The AIU Speech/Language support program constantly punches above its weight, and program director Thomas Rea and supervisor Eileen Cirelli say they like it that way. The dedicated professionals in this small but mighty program of just under 50 staff members serve more than 1900 students across the region to help them overcome communication and swallowing difficulties, empowering them to express themselves effectively and participate fully in their lives.
During this National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, we not only recognize the significance of the program’s impact and work but highlight their continued efforts to cultivate a pipeline of exceptional Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) to meet the growing demands of our community.
SLPs with the AIU are just about everywhere – they are in districts, charter schools, non-public schools, our AIU-operated Special Education Schools, and many other places of learning. As part of its culture of excellence, the AIU Speech/Language program is at the forefront of professional development and active research in the field. Districts look to us for reliable information in alignment with ASHA (American Speech/Language Hearing Association) best practices.
One of the cornerstones of our program is our renowned clinical fellowship opportunities for recent graduates. The Speech/Language program works with more than a dozen university partners, including Pitt, NYU, Thiel, Carlow, Penn State, and Duquesne. These fellowships provide invaluable hands-on experience over nine months, allowing budding SLPs to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings under the guidance of seasoned mentors.
Alana Price, a current clinical fellow who came from Duquesne University’s program – and is just weeks away from the end of her nine-month fellowship – attested to this immersive learning experience. Price reflected on the weekly journal she’s been required to complete since the start. “It has been a great way to look back on when I first started and (see) how far I’ve come,” she said.
Elizabeth Hartung, another clinical fellow and Duquesne grad, said her entry into the speech field came by way of her family’s experience with the AIU Preschool Early Intervention Program. “That initial experience has truly fueled and driven me through my academics and now into the field!”
From workshops to seminars, the AIU Speech/Language program understands that every SLP has unique areas of interest and expertise. That’s why the program actively encourages and supports additional learning in specialized areas such as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Selective Mutism, Functional Voice Disorders, and Childhood Apraxia of Speech.
By empowering staff to delve deeper into these critical areas, we’re not only enriching their professional growth but also enhancing the level of support we provide for our students.