Speech-Language & Literacy

Speech-Language & Literacy

Service to the Community Since 1921

At Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center, our speech-language pathologists provide comprehensive services to help children and adults develop or regain effective listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.

We provide a variety of services to promote effective communication among people of all ages and ability levels. Starting with infants and toddlers, we work to develop speech-language skills that will serve as the child's foundation for all future learning. We assist parents by teaching strategies used to help children build strong listening, speaking, reading and writing skills as they grow. We help adults who have lost communication abilities due to stroke or other neurological diseases, as well as those who want to improve speaking or interpersonal communication skills.

Additional Services We Provide

  • Community education through lectures in the community and participation in area health fairs
  • Community-based services (screenings, evaluations and intervention) for Head Start programs, schools and day care centers
  • Support groups for survivors of stroke or traumatic brain injury. Click here to learn more about our Speak Easy Support Group
  • Parent training and education
  • Equipment loaning program (you can borrow devices such as voice amplifiers, speech-generating devices, etc.) 

Where You Will Find Us

We offer services at four office locations (University CircleLyndhurstBroadview Heights, and Westlake). Additionally, we provide services at various schools, daycare centers, and Head Start programs throughout Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga counties.


Speech-Language & Literacy Services for Adults

Speech-Language & Literacy Services for Adults

Adults with various communication challenges seek our services. The individuals we serve may have developmental delays or communication problems frequently associated with medical conditions such as autism, Down syndrome or other genetic disorders, cerebral palsy, stroke or progressive central nervous system diseases (such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, etc.). 

On the other hand, some adults who have no identified disorder seek our services to help them improve pronunciation of the English language or to improve their public speaking skills, vocal projection and other professional or interpersonal communication skills.

Common Adult Communication Disorders

There are many different disorders, including speech-language disorders, that may be associated with changes in communication abilities. Some, such as apraxia or dysarthria, affect speech-sound production; others, such as aphasia, may affect your ability to understand or use language, making it difficult to understand people or to express your own ideas. Common communication disorders include:

Treatment of Adult Communication Disorders

Individual treatment is provided with your input or that of the primary caregiver. An individualized treatment plan is developed to address your long-term goals and short-term objectives. This plan is reviewed frequently and modified as needed based on the client's progress.

Group treatment is utilized to improve communication skills, provide an opportunity for peer-learning and carry over skills with other communication partners. CHSC offers therapeutic and support groups including: 


Free Virtual Monthly Support Group for Adults Who Stutter

Group members can choose to listen or participate in discussions at this virtual, monthly meeting and may also choose to work through self-introductions or work presentations in a supportive Zoom environment.

Beginning March 5, 2024
First Tuesday of Every Month
6:00 - 6:45 pm

For more information and Zoom link please contact:
Lauren Masuga, M.A., CCC-SLP at 
lmasuga@chsc.org

Click here to download the flyer


Northeast Ohio Adults Communicating Together (NEO-ACT)

Individuals with acquired communication disorders are often left feeling
isolated and alone with little or no resources to improve their quality of life
even after therapy in a hospital or rehabilitation facility.

 

Until now.

Facilitated by a certified Speech-Language Pathologist, NEO-ACT is designed to help improve quality of life through participation in enrichment programs for listening, speaking, reading, writing and socialization. NEO-ACT can be an effective program for adults with communication disorders related to:

Stroke  *  Brain Injury  *  Aneurysm  *  Parkinson's Disease  *  Dementia
Alzheimer's Disease  *  Other Neurological Conditions

At CHSC, we take a whole life, personal approach to stroke recovery - prioritizing individual goals and lifestyles. We know that communication is an essential piece to the whole puzzle of stroke recovery. Together, we strategize methods to increase the quality of life and enhance each person’s ability to participate in activities that are important to them. 

We offer individual therapy services to address a variety of difficulties experienced after a stroke. We focus on building a treatment plan together with the client, their family, and care partners to enhance their quality of life. A ‘whole life approach’ means we focus on providing therapy related to the things in life that are important to each person. If someone enjoys baking, we work on ways to create recipe cards that are easier to access. If someone has difficulty speaking and communicating in their current job - or when applying for a new one - we create a script for practice. Our primary goal is to enhance communication and participation in activities that are meaningful to each individual.

