Speech-Language Pathology

Speech-language pathologists help people of all ages improve their communication, including after an injury or illness or while living with a chronic condition that impacts speech. These clinicians create personalized treatment plans to help you with improved communication; safe swallowing, eating and drinking; and cognitive-communication skills for everyday tasks.

At Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, our speech-language pathology team has a variety of specializations, including board certifications in neurogenic communication disorders and swallowing, as well as advanced training for various adult and pediatric conditions.

In addition, experts in our Center for Aphasia Research and Treatment have deep experience treating patients with aphasia — a condition that can occur suddenly after a stroke or brain injury and impacts a person’s ability to speak and understand language, reading and writing.

Our speech-language pathologists help you overcome a variety of impairments by:

• Developing individualized treatment plans to improve your communications skills, including listening, speaking, reading and writing.
• Providing therapy to address neurological and cognitive impairments that may impact your attention, memory and communication.
• Treating swallowing disorders (such as dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing) through swallow therapy, helping you learn to swallow and chew safely and efficiently.
• Improving breath and vocal control after being on a ventilator or tracheostomy tube.
• Building skills to enhance your independence and confidence with speech and communication.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary care teams to ensure patient-centered care.

Speech-language therapy is a key component of the three levels of care offered at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

• Inpatient: Many patients start their recovery journey in inpatient care at our hospital in Chicago, with intensive speech-language therapy to address speech, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders after a life-changing injury or illness such as brain injury, cancer, limb loss, spinal cord injury and stroke.
• DayRehab: Often, these patients continue physical therapy in DayRehab at locations in Chicago and the suburbs. DayRehab is an option for those who no longer need hospitalization but still require intensive, coordinated rehabilitation care as they transition back to their community and home life.
• Outpatient: We offer a wide range of occupational therapy services on an outpatient basis at locations in Chicago and the suburbs. Patients can continue their recovery from an injury or illness. We also offer short courses of expert, focused speech-language therapy for common speech, language and communication impairments as well as for specific conditions such as aphasia and long COVID brain fog.