Portable training for speech disorders

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.