Educate the public concerning communication and swallowing disorders. Provide consultation and advice to other medical and educational specialists and interested community groups. Areas of specialization in the field of speech-language pathology include accent reduction and treatment of voice disorders for people who use their voices professionally such as broadcasters, singers and actors. Working conditions are considered good. Materials used in diagnosis and treatment range from simple items such as books, pictures and toys to sound analyzers and amplifiers, computer programs and electronic communication devices.
Treatment is provided in individual or group sessions.
Many individuals are attracted to the field of speech-language pathology because of the great diversity of work settings and age groups requiring services. In the school system, SLPs may work individually with children and in conjunction with teachers to improve speech and language functioning in the classroom. Other work settings such as public health units or community agencies may specialize in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders in specific populations such as preschoolers, the multiply-disabled, the developmentally delayed, the learning disabled, the hearing impaired or the elderly. Speech-language pathologists are also employed by universities to teach courses in communication and swallowing disorders. In addition, they typically engage in research to expand knowledge of the nature, diagnosis and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders.