A conservative estimate places the number of Americans with communication disorders at 24 million, or 10 percent of the population.
Verbal communication is unique to human beings.
Our ability to communicate allows us to build relationships, learn from others and ultimately live in society . Conditions which impair an individual's ability to receive or express information are called communicative disorders. Speech Language Patholgists are required to complete a master's degree and one year of supervised practice. All of MacNeal's speech pathologists are licensed by the state and are certified by the American Speech Language and Hearing Association. Speech language pathologists help people develop and maintain their ability to communicate and may also be qualified to assist people with swallowing disorders.