist individuals with difficulties in efficiently communicating verbally.
Feeding/Swallowing Disorders are supported by a team of specialists, including a speech - language pathologist to ensure students have the appropriate safe feeding plan in place to eat and drink safely during the school day.
Speech - Language Pathology services may be provided through:
Specially Designed Instruction when Speech - Language Impairment is the primary disability
Related Services when communication needs are a function of a disability other than Speech - Language Impairment
Consult Services with other educators/professionals to teach, train, collaborate and coordinate effective intervention strategies among/across the team.
SERVICE DELIVERY
Speech Pathologists may use a wide variety of service delivery models depending on the unique needs of the student. Services are generally provided within small group settings, but may in some instances be provided on an individual basis or within the regular classroom. Some examples of service delivery models include, but are not limited to the following:
Traditional schedule
Traditional Schedule
Receding schedule
3:1 model
Block Schedule
Blast or Burst schedule
Push in to the regular classroom
Eligibility considerations:
Under IDEA 2004 a child must meet a three-prong test to be considered a child with a disability:
(1) have one of the specified disabilities;
(2) that causes a negative educational impact (academic and/or functional), and
(3) because of the disability, has a need for special education/specially designed instruction or related services. To be found eligible for services under the disability of Speech - Language Impairment, the child must be found significantly discrepant in at least one parameter of communication, based on a comprehensive assessment in all areas of suspected disability.
Speech - Language Pathologists become a part of the MTSS team at Step 3: Student Study Team once a referral for a Speech - Language Impairment is deemed appropriate. This invitation may result in an evaluation to determine if a Speech - Language Impairment exists.
A number of resources are available to provide policy to practice guidance for Speech - Language Pathologists in the Hillsboro School District. Guidance provided here is relevant to any Special Educator pertaining to Speech Pathology Services.
Speech Pathologist's also have access to a separate Speech - Language Pathology site and Google Classroom for detailed guidance related to services provided by the Speech Pathologist.