Category: Speech and Language

May Is Better Speech & Hearing Month

iLEAD joins in celebrating Better Speech and Hearing Month (BSHM). Founded in 1927 by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), this annual monthlong event raises awareness about hearing and speech/language differences our learners may be experiencing.

Early identification and intervention for hearing loss and speech challenges are extremely important. Many people live with unidentified hearing loss, often not realizing they are missing certain sounds and words. Checking one’s hearing is the first step toward addressing the issue. Here at iLEAD, we ensure our learners with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) have their hearing screened annually. Many of our learners are also informally evaluated through the Student Study Team (SST) process to determine whether speech and language challenges are present. Our speech providers work with nearly 50 learners in the SST process to support them with developing a wide variety of speech and language skills.

It takes a village, and May is a good reminder for the whole iLEAD family to help notice, refer, and support our learners with speech/language and hearing challenges. The Speech and Language Team thank you all for your supporting access to speech and hearing support in May and throughout the school year.

10 Reasons to High-Five a Speech-Language Pathologist

Here are some great reasons our speech-language pathologists have earned a high-five this month. Our SLPs are…

  • Wonderful and patient.
  • Creative, using innovative exercises to support the needs of each learner.
  • Masters of adaptability.
  • Persistent and preventive, identifying children early when they are struggling with language or communication.
  • Motivational to each learner during challenging treatments and recovery periods.
  • Team spirited, consulting with facilitators, parents, and learners to understand each circumstance and explain progress.
  • Proactive, finding the best courses of treatment.
  • Innovative.
  • Stellar in their interpersonal skills.
  • Pleasant and amiable with learners.

In short, THEY ROCK!

Signs of Speech and Language Disorders

There are several signs that you can look for to identify if your learners may have a speech or language disorder. The ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) has put together a list of some common signs of communication disorders as well as what you can do as parents. Click here to check it out!

Student Support Parent Webinars: Occupational Therapy at Home

Dear iLEAD Families,

We hope you’ve found our free webinars helpful as you access services from a virtual platform. As a reminder, this week we are offering the following free Occupational Therapy webinars as well as Speech and Language, Occupational Therapy, and Adaptive P.E. take-home packets. 

Occupational Therapy Webinars

The following webinar will be led by an occupational therapist.

Tips and Tricks for Occupational Therapy at Home

  • Tuesday, April 21, at 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, April 22, at 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Please click here to attend via Zoom.

Take-Home Packets

Thank you!

Amber Rogers
Director of Student Support 
iLEAD California
amber.rogers@ileadschools.org

Speech & Language, OT, and PE Take-Home Packets

Dear iLEAD Families,

As we are all doing our best to combat the spread of COVID-19, many of you are for the first time experiencing how to homeschool and access services from a virtual platform. This may prove challenging given the behaviors and unique needs of your children. To help, we have listed below take-home packets focused on speech and language, occupational therapy, and adaptive PE activities for your learner. 

These resources are for learners aged early elementary to secondary. To access the activities, please click below.

Thank you!

Amber Rogers
Director of Student Support 
iLEAD California
amber.rogers@ileadschools.org

Student Support Parent Webinars: Speech & OT

Dear iLEAD Families,

As we are all doing our best to combat the spread of COVID-19, many of you are for the first time experiencing how to homeschool and access services from a virtual platform. This may prove challenging given the unique needs of your children. To help, we are offering the following free webinars and take-home packets. 

Speech and Language Webinars

The following webinars will be led by speech and language pathologists and a speech and language pathologist assistant. 

Utilizing AAC devices in speech sessions and beyond. How can my learner still be able to communicate virtually?
Tuesday, April 14, from 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Please click here to attend via Zoom.

Fun in Speech through the Screen: Tips and tricks for increasing participation and progress
Wednesday, April 15, from 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Please click here to attend via Zoom.

Speech & Literacy 
Thursday, April 16, from 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Please click here to attend via Zoom.

Communicate with Shaun’s 8: Improving your learner’s speech production skills in 8 easy steps
Friday, April 17, from 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Please click here to attend via Zoom.

Occupational Therapy Webinars

The following webinar will be led by an occupational therapist.

Tips and Tricks for Occupational Therapy at Home

  • Monday, April 20, at 1:00- 2:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, April 21, at 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, April 22, at 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Please click here to attend via Zoom.

Take-Home Packets

Thank you!

Amber Rogers
Director of Student Support 
iLEAD California
amber.rogers@ileadschools.org

Resources: Speech and Language Kids

Speech and Language Kids is a user-friendly website with lots of free speech therapy resources such as therapy games, flashcards, speech sounds, and vocabulary to help your learner’s speech needs!

Check it out here!