The purpose of this study was to investigate the different perspectives of familycentered, natural environment early intervention programs. Specifically, the family's perception of early intervention services were compared to that of the speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) perception of these programs. The perspectives of the speech language pathologist and the families receiving early intervention services were explored to determine the overall satisfaction with the current early intervention model and practices, related to the assessment procedures and intervention practices utilized by the SLP. Results of this research study indicated that the parents of children with special needs are generally satisfied with the early intervention services being provided to their child and family. Respondents of the speech-language pathologist survey indicated that the current service model is appropriate and useful when working with the majority of families receiving early intervention services. Strengths and weaknesses of the familycentered, natural environment early intervention program are further discussed. / Department of Speech Pathology & Audiology

Thesis (M. Ed.)--University of Hong Kong, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 73-77) Also available in print.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Kent State University, 2009. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed Mar. 8, 2010). Advisor: Anita Varrati. Keywords: Speech language services; perceptions; principals; integrated classroom-based services. Includes bibliographical references (p. 147-162).

Thesis (M. Communication Pathology)--Universiteit van Pretoria, 2001. / Summary in English and Afrikaans.

Please read the abstract in the 00front part of this document. / Dissertation (MA (Communication Pathology))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology / unrestricted

This study examined the business management practices employed by speech-language therapists and audiologists in private clinical settings. A sample of 199 speech-language therapists and audiologists in private practice, selected from the SASLHA database, served as respondents. The respondents were requested to complete and return a questionnaire concerning the use of various business management practices in their clinical settings and their attitudes towards the management of their businesses. Results of this study indicate that the majority of the respondents lacked knowledge and expertise in business management. It was evident that the private practitioners were aware of some of the management concepts, principles and practices included in the questionnaire, however, they failed to use this awareness in the management of their practices. The results consequently indicated a need amongst private practitioners for training and education in business management. The implications of the findings of the study, in terms of training and service delivery in the private sector, were identified along with suggestions for the improvement of private practitioners' business management skills. The data from the study as well as the respondents' opinions regarding future training proved useful in establishing a recommended curriculum for business management training that would be appropriate and relevant to speech-language therapy and audiology private practitioner's specific management needs. / Dissertation (M Communication Pathology)--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology / unrestricted

Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists play a key role in the treatment of children with epilepsy. We performed a survey of therapists’ knowledge of and attitudes towards epilepsy in two regions of Germany, the city of Leipzig and the rural district of Zwickau. Therapists of 29/68 (43%) outpatient practices and 4/9 (44%) hospitals took part. In total, 195 therapists participated: 63 (32%) physiotherapists, 74 (38%) occupational therapists, and 58 (30%) speech therapist. In 65%, epilepsy was subject of vocational training. Of all therapists, 8% claimed they had not treated epilepsy patients so far. During professional life, 43% had witnessed a seizure. Of all therapists, 44% correctly assumed a seizure could result in death. During a seizure, 42% would perform the obsolete measure of placing something solid in the patient’s mouth, and 41% would administer a prescribed rescue medication. More information on epilepsy was requested by 92%. Conclusion: Most therapists treat patients with epilepsy, and almost half have already witnessed a seizure. Often, however, epilepsy is not subject of vocational training. The risk of a fatal outcome of a seizure is underestimated, and many therapists would perform obsolete measures. Knowledge of seizure management should be transmitted to therapists especially during vocational training.:Inhaltsverzeichnis Abkürzungsverzeichnis ............................................................................................... 3 1. Einführung in die Thematik..................................................................................... 4 1.1. Hintergrund ................................................................................................... 4 1.1.1. Epilepsie ................................................................................................. 4 1.1.2. Therapie der Epilepsie ............................................................................ 5 1.1.3. Bedeutung von Physiotherapie, Ergotherapie und Logopädie im Rahmen der Epilepsietherapie................................................................ 6 1.2. Therapeuten und Epilepsie als Schwerpunkt bereits vorhandener Studien . 8 1.3. Zielsetzungen der Studie ............................................................................ 10 1.4. Studiendesign ............................................................................................. 11 2. Originalartikel.......................................................................................................12 3. Zusammenfassung der Arbeit..............................................................................20 4. Literatur................................................................................................................25 5. Anlagen................................................................................................................30 I. Darstellung des eigenen Beitrages, Anteile der Co-Autoren................................ 40 II. Eigenständigkeitserklärung..................................................................................41

