Anchor Bay School District

Mission Statement

Anchor Bay Schools, in partnership with the community, will produce lifelong learners who respect diversity, adapt to change, and function as responsible citizens.

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Speech

Name/Email Buildings Phone Number
Sarah Brown
sbrown@abs.misd.net		 Lottie, Bloom, Immaculate Conception (586) 725-7541
Christine Campbell
ccampbell@abs.misd.net		 Naldrett, Sugarbush, High School (586) 598-7660
Margie Magee
mmagee@abs.misd.net		 Sugarbush (586) 598-7660
Sandra Ponzetti
sponzetti@abs.misd.net		 Maconce, Middle School South (586) 725-0284
Daine Shovan
dshovan@abs.misd.net		 Great Oaks, Ashley (586) 725-2801
Kristine Scott
kscott@abs.misd.net		 MacDonald, Middle School North (586)725-0284

Good speaking. Listening, and thinking skills are important to doing well in school. A speech-language pathologist can help students who have problems with these skills.

What a Speech-Language Pathologist Does:

  • IDENTIFIES and EVALUATES students with speech, language and related problems
  • PLANS and CONDUCTS activities to improve a student's speaking, listening, and other language skills
  • COLLABORATES with parents, caregivers, teachers, and other professionals in understanding and meeting a student's speech, language, and academic needs
  • MONITORS and documents the effectiveness of treatment and student progress
  • WRITES reports and does other required paperwork
  • EDUCATES parents, teachers, and administrators about communication development and disorders

Caseload Considerations

  • SEVERITY of the speech or language problem
  • EFFECT of the problem on a student's school performance and social skills
  • DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE of the problem
  • RELATIONSHIP OF THE PROBLEM to other conditions(e.g., hearing loss, mental retardation, learning disabilities, physical or other health impairments)
  • TYPE OF SERVICE- Individual, small or large group, consultation, classroom support

What are Speech & Language Disorders?

Speech and language disorders affect the way people talk and understand. These disorders may range from simple sound substitutions to not being able to use speech and language at all.

What Are Some Types of Speech And Language Disorders?

  • Articulation disorders: difficulties with the way sounds are formed and strung together, usually characterized by substituting one sound for another (wabbit for rabbit), omitting a sound (han for hand), or distorting a sound (shlip for ship).
  • Delayed language is characterized by a marked slowness in the development of the vocabulary and grammar necessary for expressing and understanding thoughts and ideas.
  • Stuttering: an interruption in the flow or rhythm of speech characterized by hesitations, repetitions or prolongations of sounds, syllables, words or phrases.
  • Voice disorders are characterized by inappropriate pitch (too high, too low, never changing or interrupted by breaks); loudness (too loud or not loud enough); or quality (harsh, hoarse, breathy or nasal).

Are Speech And Language Disorders Serious?

Yes. The ability to communicate is our most human characteristic. Human communication is essential to learning, working, and social interaction. Impaired communication can affect every aspect of a person's life.

Causes Of Speech And Lnguage Disorders

Some of the causes are related to hearing loss, cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular disorders, severe head injury, stroke, viral diseases, mental retardation, certain drugs, physical impairments such as cleft lip or palate, vocal abuse or misuse, and inadequate speech and language models; frequently, however, the cause is unknown.

Signs Of A Speech or Language Disorder

A disorder might be suspected when a person's speech or language is markedly different from that of others of the same age, sex, or ethnic group; when a person's speech and/or language is difficult to understand; when a person is overly concerned about his or her own speech; or when a person frequently avoids communicating with others.

Whom Should I Contact If I Suspect My Shils Has a Speech or Language Disorder?

If you suspect your child has a speech/language disorder, contact your child's school and ask to speak to the Speech Pathologist. S/He will set up an appointment to evaluate your child's speech/language. Should services be needed, An IEPC will be developed to discuss programs and services available to meet your child's educational needs.