Communication and swallowing disorders affect one in seven people in the United States. These problems affect individuals of all ages and can be the result of:

Stroke	Hearing loss
Brain injury or illness	Cleft palate
Oral motor problems	Degerative diseases (ie: Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Lou Gehrig's)
Developmental delays

Speech therapy services can help with:

Aphasia	Speech sound disorders
Cognitive disorders	Voice disorders
Swallowing problems	Stuttering
Developmental language disorders	Foreign accent reduction

Speech therapy services are available to evaluate and treat children and adults with communication and swallowing problems. The speech and language pathologist also offers support and instruction to the family and others, providing them with tools to assist their loved ones.

Rice Rehab provides specialized speech therapy services to pediatric patients, ranging from preschool through adolescent years. Some reasons children are seen in speech therapy are: articulation problems, language delays, developmental disabilities, stuttering, voice problems, cleft palate, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, autism, jaw rehabilitation. More...

Rice Rehab offers a one-day Multiple Sclerosis Assessment Clinic. The individual's day will involve a complete and thorough assessment in several areas and disciplines such as: occupational, physical and speech therapies; social services; pharmacy; dietary/nutrition; nursing; and massage for relaxation and stress reduction. Family and friends are welcome to attend the clinic with the individual. Morning snack and noon lunch are provided. More...

Rice Rehab offers a one-day Parkinson's Assessment Clinic. The individual's day will involve a complete and thorough assessment in several areas and disciplines, such as: occupational, physical and speech therapies; social services; pharmacy; dietary/nutrition; nursing; and massage therapy for relaxation and stress reduction. Family and friends are welcome to attend the clinic with the individual. Morning snack and noon lunch are provided. More...

Video Fluoroscopy (or video swallowing) is a procedure designed to obtain information about an individual's swallowing difficulties. It can be conducted for individuals ranging in age from infancy to elderly. The procedure, also known as modified barium swallow, is completed on an outpatient basis, and conducted in the Rice Memorial Hospital Radiology Department. Results are recorded on film.

The procedure is done with both the speech and language pathologist and a radiologist present to assess the individual's swallowing proficiency and safety when given foods and/or liquids of various consistencies. A video fluoroscopy is essential for many clients/patients to determine whether or not they are aspirating (inhaling food or liquid into the airway, which can lead to pneumonia).

Results of the procedure are then reviewed with the client/patient, and recommendations for management of the identified problem are made.

For more information on the Speech Therapy programs at Rice Rehab:
lsti@rice.willmar.mn.us or (320) 231-4175

*For persons who have suffered a stroke, there is a support group available which provides education and support for them and their families. The Stroke Support Group meets the 3rd Monday of every month at 1:30 at the Lakeland Health Center. Contact Karyn Loos (320-231-4838) or Bev Crute (320-231-4211) for more information.