Aphasia Group is a clinical service delivery model of adult language therapy in a large group environment (6-10 clients). Clientele served have communication impairments resulting from neurogenic disorders(aphasia, motor speech, and cognitive disorders resulting from brain injury caused by stroke, disease or trauma). The main goals of large group therapy are: communication by any means, take a risk to communicate, and have an enjoyable time. A multi-modality therapeutic approach is used for both higher and lower functioning groups. A large area provides two separate areas for simultaneous therapy delivery if needed. One area is used for conversation in a natural setting and resembles a type of "family room" where there are sofas, chairs, coffee tables, etc. The "work area" contains a large table with chairs. This area is used as a writing center and for therapy activities that need a table. We also have a computer in this area which is utilized in some therapy activities.
Bilingual English-Spanish Specialization (BIES) in Speech-Pathology is the only bilingual (Spanish-English emphasis) speech-language pathology specialization program in the Midwest. It prepares speech-language pathologists who are proficient in Spanish to evaluate and treat communication disorders in individuals who speak Spanish or are bilingual (Spanish-English). The BIES specialization program is offered through the M.S. program in Speech-Language Pathology.
The 蜜桃影像 Hearing Clinic provides comprehensive audiologic evaluations and aural rehabilitation (hearing aids, assistive listening devices and auditory training) for adult and pediatric (age 6 months and older) populations. The hearing clinic serves the public, 蜜桃影像 students, faculty, staff and dependents. Audiologic evaluations may include some or all of the following procedures; video otoscopy, acoustic immittance measurements, pure tone air and bone conduction threshold testing, visual reinforcement audiometry, conditioned play audiometry,speech audiometry, and otoacoustic emission testing. In addition, the clinic offers recommendations, impressions and fitting of custom-fit earpieces designed for specific use such as hearing protection (hunting, high noise, musician), sleep, swim, communication (law enforcement), and personal listening (couple with earbud/headphone).
Intensive Aphasia Program (IAP) is designed for individuals suffering from chronic aphasia. There is strong evidence that intense therapy over a short period of time can improve speech/language outcomes for people living with aphasia. The MU Intensive Aphasia Program designs specific individualized programs using traditional and constraint therapy approaches. The philosophy of this program is to bombard the patient in mass activities of verbal production with the goal to immerse the patient in verbal practice both in and out of the therapy environment.
Integrated Therapy is one option used in treating children with a variety of diagnoses including autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and Down syndrome. Therapy is delivered in the Integrated Therapy Room which is a specially-equipped, large therapy room. The Integrated Therapy Room allows clinicians to respond to the unique needs of each client through provision of sensory and gross motor experiences and /or modification of the environment. Consultation with occupational therapists allows for the development of individualized programs for each client. The Integrated Therapy Room is equipped to provide sensory input and incentives to communicate for children at varied skill levels to help each child receive maximum benefit from therapy. For example, some children may be calmed by the vestibular and proprioceptive input from the 鈥渃uddle swing鈥� (shown above) and be able to transition from a behavioral breakdown back to 鈥渟peech work.鈥�
Speech and Swallowing Laboratory, under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey Berry, is used as a clinical, teaching and research laboratory. Dr. Berry specializes in instrumental methods of speech assessment and treatment. His research pertains to the use of speech analysis and synthesis techniques in the rehabilitation of individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Parkinson鈥檚 disease, stroke, and other neuromuscular disorders.
The ability to interact with peers and develop true friendships is often one of the most difficult and heartrending challenges of children with social communication impairments. The 蜜桃影像 Social Communication and Language Skills (MUSCLS) group in the 蜜桃影像 Speech and Hearing Clinic is working to help children with social communication impairments, including those with autism spectrum disorders, develop the skills to address these challenges. The group was piloted in Summer 2011 and, in response to enthusiastic feedback from the young participants, their families and the student clinicians involved, it has become a regular part of MUSHC services, meeting weekly to serve a group of school-aged children. As interest expands, the range of abilities and ages served will expand as well.
The 蜜桃影像 Hearing Clinic serves as a teaching laboratory for undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing graduate education in audiology. Students learn the basics of audiological practice to pediatric and adults populations through the provision of audiological services including video otoscopy, acoustic immittance measurements, pure tone air and bone conduction threshold testing, visual reinforcement audiometry, conditioned play audiometry,speech audiometry, and otoacoustic emission testing in the university clinic. Students may also be involved in the fitting and services related to hearing aids, assistive listening devices and custom earpieces. Opportunities are also available for observation/practicum at various audiology clinics in the greater Milwaukee area.
