Tips on working with an Interpreter
July 20, 2009
The encounter with the family should not be the first time you speak with an interpreter
• Ask that they interpret consecutively (not concurrently)
• Explain the format
• Explain your job and what you are looking for
• Talk to the family, not to the interpreter
• Sit across from client and interpreter takes a mediating position
• Use yes-no questions
• Provide pauses for interpreter
• Avoid ALL professional jargon
Why use story books in therapy intervention?
July 13, 2009
Here is a pretty neat list of reasons why literacy-based intervention is a great way to go when working with children with speech and language impairments.
• Storybooks
– provide structure for addressing goals
– can be used with all ages and cultures
– can be used to address goals across semantics, syntax, comprehension, pragmatics, and discourse.
– can decrease preparation time
– are fun and interesting for students
– make homework programs more relevant for parents
– allow for programmatic collection of intervention data
• Shared reading activities
– Increase development in multiple areas (Doyle & Bramwell, 2006; Debaryshe, 1993; Burner, 1978)
– Promote language development in children with typical development (Teale & Sulzby, 1986; Westby, 1985) and with language impairments (Gillam & Ukrainetz, 2006)
– Promote a greater desire to read (Mason & Blanton, 1971)
– Exposes student to printed materials and positive reading models (Teal, 1984)
Licensure Question
July 6, 2009
Does anyone know what the process is for getting a new Texas state license after your original has lapsed? Do you have to take the Praxis again? Those of you who have taken time off (to raise children, etc.) do you recommend letting your license lapse and later applying for a new license or keeping your license current while not working (keeping up with CE hours, paying the fees, etc.)?
The Board rules state that you may place your license on inactive status for up to 3 years. The annual fee is $45/year. The inactive licensee must continue to earn 10 continuing education hours per year.
If you will be taking more than three years off, you will have to meet the original requirements of the Act: a graduate degree, proof of clinical practicum, passing the Praxis examination, and the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence. However, if you submit the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence, you may qualify for a waiver of the Praxis requirement. You will then have to pay the late renewal penalty fee [ an amount equal to the renewal fee($100/year), with a maximum of three renewal fees, plus the examination fee], and submit 10 hours of continuing education per year (up to 30 hours).