A new year brings a new outlook for many in the industry of speech-language pathology.  We have come a long way in understanding the impact that speech and communication play in our development and functionality in life, and as the industry grows, there is an increasing need to stay up-to-date on the latest news.  While this can be a daunting task for Speech-Language Pathologists, Students and Administrators alike, we have identified three key categories to be on the lookout for in 2019, along with topics for each category to serve as leading examples.   Our top three categories include:

1. Industry Operational Changes
2. Emerging Tools for Speech-Language Pathology
3. New Applications for Speech-Language Pathology

We are committed to sharing news in these realms in the coming year of 2019.  Read on to learn about prime examples in each category to gain helpful resources and insightful information.
 

1. INDUSTRY OPERATIONAL CHANGES.

There is no question that changes to the industry’s operation of speech-language pathology have a direct impact on certified service professionals, administrator and even those studying to gain entry into the field.  It goes without saying that these aforementioned roles are the “oil” that keeps the industry’s machine moving… We have identified this as the first category, to empower and assist services providers.  Here are a few updates to be mindful of –

• New and Revised CPT Codes For 2019
  ASHA has just announced new and revised CPT codes that will go into effect on January 1, 2019.  These changes will have a dramatic effect on how Speech-Language Pathologists provide manage their billing procedures, and impact categories including Speech-Language Pathology,  Developmental/Behavioral Testing, Adaptive Behavior Assessment, and Treatment and more.  Review a complete list of these new and revised codes here: You can also review a helpful presentation to streamline your billing procedures here.
• Changes to Certification-
  As we have previously noted, ASHA has issued changes to the certification process that will directly impact students of speech-language pathology along with certified professionals. It is worth re-sharing this helpful illustration that provides an overview of what to expect once these changes go into effect on January xxx, 2019.  For a complete review of these changes, visit ASHA online here.

2. NEW TOOLS FOR SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY.

As the industry of Speech-Language Pathology grows from increasing demand for service, it is not surprising that innovative solutions continue to emerge to meet such demand and combat challenges. Technology has been a leading ally in the field, with Telepractice being a leading alternative to in-person treatment. New technologies are available to address diverse sectors of the industry, from web applications to treatment solutions.  Here are a few examples to illustrate the dynamic, responsive nature that the industry of speech-language pathology has enjoyed.  Click on each title to learn more.

• WCU teacher invents phone application to quickly assess voice measure changes amongst teachers.
• Education Mobile App Created by CMU Team Uses Photos to Help Form Proper Sentences.

3. NEW APPLICATIONS FOR SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY.

We have saved the most EXCITING category for the end – new applications that are discovered for which Speech-Language Pathology can be sourced as an effective treatment. Unlike the previous category (that refers to phone applications – or, “apps”) this category explores unconventional ways in which Speech-Language Pathology can be employed to solve challenges. These are not “one-off” enigmas, but rather, new uses for therapy treatment (a trend that is as consistent as it is exciting!) Here are a few of the most recent examples. Click on the story summary to learn more.

• Lisa Schoenbrodt, a professor of speech-language pathology at Loyola University Maryland co-designed an “improv” training program for law enforcement, to train them on how to handle interactions with people with disabilities. This program was launched in Maryland, with high hopes for growth.  
• One of the most defining gender characteristics, voice, often gets overlooked in technology and medicine, but new advances in voice therapy may help transgender people feel more like their true gender.  While hormones may help some people change their voice, they don’t work for everyone. But new research shows promising options in coaching and speech therapy for transgender people whose voices don’t change after hormones. The research sessions used biofeedback from voice frequencies shown on computer screens to help participants modulate their voices. 
• New Collaborative, interdisciplinary programs in Medical training – the role of Speech-Language Pathology, and the impact it has on other fields.
• Dunwoody speech-language pathologist launches a program to treat dementia – Recent research shows that many of the therapies used by speech-language therapists to diagnose and treat people suffering from vocal and cognitive communication impairments, often caused by brain injuries or learning disabilities, are effective in treating people living with dementia.

 
 
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