One of the qualifications for being a competent speech and language clinician is to be skilled in interactional procedures within a clinic setting. A clinician's interactional skills are developed through training whereby one participates in several clinical settings with clients displaying a variety of speech, language and hearing disorders. Various evaluation methods, both subjective and objective, have been utilized in guiding the clinician towards interactional competency. Interactional analysis systems have been designed to provide more objective feedback. The Boone-Prescott Content and Sequence Analysis System (B-P) is one of several such systems. Although this system has been found to be an asset towards evaluating the clinic session (Boone and Prescott, 1972b) information is lacking as to how the data from the parameters of the B-P Scoring Form reflect the quality of a clinician's interactive skills. Hence, this investigator sought to answer the following question: How do B-P data compare for clinicians who have been highly rated subjectively with those who have been less favorably rated subjectively by supervisors?

Much advice has been published in the last 40 years that has attempted to aid speech-language pathologists in choosing language assessment tools (e.g., Danwitz, 1981 & Darley, 1979 ). Questions have arisen about what tests are actually being used in public schools and the reasons for those tests being used over other tests. The data bank of information is minimal in this area as only one study has appeared in the literature in which Wilson, Blackmon, Hall, & Elcholtz, (1991), conducted a State survey of currently used language assessment instruments. The primary research question to be answered was: What methods of language assessment are being used in Oregon? Secondary questions to be answered were: (a) What factors influence the selection and use of the chosen procedures?, (b) What are the dates of development of the tests used most frequently, (c) By what means do the public school clinicians keep themselves current with new trends and information in the field? There were 567 questionnaires mailed out to Oregon Speech-Language Pathologists who worked in the public school setting and served children 4-9 years of age. Of the 297 respondees, only 4 reported not using any formal instruments for language assessment. Results show 9 main standardized tests were used for measuring expressive language by the majority of the respondents. Listed in order of frequency of use, they are: TOLD, EOWPVT, WORD test, CELF, LPT, SPELT, ASSET, TOPS, and the PLS. For receptive language, also in order of frequency of use, the 1 O main tests were as follows: PPVT, TOLD, CELF, TACL, ASSET, BOEHM, PLS, ROWPVT, BRACKEN, and the LPT. Factors that influenced the selection and use of specific tests included: personal experience; ease of administration; time restraints; budgets and availability of tests and district protocols for assessments. Dates of publication, new and revisions, for both the expressive and receptive tests used ranged from 1983 - 1990. At the time of this survey, the main ways that clinicians were keeping themselves current for new tests on the market were word of mouth from associates, inservices on new tests, and reading new information in journals.

Employment is viewed as one of the pinnacle factors in enhancing quality of life. Despite being a right in South Africa, the employment opportunities available to individuals with Down syndrome are limited. This study aimed to explore the employment experiences of individuals with Down syndrome, their employers and their families in KwaZulu-Natal. This research provided valuable information for Speech-Language Therapists on enhancing communication in the workplace as effective communication in the workplace is crucial for employment. A qualitative approach and phenomenological design were used within the context of International Classification Framework, biopsychosocial model and critical paradigm. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results revealed that individuals with Down syndrome valued their employment for the emotional and financial support it provided and the skill development opportunities available. Gaps were evident in legislation specific to the employment of individuals with Down syndrome as well as the implementation of these limited policies. Communication is necessary in the workplace; however, it is one of the areas that is severely impacted in individuals with Down syndrome. Employers and family members’ experiences indicated variability in speech intelligibility, language and literacy skills among the participants with Down syndrome linked to cognitive ability, intervention, education received, mood swings and memory loss. Intriguing trends relating to the positive use of technological devices for social and recreational purposes were evident. Employment success can be linked to successful job selection, visual and emotional support. Speech-Language Therapists, employers, family members and the Down syndrome association were found to have crucial roles in providing this support. The role of the Speech-Language Therapist continues to evolve and is required across the lifespan for different purposes. / M.Sc. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2013