Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic

Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic Services

The University of Toledo Speech-Language Hearing Clinic offers a full range of services for the evaluation and treatment of communication disorders and language-based learning problems.

For further information or to schedule an appointment, please call 419.530.4339 or fax us at 419.530.4346.

Mission of the Clinic

The primary mission of the Clinic is to train students to become speech-language pathologists.  Services are provided by graduate students and advanced undergraduate students under the supervision of certified, licensed clinicians.  Students must participate in a variety of clinical activities with a wide array of individuals with communication problems as a requirement of the curriculum.

Primarily, the Clinic serves as a practicum and internship facility for the training of undergraduate and graduate students who are preparing for careers of service to individuals with disabilities.  Second, the Clinic provides sophisticated, interdisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic services for children and adults with complex communication and learning problems.  The Clinic also provides support in the form of in-service training and consultation services to community schools, agencies, and professionals serving individuals with disabilities.

The Clinic provides comprehensive evaluation of communication and learning problems as well as separate audiological evaluations.  In addition, the Clinic provides intervention services for individuals and groups depending upon the needs of the client.  Services are provided for a wide range of clients with communication disorders.  Treatment is available for persons ranging from infancy through the geriatric population.

Description of Clinic

The UToledo Speech-Language Hearing Clinic provides comprehensive diagnostic evaluations to children and adults with communication problems ranging from simple articulation disorders, to multiple co-existing disabilities.  While the diagnostic evaluation is individualized, both standardized and informal protocols are utilized to examine the individual's communication problem and its impact on daily functioning.

Depending on the problem and the needs of the individual, individual therapy may be warranted or a combination of individual and group therapy may be provided.  Students are required to have their therapy plans approved by their supervisor before conducting any therapy session.  Therapy is observed by the certified supervisor through a one-way mirror and/or by video.  Following the session, the student is provided feedback on the development of the therapeutic session and suggestions for improving clinical skills.  

Special Programs are offered by the Speech-Language Hearing Clinic to various individuals with communication disorders.

Preschool Services

The UToledo Speech-Language Hearing Clinic offers a full range of services for children from birth to school age who have communication and learning problems.  Evaluation, with referral and collaboration as needed with medical and therapeutic specialists and schools in the area, facilitates development of a full program of intervention for preschoolers.  Early intervention and prevention are keys to full development.

Provision of Services to Local Schools

The UToledo Clinic provides supplementary therapy for students in area schools.   As part of the on-going treatment, student clinicians observe their clients in the school setting and share information with the classroom teacher(s) and speech-language therapists.  The student clinician and the clinical supervisor may also attend IEP meetings and provide consultation to the school upon request.

Each year the Clinic provides speech-language pathology services to local schools to offer UToledo students experience in school settings.  Screening of various preschool populations for speech-language development and hearing is provided to a number of preschools in Toledo.  Further, a full speech-language-hearing and academic screening and follow-up evaluation services are offered to alternative schools.

Programs for Alternative Augmentative Communication

The UToledo Clinic offers evaluation to assess the individual's potential to use an Alternative Augmentative Communication Device.  Further instruction in use of AAC as a mode of communication is offered with consultation and training for parents, schools, and work setting.

Integrated Therapy for Individuals with Language-Based Learning Disabilities

Individuals with language and phonological deficits often encounter difficulties in other language-based academic skills such as reading, writing, and math.  The UToledo Clinic pays special interest to these related areas and incorporates instruction for academic skills into the therapy programs as needed.  Support in learning self-advocacy to request accommodations is also emphasized.  Our Clinic provides services to individuals in elementary and secondary schools, as well as students of higher education and adults in the work force.  Many university students with linguistic problems and impaired oral language, reading or writing skills receive services from the UToledo Clinic to improve their learning skills. 

Prevention and Intervention of Vocal Abuse

In cooperation with the Otolarygology Clinic of the University of Toledo Medical Center, services for UToledo students in professions at risk for vocal abuse are provided evaluation and therapy.

Developmental Disabilities

Individuals with developmental disabilities encounter a wide variety of communication problems specific to their daily life activities, from interactions with family members, school settings, social interactions with peers, and independent living and employment settings.  Evaluation of communication problems, taking living routines into consideration, is necessary for effective therapy to enhance life and learning.  As individuals progress, the therapeutic program must also change to meet the client's ever changing needs and novel situations.

Aphasia and Neuromotor Disorders

Individuals with neurological deficits have special needs that often extend past the service periods approved by their insurance or third-party payment plans.  Intensive treatment during the initial recuperative period is vital for rehabilitation; however, attaining full potential for communication may require extended services to assist the client to resume work and independence.  The UToledo Clinic is able to offer evaluation, initial and extended services, including group therapy, to clients who have experienced stroke, traumatic brain injury, or the onset of neuromotor disease.  For more information on services for aphasia, visit the DaZy Aphasia Centre webpage.

Parkinson's Speech Therapy

The UToledo Speech-Language Pathology Program was recently awarded a grant from the Parkinson Voice Project to offer FREE group speech therapy for persons diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. The LOUD Crowd®  will provide ongoing group therapy at The Utoledo Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic. Information can be found on our Parkinson Voice Project webpage.

Aural Rehabilitation and Speech-Language Enhancement for Individuals with Hearing Impairment

Aural rehabilitation provides specific interventions to conserve and utilize hearing.  Further, assistance with use of hearing aids and other technological devices may be required.  Children with hearing impairment encounter special challenges in learning to communicate in oral and written forms and benefit greatly from aural rehabilitation and speech-language therapy. Aural rehabilitation services are also available and helpful for adults with hearing impairments.

English as a Second Language

The University of Toledo and the Toledo business community engage a wide range of international students and professionals.  The UToledo Speech Language Hearing Clinic has available services to increase intelligibility and to address improvement in comprehension and expression in English as needed by the individual client.

For additional information, please contact:

Michael Dillon
Clinic Coordinator
419.530.2582
Michael.Dillon@utoledo.edu 

Speech-Language Pathology Home Page

Last Updated: 6/27/22