Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
program with an emphasis on medical speech-language and swallowing disorders. The
PhD is the terminal degree for the profession.
ASHA standards have typically been applied with some modification worldwide. The
standards vetted by ASHA will be used in this paper to describe the professional role and
responsibilities of the SLP in practicing on the AT assessment team. The standards reflect
an optimal model to strive for internationally in developing curricula, clinical/educational
certificate and credentialing programs, and clinical services that hold the interest of the
individual with a disability paramount. ASHA members are committed to ensuring that
all people with communication disorders receive services to optimize communication
(ASHA 2004a). Many individuals being treated by SLPs for communication disorders have
disabilities that require the use of assistive technology (AT).
The Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology (ASHA 2007) includes a framework
for clinical practice and the professional roles and activities of SLPs employed in a vari-
ety of clinical/educational settings (see Figure 14.1). The ASHA documents identified
within the framework support the expectation and provision of the highest-quality,
evidence-based services from SLPs. The profession has identified and described the
role of SLPs in providing AT services in various preferred practice patterns, position
statements, guidelines, and knowledge and skills documents. Regardless of the extent of
training, a certified SLP may perform clinical, educational, and advocacy services across
the Scope of Practice with the expectation of adherence to the Code of Ethics (ASHA 2010)
and specific principles therein.
The principle that SLPs shall provide all services competently may seem obvious. Also,
apparent may be principles that address client confidentially and nondiscriminatory
conduct. Additionally, clinicians are expected to engage in only those aspects of service
consistent with their level of education, training, and experience (Principle of Ethics Rule
Scope of practice
Preferred practice patterns
Broad
General
Position statements
Guidelines
Knowledge and skills
statements
Scope
Content
Focused
Specific
Code of ethics
FIgUre 14.1
Conceptual framework of ASHA practice documents. (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
(ASHA). Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology [Scope of Practice], 2007. Retrieved from http://www.
asha.org/policy)
 
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