SPEAKOUT!® evaluatioN
The SPEAKOUT!® Evaluation includes:
Extensive review of medical/clinical records to determine potential impact of medications and treatment of other medical diagnoses on speech, voice, cognitive-linguistic, and swallow function
Evaluation of the impact of Parkinson's disease on the client's speech, voice, cognitive-linguistic skills (e.g. word finding, memory), and swallowing function
Determination of candidacy for the SPEAKOUT!® program
Recommendations for intervention and support, as necessary
Recommendations for optimizing safe and efficient intake of food and liquid
Determination of need for further instrumental assessment to examine the impact of swallowing anatomy and physiology
Specification of diagnostic questions to be answered by instrumental evaluations
Identification of need for referrals to other services or professionals to support optimal outcomes
Counseling, education, and training to the client, health care providers, and caregivers
Detailed written evaluation outlining findings and recommendations
SPEAKOUT!® Evaluations are 80 minutes in length. SPEAKOUT!® Evaluations are best completed in-person, but can be modified to telehealth if absolutely necessary.
Note: This evaluation does not include instrumental assessment (e.g. videostroboscopy, MBSS, or FEES).
SPEAKOUT!® Treatment
The SPEAKOUT!® Treatment includes:
1:1 SPEAKOUT!® Treatment session
Counseling, education, and training to the client, health care providers, and caregivers
SPEAKOUT!® is a voice and motor speech program specifically designed for patients with Parkinson's Disease. This treatment focuses on the use of intent during automatic tasks (i.e. speech, swallowing, writing) in order to access the pyramidal system and bypass the extrapyramidal system and is performed by a SPEAKOUT!® trained speech-language pathologist. This program has been empirically studied and there is significant data indicating its efficacy. These treatment studies are available in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, International Journal of Health Science, Scientific World Journal, and Clinical Linguistics & Phonetics. The results of these studies indicate that the treatment is effective in improving patients' respiratory and phonatory function. The results also support carryover of treatment effects for significant periods of time.
The recommended treatment involves 12 sessions, which are provided 2-3 times per week with refreshers every 4-6 months and transition after SPEAKOUT!® graduation into a SPEAKOUT!® maintenance group.
For more information please visit www.parkinsonvoiceproject.org
BECOME A SPEAK OUT!® SPONSOR
Research shows that individuals with parkinson’s disease benefit from continued services and ongoing support.
Empowered Voice Rehabilitation LLC offers this ongoing support for individuals with Parkinson’s disease through our free weekly SPEAK OUT!® maintenance group. This group is open to any individual who has completed the SPEAK OUT!® program and needs ongoing support and training from a trained speech-language pathologist.
SPEAK OUT!® Sponsors provide financial sponsorship that funds our free weekly SPEAK OUT!® maintenance group.
Cost to Empowered Voice Rehabilitation of running the SPEAK OUT!® maintenance group for 1 year: ~$3,000
You can become a SPEAK OUT!® Sponsor at any amount. SPEAK OUT! Sponsors have the option to be listed on our website as a thank you for their support.