Portable training for speech disorders
Citation
Leitch, E., Gibbon, F. & Crampin, L. (1998) Portable training for speech disorders, Speech and Language Therapy in Practice, vol. Winter, , pp. 09-Dec,
Abstract
Electropalatography contributes to speech assessment and diagnosis, is useful in measuring change,
and provides clients with effective visual feedback therapy but is available in relatively few clinical
centres. Its use has been limited by the capital cost of the equipment, a lack of technical support, and
problems of accessibility to clients. This article describes the use of an innovative portable EPG unit in
the treatment of a 10-year-old boy with persistent velar fronting to the alveolar place of articulation
due to cerebellar ataxic dysarthria. Initial assessment and a week of intensive daily therapy took place
in Glasgow, 140 miles from his home. Following the week of intensive therapy, and progress with
velar placement, therapy was continued after a few months using the portable therapy unit in his
home area on a daily basis for four months. EPG sequence patterns are illustrated along with a
description of his progress with velar targets. The use of visual feedback is considered to have been
an essential component in the successful outcome in this case.