Communication Groups
We are continually updating out communication groups across out offices and community programs to support strong communication skills across a variety of ages and skill areas, promoting overall wellness. Please visit our Instagram to see our current offerings and updates.
Tongue-Thrust Program/Myofunctional Therapy
Our speech-language pathologists at Rehabilitation Associates, Inc. offer a short-term, very intensive, and very successful program to eliminate tongue thrust for swallowing, a critical piece for improving orthodontic development and in many cases for improving the outcomes for orthodontic work (correcting the function as well as the structure).
This program includes:
- The evaluation of swallowing patterns and sound productions
- Approximately 5 to 6 additional treatment sessions
- A very structured home exercise program consisting of daily exercises to increase awareness of tongue position, correct resting tongue position and tongue position during swallowing.
- The program can easily be completed with most five or six year olds (or older) and can also incorporate sound productions if speech is impaired. (Note: programs including sound remediation may need to be extended in length based upon extent or errors and stimulability)
If you have any questions or would like more information about this program, please contact our speech department at (203) 384-8681 or H.Oberhand@RehabAssocInc.com.
Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) BIG and LOUD Therapy Programs
LSVT ® and LSVT LOUD ® are intensive and effective, research-based treatment programs targeted at helping people with Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological conditions move and speak better to enhance their daily activities and improve their overall quality of life.
At Rehabilitation Associates, Inc., we have both physical therapists and speech-language pathologists specifically certified in the evaluation and treatment using the LSVT BIG ® and LSVT LOUD ® programs.
All candidates for the program will receive a comprehensive evaluation to determine their specific needs and candidacy for this program. If appropriate, one or both programs may be recommended.
For LSVT LOUD ®, the focus of the program is simple and straightforward, however, the impact is global. Improvements can be seen with vocal volume (loudness), clarity of speech, respiration, posture, pitch variation, facial expression, and swallowing.
LSVT BIG ® is a newer program that stemmed from the same principles and successes of the LSVT LOUD ® program. The program is similar in its single focus to impact global changes. Improvements can be seen with size of movement, speed of movement, balance, gait, posture, and overall quality of life.
If you have any questions or would like more information about this program, please contact our speech department at (203) 384-8681 or H.Oberhand@RehabAssocInc.com.
Vocal Wellness, Public Speaking and Communication Support
This vocal wellness and communication support program was designed for the professional whose daily demands require a strong, clear, and effective voice and communication style. The program is tailored to provide specific strategies to maintain a healthy vocal quality during high-demand communication situations, such as presenting to large or small groups, in person or via conference calls.
This program includes:
- A comprehensive assessment of voice, speech, and communication patterns and effectiveness
- 5 follow-up educational sessions
- An individualized home exercise program consisting of exercises and activities for improved vocal hygiene and communication
If you have any questions or would like more information about this program, please contact our speech department at (203) 384-8681 or H.Oberhand@RehabAssocInc.com.
Gender-affirming Voice and Communication
Our speech-language pathologists are skilled at the assessment and modification of voice and communication patterns. It is critical when working to modify the voice that it is done in a way that maintains the health of the vocal cords. This program was designed to modify the pitch, volume, resonance and or/quality of the voice, and to provide strategies to modify verbal and non-verbal social communication styles.
This program includes:
- A comprehensive assessment of voice, speech, non-verbal and social communication patterns
- Guidance in the selection of goals and communication targets that would be the most effective and successful
- An individualized home exercise program consisting of exercises and activities for maintaining a healthy voice and authentic communication style
If you have any questions or would like more information about this program, please contact our speech department at (203) 384-8681 or H.Oberhand@RehabAssocInc.com.
Accent Modification
This program is designed for the professional who has a job requiring strong verbal communication skills, but who may be seeking strategies to improve the effectiveness of verbal communication as it relates to the clarity of speech.
This program includes:
- A comprehensive assessment of speech and communication patterns and effectiveness
- An individualized treatment program tailored to modify the production specific speech sounds in order to improve clarity for verbal communication
- An individualized home exercise program consisting of exercises and activities for improved speech production and communication.
