Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Option, Disability Specialist, A.S.

Program Design

The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Option, Disability Specialist associate degree program is designed to prepare graduates for careers working in elementary and secondary schools with children who have communication disorders. SLPAs work under the supervision of a licensed, certified Speech-Language Pathologist. The SLPA option provides students with a specialized career path as a paraprofessional.

The array of courses and programs offered in this option will help to ensure learner success in the program and will meet local and state workforce demands in a field where there is a great need for qualified staff at the assistant level.

The program is designed for individuals currently working as paraprofessionals who wish to become Speech-Language Pathology Assistants, people seeking a career change, and all students interested in a career as an SLPA.

The SLPA option is guided by the program philosophy and mission statement of the Disability Specialist program. Students will receive specific skill instruction to prepare them to become effective SLPAs coupled with a positive value base that will prepare them to assist individuals with disabilities toward the goals of community inclusion and participation and the attainment of their potential.

Curriculum

The SLPA option is a career program and the academic preparation is at the associate degree level. In addition to General Education and other required courses, SLPA option students will complete specialty courses including a supervised internship.

Students may enroll in this program full- or part-time.

SLPA Option - Disability Specialist Requirements

Gen Ed ENG* 101: Composition 3
SLP* 111 Communication Development 3
Gen Ed PSY* 111: General Psychology 3
PSY* 163 Children With Disabilities 3
Choose Any course 3
      Subtotal: 15
Gen Ed Mode 3: Humanities 3
SLP* 112 Speech and Language Services in the Educational Setting 3
Gen Ed Mode 6: Social Science 3
SLP* 120 Communication Disorders & Intervention I 3
Gen Ed Mode 5: Natural and Physicial Sciences 3-4
      Subtotal: 15-16
SLP* 121 Communication Disorders & Intervention II  3
POL* 111
POL* 112		 American Government or
State and Local Government		 3
PSY* 183 Learning Process and Disabilities 3
Gen Ed Mode 1: Fine Arts 3
Choose Any course 3
      Subtotal: 15
ECE* 231 Early Language and Literarcy Development 3
PSY* 164  Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities (K-12) 1
PSY* 174 Assistive Technology for Adults in the Workplace, Home and Community  1
PSY* 193 Issues/Trends in Disabilities 3
SSC* 294 Cooperative Education/Work Experience  3
HSE* 294 Disability Specialist Seminar 1
Gen Ed ^ Mode 4: Mathematics 3
      Subtotal: 15
      Total Credits Required: 60-61

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Option, Disability Specialist program degree requirements, graduates will

  1. Describe the process of communication and the characteristics of effective communication.
  2. Define the differences between communication disorders and communication differences.
  3. Describe the stages of language and literacy development and distinguish among language delays, language disorders and culturally-based language differences.
  4. Explain and differentiate among the characteristics, etiologies, and impact of phonology, voice, fluency and language disorders.
  5. Explain the effect of hearing loss on the development of communication skills.
  6. Describe the role of the speech language pathology assistant in supporting therapy plans for students in educational settings.

In addition, the graduate will complete the comprehensive learning outcomes identified with the General Education Core.

^ Students planning to transfer should take MAT* 165.

Division of Social Science and Hospitality: 860-512-2750

Source: 2011-2012 Course Catalog

Last Update: March 28 2012
For additional information, contact: Karyn Case