Speech/Communication Department 

---

The Communication Specialists in the School for the Deaf focus on improving spoken language skills. The therapists work with students, preschool through 12th grade; and Transition or college level students up to the age of twenty-one. Therapists are also available for Outreach Services throughout the State of Colorado. In this capacity, the Communication Specialists provide formal evaluations, observations, and recommendations for students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing and receiving services outside CSDB. 

Currently, the School for the Deaf employs two speech and communication specialists to provide spoken language therapy: Laurie Ryan, M.A., and Pam L. Parker, M.S. Together they bring over 20 years of educational rehabilitation expertise to the School for the Deaf.

Students in the elementary and middle school programs receive speech services individually or in small groups dependent on individual student needs as dictated by his/her individual education plan (IEP). We assist all students in maximizing their potential in the areas of articulation, auditory skills, lip-reading, and spoken language. At the high school and transition levels, we help to maintain skills and prepare students for communication situations they may encounter in their lives after graduation.

In the Communication Lab skills are learned and reinforced utilizing a variety of tools/techniques:  the Speechviewer III computer program, voice lights, tactile phonator equipment, visual phonics, games, and computer assisted auditory training programs.

For further information on our program, we encourage you to contact us as follows:

Laurie Ryan: 719 578-2193 or lryan@csdb.org

Pam L. Parker: 719 578-2192 or pparker@csdb.org

---