Speech-Language Therapy and The Top 5 Things We Are Thankful For.

As the holidays approach, we would be amiss if we did not take pause and express our gratitude for the
things that our industry should be thankful for. Practitioners of Speech-Language Therapy are motivated by an innate drive to help others. As challenges arise in the industry, we are grateful for any solutions that might come along to provide some resolve. Here are the top 5 things that we feel obliged to acknowledge and give thanks.

1. TECHNOLOGY.

We are thankful for advances in technology that provide quality resources to regions of the country that would otherwise go without.
The demand for Speech-Language Therapy continues to grow, while the treatment industry struggles to keep up. This trend leaves many regions of the country with limited access to certified Speech-Language Pathologists. In fact, 2018 has had entire school districts, nationwide, experience a “drought” of qualified resources. With advances in technology, these challenges are combatted head-on.
Technology has equipped the needs of the nation so that even the most remote areas have access to qualified treatment. Our very own RemoteSpeech.com was founded to respond to these challenges. Developments in web applications and software for on-the-go and at home practice have been so successful that they are now being incorporated into Graduate Programs.
If you have limited access to certified Speech-Language Pathologists, please see our online resource for further information.

2. INCREASED AWARENESS AND ADVOCACY.

We are thankful for Administrators, parents, patients, therapists and activist organizations who continue to take an active stance in promoting the industry, combatting myths and advocating for support.
Everyone can relate to the positive effect that awareness has on speech-language therapy, regardless of your connection to the industry. The call for awareness is so strong, that clear advancements and advocacy can be observed each year. Notable platforms in 2018 include the International Communication Project (ICP) who “operate as an advocate for those with communication disabilities, as well as their families, caregivers and communication professionals.” A leading call of their activism includes The Universal Declaration of Communication Rights, that states:

We recognize that the ability to communicate is a basic human right.
We recognize that everyone has the potential to communicate.
By putting our names to this declaration, we give our support to the millions of people around the world who have communication disorders that prevent them from experiencing fulfilling lives and participating equally and fully in their communities.
We believe that people with communication disabilities should have access to the support they need to realize their full potential.

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3. GROWTH IN TREATMENT SPECIALIZATION.

We are thankful for the dedication of researchers, educational specialists, and leading industry organizations that have helped expand specialized treatment options.
The industry of speech-language therapy evolves to cater to market demand. Through this evolution, specialized treatment has increasingly emerged to address the needs of the individual. The result is more efficient treatment and increased rates of success. This growth is illustrated in a survey statement conducted over the course of a decade, from 1996 to 2006. Survey respondents were certified SLPs, who were asked to respond to the following statement:

“Specialization in a specific area of practice will become necessary in my position.”
In 1996, survey participants responded to this statement with mixed results, as follows:
Disagreed 37.5%
Neutral 25%
Agreed 37.5%
Ten years later, the same survey was issued with nearly HALF of all participants agreeing with the statement. The following responses were observed:
Disagreed 18%
Neutral 33%
Agreed 49%
Industry resources have both contributed and responded to these perceptions, as can be observed in ASHA’s recent introduction of resources for providers to apply for specialized treatment certification, and its organized procedures for establishing a clinical specialty area.

4. GROWING RESOURCES FOR THE INDUSTRY OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE COMMUNICATION.

We are thankful for the growing resources made available to help advance communication treatment as a whole.
As previously mentioned, the industry of speech-language communication has many members; from parents, patients, administrators, treatment providers, researchers, advocacy groups and beyond. As the industry grows, the number of supportive resources for each demographic continues to grow with it. Resources such as ASHA.org consistently provide treatment providers with the latest industry announcements, updates on certification and resources for continuing education. Online networks such as Mommy Speech Therapy help guide parents with regard to their child’s articulation skills. Administrators’ resources are just as bountiful with emerging solutions in technology and telepractice to help address shortages in both budgets and certified treatment professionals in their region. Our goal at Abington Speech Pathology is to highlight resources as they become available and help support our community and all of its diverse facets.

5. THE DEDICATION, PASSION, AND PERSEVERANCE.

We are thankful for you.
Abington Speech Pathology has been a leading provider of Speech-Language Therapy for nearly 20 years. We have addressed emerging trends with responsive engagement every year since our founding. Despite the transformative effects we’ve witnessed the industry endure, the one consistent mainstay we’ve observed is the dedication and impassioned commitment from every sect of the industry. We’ve encountered Speech-Language Pathologists who are committed to continuing their education to ensure that their patients receive the best treatment available. We’ve encountered Administrators who have the perseverance to institute programs and policies to respond to immediate needs and combat the challenges in their way. Most notably, we’ve had countless interactions with patients and parents alike, who have a perseverance that is unlike anything we can explain. Parents persevere to seek, secure and maintain treatment for their children while patients of any age persevere through each phase of treatment to overcome their challenges and enhance their ability to communicate with the world.

Indeed, in 2018, we have much to be thankful for.
Abington Speech Pathology and RemoteSpeech.com wish you and your family
a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!!

If you believe that your child would benefit from a formal screening from licensed, speech and language pathologist, click here to schedule a complimentary assessment by one of our licensed partners.