Therapy Abroad
Therapy Abroad is a two week program in the Central American country of Belize. I was trained in speech language pathology practices including screenings and therapy sessions and I also gained hands on experience working with clients ranging in age from three to 30.
Initial Training
As a part of my training, I conducted language and hearing screenings and oral mechanism exams. I practiced different methods of obtaining the language sample necessary for the screening including play, coloring, and questions to ask the clients.
Photo Courtesy of Therapy Abroad
Photos Courtesy of Therapy Abroad
Language and Hearing Screenings and Oral Mechanism Exams
With another student, I performed language and hearing screenings and oral mechanism exams. We identified language differences and determined whether the client should receive a full evaluation.
Photos Courtesy of Therapy Abroad
Therapy Sessions
Under the supervision of licensed Speech Language Pathologists, I worked with another student to conduct therapy sessions. We addressed language goals from the clients' previous evaluations. I improved in my ability to keep the clients focused on the task at hand.
Photo Courtesy of Therapy Abroad
Debrief and SOAP Note Training
During debriefing after a day of therapy sessions, I wrote Subjective Objective Assessment Plans (SOAP Notes) with the expertise of the supervising Speech Language Pathologists. Below are the SOAP Notes I wrote from my sessions.
Clinic Day - Fine Motor Station
With a partner, I led a station during clinic day that focused on the clients' fine motor skills. We reviewed the goals for the station, planned and prepared the activities, and directed the clients and their student partners through the activity. Decorating an animal mask with colors and strings worked on their ability to produce fine motor movement.
Photo Courtesy of Therapy Abroad