Empowering Communication Through Technology: iPads for Speech and Language Therapy
Lauren Stabile
ID-230
School Name:Corkscrew Elementary
Grant Request Grade:K-5
Grant Request Subject:Special Needs Students
Additional Details
The goal of this project is to increase student independence, engagement, and self-monitoring during speech and language therapy through the use of three iPads. Students will use the devices to independently practice individualized speech and language skills, record and listen to their own productions, identify errors, and make corrections with immediate visual and auditory feedback. The iPads will also allow students to complete meaningful practice while the Speech-Language Pathologist provides individualized instruction to other students within small-group therapy sessions. Ultimately, this project will maximize therapy time, increase opportunities for repeated practice, and help students take a more active role in achieving and generalizing their communication goals.
Three iPads will be incorporated into small-group speech and language therapy sessions to provide students with individualized, interactive practice opportunities. Students will use the iPads to target their specific IEP communication goals, including articulation, expressive and receptive language, vocabulary, grammar, social communication, and other individualized skills. Students will record and listen to their own speech, practice targeted skills through educational applications and clinician-created activities, and use visual and auditory feedback to identify errors and make corrections. The iPads will also provide opportunities for independent practice while the Speech-Language Pathologist works directly with another student in the group. This will allow each student to remain actively engaged, increase the number of practice opportunities within a therapy session, and develop greater independence and responsibility for monitoring their own communication skills.
The use of iPads during speech and language therapy will provide students with increased opportunities for practice, immediate feedback, and greater independence. Students will be able to record and listen to their own speech, recognize errors, and practice self-correction, helping them become more aware of their communication skills. Interactive activities will increase engagement and motivation while allowing practice to be individualized to each student’s IEP goals. The iPads will also maximize therapy time by allowing students to continue meaningful, independent practice while the Speech-Language Pathologist provides direct instruction to another student. These skills will support students in becoming more confident, independent communicators and encourage carryover of their skills beyond the therapy setting.
Grant funding will be used to purchase three iPads for use during speech and language therapy sessions. Having three devices will allow multiple students within a small therapy group to access individualized practice at the same time. The iPads will be used for speech and language applications, clinician-created digital activities, audio and video recording for self-monitoring, visual supports, and independent practice of individualized IEP goals.
Funding these devices will provide a long-term resource that can be used daily across multiple grade levels and with students who have a variety of communication needs. The iPads will help maximize therapy time, increase opportunities for repeated practice, and provide students with immediate feedback while promoting greater independence and engagement in their therapy.
