Monday, May 10, 2010

Helping People Communicate


May is Better Speech & Hearing Month

Speech-language pathology services seek to optimize individuals' ability to communicate and swallow, thereby improving quality of life. Speech-Language Pathologists work with the full range of human communication and its disorders, improving quality of life by reducing impairments of body functions and structures, activity limitations, participation restrictions, and barriers created by various health conditions and/or environmental and personal factors. We evaluate, diagnose, and treat language, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders in individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly.

Health conditions and/or environmental and personal factors that may affect communication and swallowing might include: stroke, TIA, traumatic brain injury, developmental delays/disorders, cancer of the head, neck and throat, neurogenic disorders (i.e. Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, Dementia, Cerebral Palsy), voice disorders, stuttering, auditory processing disorders, and Autism Spectrum Spectrum disorders.
Speech-language pathologists often work as part of a team, which may include teachers, physicians, audiologists, psychologists, social workers, rehabilitation counselors, and others. We serve individuals, families, and groups from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Services are provided based on applying the best available research evidence, using expert clinical judgments, and considering clients' individual preferences and values.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), founded in 1925, is the professional, scientific, and credentialing association for 140,000 members and affiliates who are speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists in the United States and internationally. ASHA is committed to ensuring that all people with speech, language, and hearing disorders receive services to help them communicate effectively. For more information, go to http://www.asha.org/
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At Fauquier Health, our ASHA and state certified Speech-Language Pathologists provide assessment, intervention, and management to a diverse clientele. Fauquier Health offers outpatient speech-language therapy services to adults in the Medical Office Building on the hospital campus:
  • 253 Veteran's Drive, Warrenton, Virginia
We also provide services for children, in two locations:
  • 493 Blackwell Road, Warrenton, Virginia
  • 7915 Manassas Drive, Gainesville, Virginia

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about the benefits of speech-language therapy, or would like to make an appointment with one of our speech-language therapists, please call us at: 540-316-2680. Or click on the button below to submit an inquiry via email.