“The NEO-ACT program has made such a big difference in my mother’s life - not only does it aid in speech improvement, but the social aspect has been just as important.”

NEO-ACT Programs

NEO-ACT programs are provided at NO COST* and do NOT require insurance
*Donations accepted

Virtual Adult Care Partner Support Group – Monday 5:15 – 6:15 pm

This group is designed for families, partners, and other people who give care to clients of Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center. This moderated group will provide a safe place to discuss the stresses, challenges, and rewards of providing care for adults with communication disorders such as Alzheimer’s, stroke, brain injury, and other chronic health conditions. To learn the difference between a care partner versus a care giver, click here.

To download a Care Partner flyer, click here.

Virtual Book Club – Tuesday 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

This group is held weekly in Spring, Fall, and Summer. The group focuses on reading, comprehension, and social communication through conversation. The books are chosen by the group members and are read over a 9-week period. Weekly discussions focus on questions relevant to the content of the book, life experiences, and current events.

Virtual Adult Communication Social Hour – Wednesday 1:00 – 2:00 pm

In this group, we strive to provide a safe and supportive environment to practice communication skills. This unstructured group serves many purposes. This may include discussing small wins as someone living with a communication disorder, personal difficulties, keeping up on current events, and even occasionally playing some games. Adults struggling with communication at any skill level can join at any time. Our primary goal is to enhance quality of life and communication.

NEW! In-Person Adult Speech Therapy Group – Thursday 2:00 – 3:30 pm

We are pleased to offer an in-person opportunity at our Westlake and Lyndhurst offices. This group is designed to provide individuals with communication difficulties an opportunity to improve quality of life through participation in activities that provide enrichment for listening, speaking, reading, writing, and socialization. This group will offer functional activities in a supportive setting.

To download an In-Person Adult Speech Therapy Group flyer, click here.

For questions about NEO-ACT (or how to connect on Zoom), please contact Ali Verhovitz, Speech-Language Pathologist and group facilitator, at averhovitz@chsc.org

To download a NEO-ACT flyer, click here.

To sign up for the weekly NEO-ACT newsletter, complete our short form below.

Additional Resources


Speech-Language & Literacy Services for Children

Speech-Language & Literacy Services for Children

At Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center, our speech-language pathologists provide comprehensive services to help children develop or regain effective listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Children (infant to 17 years) are regularly seen at CHSC offices, in schools, day care programs, and Head Start programs. Starting with infants and toddlers, we work to develop speech-language skills that will serve as the child's foundation for all future learning. We assist parents by teaching strategies used to help children build strong listening, speaking, reading and writing skills as they grow.

Common Pediatric Communication Disorders

Treatment of Pediatric Communication Disorders

When therapy is recommended following an evaluation, the clinician will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is based on your child's individual goals. You will participate in developing the plan and be active in the treatment process as you work to help your child develop effective communication skills.

Treatment may be conducted in individual or group sessions, depending on your child's goals and the best practices in treating the communication difficulties. We strongly encourage family involvement and enjoy working with you and the people with whom your child interacts most frequently. With parental permission, we will include training and education for family members, caregivers and others as needed.

Treatment sessions may be 30 to 60 or 90 minutes and may occur once to three times weekly, depending on the treatment program. The overall duration of treatment is estimated after the initial assessment and adjusted as your child progresses through the program.

Speech-Language Screenings

Early detection and intervention with speech and language issues has been shown to improve communication skills before reading and/or behavioral problems arise. CHSC clinicians provide screenings primarily at locations in the community, including preschools, day care centers, private schools and Head Start programs. We also can conduct screenings in our offices. Screenings are a brief assessment of speech-language and hearing abilities that help us determine whether you or your child might need a more comprehensive evaluation.

Speech-Language Evaluations

Comprehensive speech-language evaluations involve an in-depth analysis of:

  • Speech production (including sound production, speech fluency/stuttering)
  • Language comprehension (listening and/or reading)
  • Language use (including verbal, written and social communication skills)
  • Voice quality

We also provide evaluations in certain specialty areas. For individuals who are unable to communicate verbally, we can assess their abilities for various augmentative-alternative communication devices (also called speech-generating devices). Our speech-language pathologists can complete a language-learning evaluation for older children who may have language-based learning disabilities. However, some children may benefit from an even more comprehensive assessment by a neuropsychologist. 

