Speech-Language pathology is the study of disorders that affect a person's speech, language, cognition, voice, swallowing (dysphagia), and the rehabilitative or corrective treatment of physical deficits and/or disorders.  These deficits and/or disorders can result in difficulty with communication and swallowing from a stroke, traumatic injury, Parkinson's disease, Motor Neuron disease, Mental Health issues and dementia to name a few examples.

Our licensed Speech-Language pathologists (SLPs) at NW Rehab address people's speech production, vocal production, swallowing difficulties and language needs through speech therapy in a variety of different contexts.  Communication includes articulation, intonation, rate and intensity.  Our language will include phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics.  All of which is applied in the use of reading and writing as well as non-verbal communication such as facial expression and gesture.

Other areas that are managed under speech therapy include treatment of cognitive disorders, some examples include Delirium, Dementia, Amnestic Disorder.  

Swallowing problems in the oral, laryngeal and/or pharyngeal stages of swallowing utilizing the most advanced protocol available VitalStim®, which is the only neuromuscular electrical stimulation device approved by the FDA for treatment of dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. VitalStim® Therapy is a safe, effective treatment that has achieved remarkable clinical success, especially among patients for whom all traditional treatments have failed.

Hearing loss including auditory training and proper use and understanding of amplification devices as well as enhanced verbal and non-verbal communication using common treatments such as physical strengthening exercises, instructive and repetitive practice and drilling, to the use of audio-visual aids. 

Speech therapy can also inlcude sign language adn picture symbols.