If you have any questions or would like more information about this program, please contact our speech department at (203) 384-8681 or H.Oberhand@RehabAssocInc.com.
Respiratory Muscle Strength Training (RMST)
Our Respiratory Muscle Strength Training (RMST) Program is designed to improve respiratory strength, endurance, breath support, and overall vocal and physical performance. Led by our licensed Speech-Language Pathologists, this program uses the EMST 150 device to target and strengthen the expiratory muscles responsible for breathing, coughing, speaking and voice production.
This program may be completed as part of a medically-based treatment plan or as a wellness program for individuals looking to optimize respiratory performance and maintain long-term strength and endurance.
Who Can Benefit?
RMST may be beneficial for:
- Athletes seeking improved breath control and endurance
- Professional voice users, including teachers, singers, coaches, and public speakers
- Healthy aging adults looking to maintain respiratory strength and function
- Individuals interested in improving breath support for speech and voice
- Anyone looking to enhance respiratory muscle strength and overall endurance
Program Structure
Our wellness-based RMST program typically consists of 3-4 individualized 30-minute sessions and includes:
- A comprehensive initial assessment
- Training in proper use of the respiratory muscle strength trainer
- Guided respiratory muscle strengthening exercises
- Instruction in respiratory support and breathing strategies
- Ongoing adjustment and progression of device resistance thresholds as needed
- Education on independently calibrating and maintaining the device
- A customized home maintenance program designed to help sustain long-term expiratory muscle strength gains
Throughout the program, our speech-language pathologists provide hands on guidance to ensure exercises are completed safely and effectively while helping each individual meeting their personal performance and wellness goals.
Whether you goal is improved vocal endurance, athletic performance, healthy aging, or stronger breath support for daily activities, our RMST program offers a personalized and evidence-based approach to respiratory wellness.
Chronic Cough Therapy Program
Our Chronic Cough Therapy Program is designed for individuals experiencing persistent coughing that significantly impacts daily life, comfort, and social participation. Even when chronic cough is not affecting vocal quality, it can still interfere with quality of life, sleep, work, exercise, and social interactions.
This wellness-based program is provided by a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and focuses on reducing cough frequency and severity through evidence-based behavioral therapy techniques aimed at resetting the laryngeal sensitivity threshold.
Who Can Benefit?
The program may be beneficial for individuals who experience:
- Persistent or chronic coughing
- Cough triggered by talking, laughing, strong smells, cold air, eating, or exercise
- Heightened throat sensitivity or irritation
- Chronic cough that continues despite medical management
- Cough that interferes with work, sleep, social participation, or daily activities
Program Structure
Our wellness-based chronic cough program includes:
- A comprehensive initial evaluation to assess:
- Cough history and symptom patterns
- Potential contributing factors
- Common cough triggers
- Impact on daily functioning and quality of life
- Two individualized treatment sessions focused on:
- Behavioral cough suppression techniques
- Strategies to reduce throat irritation and sensitivity
- Education on trigger management
Throughout the program, our Speech-Language Pathologists provide individualized guidance and practical strategies that patients can use independently in everyday activities.
Communication Device Training (AAC)
Our Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) Device Training program supports both adults and children who experience challenges with verbal language and benefit from alternative ways to communicate effectively. We provide individualized assessment, device selection support across both high- and low-tech AAC options, and hands-on training to ensure each person can use their communication system confidently across daily environments.
Therapy focuses on building functional communication skills using AAC devices, including expressing wants and needs, participating in conversations, and improving social interaction. We also work closely with families, caregivers, and educations to promote consistent use and carryover at home, school, and in the community.
Our goal is to empower each individual with reliable, personalized communication system that enhances independence, connection, and quality of life.
In addition, we offer quarterly AAC parent and caregiver training courses designed to provide specialized education and hands-on support. These sessions help families better understand their child’s device, build confidence in modeling and prompting communication, and learn practical strategies to integrate AAC use into everyday routines and interactions.