Speech-Language Interventions

When the results of an evaluation reveal the need for speech-language intervention, we discuss all options with the family. We may offer additional information and resources that may be available through schools and other agencies in the community.

Individual treatment is provided with your input or that of the primary caregiver. An individualized treatment plan is developed to address your long-term goals and short-term objectives. This plan is reviewed frequently and modified as needed based on the client's progress. 

Group treatment is utilized to improve communication skills, provide an opportunity for peer-learning and carry over skills with other communication partners. CHSC offers therapeutic and support groups. 


Project ELLA (Early Language and Literacy for All)

Project ELLA (Early Language and Literacy for All) includes

FREE SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY FOR ALL CHILDREN BIRTH TO AGE 5 provided at the CHSC University Circle office.

Why is Project ELLA important?

Talking and listening skills are key to a child’s successful communication and literacy development. These skills are critical for a child’s readiness to start school. In fact, a child’s talking and listening skills in the first 5 years of life can predict how successful they will be into adulthood. By removing financial barriers to speech, language and learning for all children birth to age 5, Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center launched Project ELLA as a way to ensure each child in Cleveland has every advantage for a bright future.

Enroll in ELLA – It's as Easy as 1-2-3

  1. The first step is a FREE speech and language evaluation
    Click here to request an appointment for a FREE evaluation.
  2. Fill out 2 forms at the first session to gather client information
  3. Check-in assessment after 10 sessions

In both individual and group therapy, the Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) will work with both the child and the caregivers who are with them most often. Our team will help caregivers learn important tips for helping the child to develop language.

Download the Project ELLA flyer here.

For questions about Project ELLA contact Daja’ Newton at dnewton@chsc.org, call 216-325-7510 or fill out the form at the bottom of this page.

Project ELLA is supported by grant funding from The Cleveland Foundation, The Elisabeth Severance Prentiss Foundation and others.

Agencies interested in partnering with Project ELLA, click here.


Project ELLA Parent-Toddler Group

The Project ELLA Parent-Toddler Group is designed for toddlers who have a delay in speech-language development. This 90-minute weekly session uses family-friendly and natural language strategies based on the Hanen Centre’s principles.

Between the ages of 12 months and 3 years, children develop rapidly. When there is a delay in speech-language development, therapy can be helpful. Since young children spend most of their time with parents or caregivers, the most effective therapy includes the adults in their life in the process.

Parents and caregivers provide important input regarding their child’s communication needs at home and treatment goals are developed accordingly. In addition to working directly with the child toward developing vocabulary and communication skills, parents are coached to feel comfortable communicating with their child in a way that helps to develop his/her skills. Parents feel more confident in understanding their children and in using effective strategies for developing communication skills in their children.

Project ELLA Parent-Toddler Groups are facilitated by Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) who are effective at teaching the adult caregiver(s) successful strategies for improving language in their toddlers at home. The group is staffed by a licensed, certified, speech-language pathologist with some assistance by graduate students from Case Western Reserve University. Four to five toddlers and their parents participate in a group. The format of the group is 90 minutes of child-directed, free-play, structured group activity, song time, and group snack time. 

Through play and structured learning activities, children are exposed to vocabulary and simple sentences to communicate their wants and needs. Parents learn how to help their child use words and phrases. SLPs work directly with the children to provide models for parents to observe, and then coach the parents in using the targeted strategy. Suggestions for using these strategies in the home and community are also provided for parents.

This group is offered at the University Circle location on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Please call Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center at 216-231-8787 for more information.


Ultrasound Speech Therapy

Ultrasound speech therapy is a new, noninvasive method that helps children and adults who still have trouble with certain speech sounds, most commonly “r” and “s”. This state-of-the-art speech therapy uses ultrasound to visualize tongue position and offers immediate feedback to the client. Intensive summer sessions now available.

Download Flyer

Session Info:

  • Age Group: 8 years old to adult
  • Session Length: 45 minutes

For more information, or to schedule a session, contact Dr. Rebecca Mental at rmental@chsc.org or call 216-231-8787.

