Freedom of Speech - Freedom of SPeech, LLC

Mandy McLane MA, CCC-SLP

Central Florida, FL 32801
mclanemandy@yahoo.com

Freedom of SPeech, LLC

Speech-language pathologists, sometimes called speech therapists, assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent disorders related to speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, swallowing, and fluency.

Speech-language pathologists work with people who cannot produce speech sounds or cannot produce them clearly; those with speech rhythm and fluency problems, such as stuttering; people with voice disorders, such as inappropriate pitch or harsh voice; those with problems understanding and producing language; those who wish to improve their communication skills by modifying an accent; and those with cognitive communication impairments, such as attention, memory, and problem solving disorders. They also work with people who have swallowing difficulties.

Speech, language, and swallowing difficulties can result from a variety of causes including stroke, brain injury or deterioration, developmental delays or disorders, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, cleft palate, voice pathology, mental retardation, hearing loss, or emotional problems. Problems can be congenital, developmental, or acquired. Speech-language pathologists use special instruments and qualitative and quantitative assessment methods, including standardized tests, to analyze and diagnose the nature and extent of impairments.

Speech-language pathologists develop an individualized plan of care, tailored to each patient’s needs. For individuals with little or no speech capability, speech-language pathologists may select augmentative or alternative communication methods, including automated devices and sign language, and teach their use. They teach patients how to make sounds, improve their voices, or increase their oral or written language skills to communicate more effectively. They also teach individuals how to strengthen muscles or use compensatory strategies to swallow without choking or inhaling food or liquid. Speech-language pathologists help patients develop, or recover, reliable communication and swallowing skills so patients can fulfill their educational, vocational, and social roles.

Speech-language pathologists keep records on the initial evaluation, progress, and discharge of clients. This helps pinpoint problems, tracks client progress, and justifies the cost of treatment when applying for reimbursement. They counsel individuals and their families concerning communication disorders and how to cope with the stress and misunderstanding that often accompany them. They also work with family members to recognize and change behavior patterns that impede communication and treatment and show them communication-enhancing techniques to use at home.

Most speech-language pathologists provide direct clinical services to individuals with communication or swallowing disorders. In medical facilities, they may perform their job in conjunction with physicians, social workers, psychologists, and other therapists. Speech-language pathologists in schools collaborate with teachers, special educators, interpreters, other school personnel, and parents to develop and implement individual or group programs, provide counseling, and support classroom activities.

Some speech-language pathologists conduct research on how people communicate. Others design and develop equipment or techniques for diagnosing and treating speech problems.

Speech and Language Therapy Services

Professionalism...
Since 2001, working with individuals on the autistic spectrum, down syndrome population, individuals with challenging behaviors and/or speech and language developmental delays, has been a huge part of my life. As I was finishing up my undergraduate work, at Clemson University, I had the opportunity to shadow a speech and language pathologist. Instantly, I knew my life's path had been determined. From the beginning, I immediately got involved. While I completed my Masters at the University of Central Florida, I worked as an assistant speech and Language pathologist. During that time, I interacted with a wide variety of individuals and diagnosis'. To name just a few: developmental delays (speech and language), Apraxia of Speech, Down Syndrome, Autism, Oral Motor/feeding and swallowing,Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), Stroke, Dementia, Cerebral Palsy, and a wide variety of genetic disorders
Shortly after graduating, I worked at a pediatric clinic, as well as a private practice, which mostly focused on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). During that time I became certified in Beckman's Oral Motor, Sara Rosenfeld-Johnson Oral Motor Approach to Feeding and Speech, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and Kaufman Speech and Language Protocol
In 2004, I opened my own Speech and Language therapy business, Freedom of Speech, LLC. We provide services to individuals of all ages and diagnosis' in the greater Orlando area and Boulder, Co. We offer speech and language therapy in a wide variety of setting, including schools, daycare centers, at home, etc.. According to research, greater progress is made when services are provided within a natural environment.
Our Mission...
At Freedom of Speech, our mission is to provide specialized speech and language therapy services. Realizing that one therapy approach doesn't fit all, we like to treat the individual as a whole and create an individualized approach. Staff are trained in the state of the art speech and language therapeutic techniques.
Freedom of Speech is committed to excellence. We offer therapy and related services to our clients, care takes, family members, friends, and supportive staff. We promote independence and health via an interdisciplinary approach. We offer a playful, warm, and family-friendly environment.