Speech Therapy

UR Medicine's providers are experts in speech and language rehabilitation, cognitive retraining, voice therapy, swallowing services, and augmentative and alternative communication services.  

We see patients of all ages, from newborns to elders, and evaluate and treat people with speech pathology conditions, including communicative, hearing, cognitive, and swallowing disorders. 

What Happens During Speech Therapy Evaluation?

Our speech language pathologists (SLPs) place the highest focus on person and family centered care. Prior to the patient visit, the SLP reviews the patient’s medical history and completes a thorough patient and family interview to learn about patient concerns, perspectives, values and goals for their care.  

Speech language pathologists treat a variety of disorders, including those that impact communication (speech, language, voice), cognition (memory, attention, executive functioning), and breathing and swallowing disorders. Given the diverse conditions SLPs treat, it is important that evaluations are tailored to the patient and family’s individual needs and goals for therapy. 

The SLP completes informal and formal evaluation measures to assess the patient’s current level of functioning. Following the assessment, the SLP will explain the results of the evaluation, as well as the type and frequency of services recommended. Evaluation appointments are typically about one hour long.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to clinical practices designed to support individuals with complex communication disorders. These disorders may involve difficulties in understanding or producing speech and language, including both spoken and written forms of communication.

How Does AAC Work?

AAC incorporates a range of tools and techniques to empower individuals to express their thoughts, needs, emotions, and ideas effectively. These tools include:

• Picture communication boards
• Line drawings
• Speech-generating devices (SGDs)
• Tangible objects
• Manual signs and gestures
• Finger spelling

AAC is considered augmentative when it enhances existing speech and alternative when it replaces speech that is absent or not functional.

Temporary vs. Permanent Use of AAC

• Temporary AAC: For example, individuals recovering from surgery in intensive care may use AAC to communicate during their recovery period.
• Permanent AAC: Some individuals may require AAC for their entire lives due to conditions affecting their ability to communicate through speech.

UR Medicine Voice Center

UR Medicine Voice Center is the only voice center in Upstate New York with a comprehensive team of voice experts. We provide state-of-the-art treatment for voice, swallowing, and airway disorders using the latest surgical, non-surgical, and in-office treatment techniques.