Schedule Your 2024 Ultrasound Summer Sessions! Click here to download the flyer.


Stuttering Together

Program for Pre-Teens and Teens Who Stutter

CHSC offers a year-round therapy program called “Stuttering Together”. It is designed for older children and young teens who stutter and want to communicate more effectively and confidently.

Children and teens in the Stuttering Together program participate in three individualized therapy sessions per month targeting their individual goals. At the end of the month, they attend one group session with everyone enrolled in the program. The group session allows participants the opportunity to get to know other children/teens who stutter, talk about how stuttering impacts their lives and practice talking in real-life situations. The group will take outings to restaurants and Cleveland area attractions as a way to practice communication skills and build confidence in talking to strangers in real-life situations.

Teens who have been involved in Stuttering Together said: “It is so much fun… I have learned a lot from the group and love meeting other kids who stutter… I feel more confident when I talk and I’m not afraid to stutter anymore.”

For more information, please contact CHSC at 216-231-8787.

Free Stuttering Together Summer Day Camp

During the summer, there is an opportunity to attend a weeklong day camp for older children and young teens who stutter. It is a great way for kids who stutter to meet other kids who stutter as well as gain knowledge about stuttering, have a safe space to talk about stuttering and how it impacts their lives, learn advocacy skills, and build resilience. The Stuttering Together Summer Day Camp has fun activities for the kids to participate in as well as various therapy activities (individual and group therapy) and opportunities to practice communication skills with various people in the surrounding community. The camp is free to attend but space is limited. Reservations are required.

Download the Free Stuttering Together Summer Day Camp flyer here


Reading, Writing & Dyslexia Services

CHSC provides assessments, therapy, and enrichment services to children with delays or disabilities with reading and writing skills. This includes therapy services for children with dyslexia, as well as enrichment services for children who may not have a diagnosed disorder but who need extra help with reading and writing.  Reading and writing services may be covered by insurance.

We provide multisensory, structured language support. This means that we use a child’s relative strengths to help them learn to read and write, and that our methods are evidence-based. Our team includes a Certified Wilson Practitioner.

A child will start by completing an assessment with a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). After the assessment, the SLP will recommend services based on the results.  If your child has had a reading, writing, or language assessment completed in the past year, he/she may qualify for therapy or enrichment services without need for an assessment at our office.

Some children qualify for intensive services, which may include several sessions each week.  We offer our services in individual (one-on-one) and group settings, depending on what will work best for you and your family.  We offer pre-literacy services for preschool-age children and we offer structured reading and writing services for children starting in Kindergarten, through adulthood.

Summer Reading Camp 2023

Currently, CHSC offers both in-person and remote services.  For more information or to schedule an appointment call 216-231-8787.


Preschool Language and Literacy Classrooms (PLLC) Remote Edition

PLLC Research

PLLC Videos for Parents & Children

 

A child’s first five years are critical for language and literacy development. Yet during the pandemic, so many parents find themselves juggling both work and preschool for their little ones from home. CHSC’s Speech-Language Pathology team has you covered with engaging video lessons. Our Preschool Language and Literacy Classroom “Remote Edition” builds on our popular program at local preschools and Head Start sites. 

Through a fun shared book-reading activity, our team will introduce your child to  early language and literacy skills—all while helping your kiddo develop a love of books!
Our PPLC Remote Edition videos will introduce early literacy skills, such as:

  • Print Knowledge
  • Alphabet Sound (Phonological) Awareness
  • Rhyming
  • Vocabulary
  • Reading Comprehension
  • …and many more!

Early exposure to a variety of language concepts and literacy themes can prepare your child for success in preschool and ensure they have adequate time to master skills that will help them to thrive in kindergarten.

For Teachers: We know remote teaching is a challenge, especially with preschoolers. At CHSC, we want to support you as you use these videos with your class. Click below for our special teacher’s strategy videos to help you engage you students with the Lesson Videos. 
 

PLLC Videos for Teachers

 

This program is generously funded by The Thomas H. White Foundation and The Stocker Foundation. For more information on the Preschool Language and Literacy Classrooms (PLLC) program, or other resources for your preschooler, please call 216-231-8787 or email svondra@chsc.org.


Additional Resources


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