Click on the session title to view the abstract, learner outcomes and level of learning.

4:30 pm - 6:00 pm

Session 1
AAC and Pediatricians - What you Need to Know, Karen Coulter, PhD
Session 2
Cognitive Deficits and Approaches to Treatment in Multiple Sclerosis,Anne Blandford, MS, CCC-SLP
Session 3
Why Wait? Referring for Early Intervention, Judith Axelrod; David Causey, PhD; Ashley Redenbaugh, MS, CCC-SLP

4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Session 4
Factors Contributing to Speech Understanding Problems of Older Adults, Larry Humes, PhD

4:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Session 5
Management of Voice Disorders in the School Based Setting, Rebecca Hancock, CCC-SLP

Session 6
AAC Panel - Who, What, Where, When and How, Karen Coulter, PhD; Allison Amshoff, MS; Pat Pierce, MS
Session 7
Multidisciplinary Care of the Brain Tumor Patient and the Role of the SLP, Anne Blandford, MS, CCC-SLP
Session 8
Using the iPad as a Communication Device, Tina Melville, MEd; Jodi South, MA; Deborah Dacey, MA, CCC-SLP

SESSION DETAIL

Wednesday, February 15

4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Session 1
AAC and Pediatricians - What you Need to Know
Karen Coulter, PhD, University of Louisville
Level of Instruction: Intermediate

Children with general communication impairments, as well as complex communication needs, rely on pediatricians to prescribe the services of speech-language pathologists.  In light of this continuing and increasing need, it is important to ascertain whether medical residents are receiving the necessary training in their educational program to fulfill their role.  We need to understand how pediatric residents perceive their current level of abilities, particularly within the framework of the current ACGME competencies. The purpose of this study was to identify possible differences across pediatric resident levels, regarding competence within three constructs, Medical Education, Medical Knowledge and Professional Practice, with a specific focus on communication disorders and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The results of this study provide evidence for some improvements within residents’ perceived competence for referrals and knowledge base.  Yet, it appears that improvements are still needed regarding residents’ educational opportunities and understanding of their role within the provision of services for children with communication disorders and needing AAC.   Follow-up of this current investigation by educational leaders and continued research within this field will support this effort. The implications of this study regarding the professional practices of speech-language pathologists will then be discussed.  Recommendations will be made to improve role identification, communication and continuing education for both SLPs and pediatricians.

At the end of the session, participants will review the completed research study, have an understanding of the pediatrician perspective and have an understanding of how they can help.

4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Session 2
Cognitive Deficits and Approaches to Treatment in Multiple Sclerosis
Anne Blandford, MS, CCC-SLP
Level of Instruction: Beginner

This session will address cognitive linguistic deficits in multiple sclerosis.  Further discussion will center around evaluation and treatment of theses deficits as well as compensatory strategies that are helpful for patients with MS.

At the end of the session, participants will be able to describe cognitive linguistic deficits in patients with multiple sclerosis, describe the disease process of multiple sclerosis, and will be able to name therapy techniques appropriate for patients with multiple sclerosis.

4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Session 3
Why Wait? Referring for Early Intervention
Judith Axelrod, Square One Specialists in Child and Adolescent Development; David Causey, PhD, Square One; Ashley Redenbaugh, MS, CCC-SLP, Square One; Sherri Stover, MS, Square One
Level of Instruction: Beginner

As speech pathologists, we are used to working with a team of therapists, typically occupational and physical. Sometimes though, we need to think outside of our therapist box. We will discuss a team model where a pediatrician and psychologists are also members of the team.  As professionals of all backgrounds, we need to know when and how to look for other factors that could be contributing to a child’s difficulties. We must create the right team of interventionists and work together as a cohesive unit to provide the family with as much information, training, and as many helpful strategies as possible. Understanding when optimal developmental and behavioral tasks are delayed is key. The question becomes: what is the appropriate time to have a child evaluated?  At what point are language, motor and behavior issues considered problematic? We see children everyday who have had someone "identify" their differences and difficulties. How can we help others who may be slipping through the cracks or are waiting to see what happens? In a forum-type discussion, presenters will explain why and when it is best to refer a family to a specialist for a deeper examination of their child’s development through individualized, comprehensive evaluation and therapy. Particular disorders – Autism, Anxiety, Attention Disorder, Adjustment/Mood Disorders, Hereditary Disorders that can only be identified by a specialist, will be discussed, specifically those which benefit from an early intervention team approach. 

At the end of the session, participants will be able to identify three reasons why early intervention can benefit children with disorders and their family, list three childhood disorders which benefit from early intervention/team approach to intervention, explain why and when it is best to refer a family to a specialist for a more in-depth evaluation of their child's development.

4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Session 4
Factors Contributing to Speech Understanding Problems of Older Adults
Larry Humes, PhD, Indiana University
Level of Instruction: Intermediate

In this session, research regarding the contributions of peripheral, central-auditory, and cognitive factors to the speech-understanding difficulties of older adults will be reviewed.  Recent research from our laboratory, which has focused on the relative contributions of peripheral and higher-level factors to both unaided and aided listening, will be included. Implications for treatment of speech-understanding problems in older adults will also be discussed.

