Speech-Language Pathology 

What is a Speech-Language Pathologist?

“Speech-language pathologists are concerned with the prevention, identification, assessment, treatment and (re)habilitation of communication and/or swallowing disorders in children and adults. Speech-language pathologists also provide education and counseling services for people experiencing communication and/or swallowing difficulties. They work closely with other professionals, sometimes as part of a multidisciplinary team, in providing a coordinated program of care.” (College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario’s (CASLPO) www.caslpo.com, September 2007)

The Speech-Language Pathologists at The Canadian Hearing Society (CHS) provide assessment and treatment services to culturally Deaf, oral deaf, deafened, and hard of hearing preschool children and adults and their families. Examples of clients coming to CHS include:

• newcomers to Canada who are experiencing difficulty learning to speak English in a class setting
• people who want to improve their written English
• people who have difficulty saying certain sounds or pronouncing words
• people who feel their voice is too loud or too soft
• people who want to improve their spoken grammar
• children who are developing their speech and language

The Speech-Language Pathologists work with audiologists, hearing care counselors, employment service counselors and mental health clinicians, where appropriate, to provide a comprehensive and coordinated program. 

Speech-Language Pathology services are offered to individuals or to small groups where appropriate. Services are provided in English (oral and written) and American Sign Language (ASL). Services are offered in Toronto region. 

Who is eligible for service?

Children from birth up to age 5 are eligible for service. Adults 18 years of age and older can also access service. Residency in Canada is required. 

What programs are offered? 

Children

Language Thru Play

In the Language Thru Play program, the focus is on developing and expanding children's speech, language and/or listening skills in a naturalistic play manner. Parents, through observation and participation, learn speech, language and/or listening development techniques. The Speech-Language Pathology department at CHS is also a partner of the Infant Hearing Program (IHP). 

The Speech-Language Pathologists provide information and assistance to parents and caregivers (individually or in groups) regarding speech and language development, communication options, services available, and how to access these services.   

Information is also provided to childcare professionals (e.g. speech-language pathologists, audiologists, teachers, early childhood educators, etc.) regarding hearing loss as it relates to:

• speech and language development
• environmental considerations (background noise, lighting, listening environments – number of speakers, distance from speakers, etc.)
• assistive devices (FM systems, amplified phones and TTYs, light signalling and alarms) 

Workshops are available to parents, caregivers and professionals about hearing loss as it relates to speech and language development, language development facilitation techniques, and communication and educational placement options. 

Adults

English for New Canadians

This program is offered to adults whose first language is not ASL or English. Role playing and printed text are used to teach clients spoken English, English grammar, vocabulary and language of Canadian culture needed to converse in common situations in everyday life. 

Speech

This program focuses on improving speech and voice. The course teaches breathing and clear voice production, pitch and loudness control and correct articulation of speech sounds. 

Language

This program targets vocabulary development, grammar development, appropriate use of social language in formal and informal situations and advanced language skills such as idioms and humour. 

Written English Upgrading

This program targets developing or improving English reading and writing skills. It is taught in English and/or ASL. 

Public Awareness/Community Presentations

Presentations and workshops are available upon request about hearing loss as it relates to speech and language.

How do I access services? 

Do I need a referral?

No. A referral from a doctor or other professional is not required. 

What do I need to do?

You need to contact the department (see below) and book an intake appointment. You also need to bring a copy of your most recent hearing test. 

What is an intake appointment?

An intake appointment is a time when you and the program assistant meet to talk about what services you are interested in. It is also a time when the program assistant gathers information about you (i.e., relevant medical history, education and employment history etc.) and explains more in detail what services are offered within the department and within CHS. This appointment helps to ensure that you are aware of various services and helps the Speech-Language Pathologist plan for an assessment. 

What happens during an assessment?

During the assessment, the Speech-Language Pathologist will talk to you in detail about what you are interested in and give several tests. After the tests are completed, the Speech-Language Pathologist will explain the results and make recommendations. Together, you and the Speech-Language Pathologist will discuss and develop goals to make up an individualized treatment plan. 

Who do I contact?

Call The Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology at 416.928.2546 (voice) or 416.964.0023 (TTY) and ask for an intake appointment. To contact the department by email, click here. 

Meet Our Team! 

Evelyn Pepe, M.H.Sc.
Reg. CASLPO
Manager:  Aural Rehabilitation/Speech-Language Pathology/Hearing Care Counselling

Karen Mackenzie, B.A.
Program Assistant
Aural Rehabilitation, Speech-Language Pathology & Hearing Care Counseling

Almut Vogel, M.Sc., S-LP(C)
Reg., CASLPO
Speech-Language Pathologist