Recent letters have spurred much discussion regarding the role of the SLP with literacy in the schools ("SLPs: Reading Specialists or Language Specialists," March 25, 2008; "SLPs as Reading Specialists," Jan. 22, 2008). For those who began our employment before it was common practice for SLPs to provide dysphagia therapy, this conversation almost seems like déjà vu.
Change doesn't come easily and is often very uncomfortable. It takes additional education, an increase in comfort level, and temporarily higher caseloads. However, I would argue that just because we are already stretched to our limits, what right does that give us to look the other way when presented with a communication impairment? Although there are certainly many barriers to overcome—and finding enough qualified staff is one of them—I can't imagine anyone saying no to someone who exhibits a problem with reading, writing, speaking, or listening—the cornerstones of effective communication.
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Kimberly S. McCallister
Beaverdam, VA
kimandmitch7778@embarqmail.com