Speech-language therapy at MCC focuses on expanding our students’ communication abilities through the development of receptive, expressive and pragmatic language skills. The speech-language pathologists utilize all forms of communication with their students, such as nonverbal language, verbal language and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
Services may be delivered through individual, dyad, group, and classroom-based sessions, with speech therapists collaborating closely with ABA instructors, occupational therapists, and families. This transdisciplinary approach helps students apply communication, vocabulary, concept development, social interaction, and play skills across school, home, and community settings.
The therapists provide speech-language services in a variety of settings, including individual, dyad and/or group sessions with 1:1/2:1 instructional support, as well consult in the classroom during lunch. The speech-language pathologists work collaboratively with other disciplines, including applied behavior analysis (ABA), occupational therapy, and music therapy to ensure generalization of skills and that students reach their full potential.
All speech-language pathologists at MCC hold master’s degrees, a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and New York State professional licensure. Additionally, the speech-language pathologists adhere to professional and ethical guidelines by staying current with the latest evidence-based research and maintaining continuing education hours.