At the end of the session, participants will have a better understanding of the various factors, from the cochlea to the cortex, which contribute to the speech-understanding of older adults and will be familiar with the implications of various underlying causes of speech-understanding difficulties and the limitations they may pose for treatment.

4:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Session 5
Management of Voice Disorders in the School Based Setting
Rebecca Hancock, CCC-SLP, University of Kentucky Clinical Voice Center
Level of Instruction: Beginner

Management of voice disorders can be cumbersome when considering the framework of many school speech pathology caseloads. From initial evaluation and data collection as to the extent of impairment, to interpreting physician findings, school based service delivery may pose barriers to success with treatment and ongoing assessment. In lieu of relying on referrals for treatment of behavioral voice disorders, simple strategies can be employed to reduce the communication burden and promote healing. This talk will address common voice disorders in the pediatric population, the use of perceptual and acoustic measures available, as well as treatment recommendations with hands on demonstration and video modeling. A rubric for intervention based on current best practice in the literature of voice disorders will be included with accompanying handouts. The role of parent education, strategies to help teachers with screening and detecting students at risk for chronic hoarseness, combined with student accountability with practice, will also be addressed. Kentucky guidelines for determining eligibility, conducting a parent interview, and documenting voice change to meet inclusion criteria will be addressed. This talk will include elements from the Kentucky Department of Education’s recommended voice assessment materials and flow sheets to ensure clinicians previously not familiar with voice assessment can adequately interpret given parameters set forth. Special consideration will be given to goal writing and progress recording in order to streamline a busy caseload while giving adequate and appropriate service to students with chronic hoarseness.

At the end of the session, participants will be able to identify pediatric voice screening tools, describe characteristic features of pediatric voice disorders and identify three intervention goals for treatment of dysphonia.

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Session 6
AAC Panel - Who, What, Where, When and How
Karen Coulter, PhD, University of Louisville; Allison Amshoff, MS, enTECH; Pat Pierce, MS, Kids Center
Level of Instruction: Beginner

We will review the status of AAC in the Louisville area.  Our panel is a collaborative action of the Louisville AAC Providers group.  A moderator will guide the discussion by asking questions and making sure that every member gets to speak. Panel members will provide who they are (bio), where they serve, the populations they serve, what services are and are not provided. Information, (workplace, etc.,) will be placed within a comparative grid and provided to all participants for future reference. Open question time will be allowed from the audience at the end of the information session. Brochures and information will be presented and all efforts will be made by our organization, Louisville AAC Providers, to have some form of representation by all area providers.

At the end of the session, participants will have information about AAC providers in Louisville and the state of Kentucky, have an understanding regarding populations (what populations are served and when) and have an understanding of service abilities and limitations.

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Session 7
Multidisciplinary Care of the Brain Tumor Patient and the Role of the SLP
Anne Blandford, MS, CCC-SLP
Level of Instruction: Beginner

This session will discuss how multidisciplinary care is beneficial and important for patients diagnosed with brain tumors.  Further discussion will examine the benefit of speech-language pathologists participating in the care of these patients.  The importance of cognitive monitoring throughout the treatment process will also be illustrated.

At the end of the session, participants will be able to discuss the benefits of multidisciplinary care for brain tumor patients, describe the role of the speech-language pathologist in the multidisciplinary care of the brain tumor patient and be able to discuss the importance of cognitive screening and monitoring in brain tumor patients.

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Session 8
Using the iPad as a Communication Device
Tina Melville, MEd; Jodi South, MA; Deborah Dacey, MA, CCC-SLP, ATP
Level of Instruction: Beginner

The iPad has created some new and exciting opportunities for those in need of augmentative communication support. The iPad represents a whole new category of dynamic display, speech generating devices that are light weight and affordable. However, as with all communication technology - one size does not fit all! This session will describe the many features to consider before selecting an iPad as a voice output device. Currently available communication applications will be reviewed to increase participants' knowledge of this rapidly changing resource.

At the end of the session, participants will understand the various features of voice output devices that can impact successful implementation and become familiar with various communication applications for the iPad.

6:45 pm - 8:15 pm
Session 9
Medicare in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, Including Bundled Payments
Mark Kander, MA, ASHA
Level of Instruction: Intermediate

Attendees will learn the basics necessary for serving Medicare patients: institutional payment methodologies; enrollment as a private practitioner; Advantage plans (Medicare HMOs); claims preparation; special coding rules; Medicare fee schedule; national and local coverage rules; annual therapy cap; supervision of instrumental assessments; documentation rules; working as an employee or contractor of a physician practice; and bundled payment models (future).

Participants will be able to complete the documents needed to enroll as a Medicare provider; Reimbursement: Participants will be able to properly complete a Medicare claim form. Participants will learn how to access the Medicare rules for documentation of evaluation and treatment sessions.