The practice of speech-language pathology includes prevention,
diagnosis, habilitation, and rehabilitation of communication, swallowing,
or other upper aerodigestive disorders; elective modification of
communication behaviors; and enhancement of communication. This
includes services that address the dimensions of body structure
and function, activity, and/or participation as proposed by the
World Health Organization model.
Speech-language pathology is the study of disorders that affect
a person's speech, language, cognition, voice disorders, and swallowing
disorders. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) or Speech and Language
Therapists (SLTs) address people's speech production, vocal production,
swallowing difficulties and language needs through speech therapy
in a variety of different contexts including schools, hospitals,
and through private practice.