Skip To Main Content

Speech-Language

an slp and a student, pictured from behind, working on a computer on a social story
an slp helping a male student in a wheelchair drink out of a straw
an slp working with a female student. they are both seated looking at the student's ipad and the staff laptop
an slp leaning over a female student. both are smiling, they are outside, the student is holding a flag

What is a Speech-Language Pathologist?


Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are highly-trained professionals who specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide variety of communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults. Some of the key responsibilities of a speech-language pathologist include:

  • Evaluating a child's speech, language, voice, fluency, and/or swallowing abilities
  • Developing individualized treatment plans to address any identified delays or disorders
  • Providing one-on-one or group therapy sessions to help a child improve their communication skills
  • Collaborating with teachers, parents, and other professionals to ensure a child's needs are met
  • Educating families on communication development and strategies to use at home
  • SLPs play a critical role in supporting the academic, social, and overall development of students with special needs

What do Speech-Language services at SEDOL look like?

At SEDOL, our team of over 20 speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work closely with students, teachers, and families to address a wide range of communication needs. SLP services are available to support both academic learning and functional language development.

SLPs utilize a combination of "push-in" and "pull-out" service delivery models to best meet each student's individual needs:

Push−In Services: SLPs may join a student in their classroom to provide support that is integrated with the curriculum and classroom activities. This allows the SLP to collaborate with the teacher and incorporate communication goals into everyday lessons and routines.

Pull−Out Services: Students may also work one-on-one or in small groups with the SLP in a separate setting. During these sessions, the SLP can deliver more targeted, individualized intervention to address specific speech, language, or swallowing difficulties.

SLPs work closely with classroom teachers, related service staff, support staff, and families to ensure a cohesive, comprehensive approach to supporting each student's communication development. They may focus on skills like:

  • Articulation and speech sound production
  • Vocabulary, grammar, and language comprehension
  • Social communication and pragmatic language
  • Feeding and swallowing

By addressing both academic and functional communication needs, our SLPs play a vital role in helping students with special needs reach their full potential.

 

Meet the Speech-Language Leadership Team

  • Lyn Edwards, MHS, CCC-SLP, Liaison
  • Robert J. Bolin, MA, SSP, Director of Special Services
an slp crouching next to a standing young student. in front of them both is a sand play activity
an slp leaning over to assist a seated male student with an activity. there is an ipad propped in front of the student, and a lunch tray with sensory items