Speech and Language
What is Speech and Language Pathology?
As a profession, speech and language pathology concerns itself with evaluating, treating, and researching human communication and its disorders.
Speech and Language Pathologists (SLP's), also known as speech therapists or speech and language clinicians, are professionally educated to evaluate and treat persons with communication problems. Since 1971, the State of Wisconsin has required all prospective SLP's to have a Masters degree before certifying them to teach speech and language skills. Once certified, SLP's may work with clients ranging in age from infancy to adulthood. They may be found working in a variety of settings including:
- public and private schools
- clinics and hospitals
- nursing homes
- Birth-to-Three programs
- Head Start programs
- private practice
- colleges and universities
Who Is Eligible for Speech/Language Services through the Public School System?
Although many children have some difficulties in one or more of the speech and language areas, not all students are eligible to receive speech and language services offered by the school. The student must demonstrate a need that significantly impacts his/her educational performance and meet the Wisconsin DPI Speech/Language criteria.