Speech - Functional Communication

Student uses communication board to answer question Expressively, students at Heartspring communicate using a variety of methods. The speech language pathologists focus on teaching communication skills that are meaningful to the students and help them participate in their environment. When a functional communication system has been established, services focus on further developing the student’s language skills. The student’s understanding of concepts, as well as his or her environment and expectations are supported using a variety of visual strategies. After communication goals have been determined, the speech language pathologists write programs that target each goal. Then the speech language pathologists train the staff that work with the student at home, in the community and in the classroom on how to run the program. Students are also encouraged to interact with peers and practice their communication skills during group activities throughout their day.