Speech-Language Pathologist

The speech-language pathologist role includes:

Diagnose disorders and educates students, staff, and parents
Writing Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and/or Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP)
Has a role in the IEP/IFSP meetings
Provides direct services to students, parents and teachers
Maintains accurate files
Collaborates with other professionals
Prepare lessons that include games, American Sign Language, computer programs, and other technology and assistive devices during therapy
Have knowledge of various disabilities along with hearing loss and child development skills

Check your state department of special education, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) or contact the National Clearinghouse for more information.

Employment of speech-language pathologists and audiologists is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2006.Employment in schools will increase along with growth in elementary and secondary school enrollments, including enrollment of special education students.(BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 1998-99)
This related service is in critical shortage around the United States. Contact your state department of special education for positions, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) or the National Clearinghouse for job information. Many places have a web page with job search information.

Observe or volunteer with a speech-language pathologist working with students with disabilities
Contact personnel preparation programs for information on course requirements for entering their training programs. Web searches are a great tool!
Contact organizations like the National Clearinghouse, ASHA, or local schools for further career information

Picture of a speech-language pathologist with a child.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
10801 Rockville Pike
Rockville, Maryland 20852
800-638-8255