Let’s Talk LOUD: Virtual Group Voice Therapy

LET’S TALK LOUD: VIRTUAL GROUP VOICE THERAPY

JANUARY 2024 ANNOUNCEMENT: No more sessions are being offered due to the decision to dissolve IMPACT Parkinson’s Society.

For other Parkinson’s specific voice programs with Speech Language Pathologists check out the following list. ** IMPORTANT: Please note that if there is a cost for any of the programs and if you have Extended Health Benefits for speech/voice therapy it does not necessarily mean that it will be eligible for coverage. It is up to you to determine if it is. Especially if you receive services from outside of BC.**

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Surrey Voice Clinic:

Private Practice – Sherri K. Zelazny is a SLP who specializes in Parkinson’s Disease among other conditions. She is a board member of Parkinson Society British Columbia since 2012 and is instrumental in developing the province-wide communication and swallow workshops. She does in-person and virtual sessions.

SpeakSTRONG:

Private Practice – Jasmine Cload is a SLP who has experience and advanced training in neurological movement disorders. She does in-person and virtual sessions. She also does free virtual educational events offered on the first Saturday of each month with Parkinson Wellness Projects in Victoria.

Other BC Speech Language Pathologists:

To find other private practice SLPs in BC who have experience with Parkinson’s go to “Find a Professional” on the Speech and Hearing BC website. Be sure to click on Advanced Search then choose Parkinson’s in Disorder drop down menu plus Speech Language Pathologist in the Professional Type drop down menu.

USA/OTHER LOCATIONS

LSVT Global: Find LSVT LOUD or LSVT BIG certified clinicians near you – in person or via telepractice.

SPEAK OUT – Parkinson Voice Project

Get LOUD! Stay LOUD!: Join free for a month.

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ANNOUNCEMENT 1: We have confirmed with the Canadian Alliance of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Regulators and Speech and Hearing BC that our virtual Let’s Talk LOUD program is currently available to residents of British Columbia, Prince Edward Island and the Canadian Territories of Nunavut, Northwest Territories and Yukon.

Let’s Talk LOUD is virtual monthly group voice therapy sessions. Learn about communication and swallowing concerns common in Parkinson’s disease. Participate in voice training including breath and posture work to help strengthen voice and communication. Learn about the importance of hearing in speech. These sessions are for those already experiencing communication and swallowing challenges as well as those who wish to be proactive in their treatment. One support person is recommended and included for free. *Let’s Talk LOUD virtual services deliver effective, efficient, and safe virtual care, meeting standards of practice and Code of Ethics as outlined by the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC and follows the Standard of Practice for Virtual Care.*

ASSESSMENT: The Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) meets virtually with potential group members to determine eligibility and fit for the group.

INSTRUCTOR:  Emma Cawood, Speech Language Pathologist, LSVT LOUD Certified

HOW IT WORKS: Classes will be offered via Zoom. Those who have registered in advance will receive a reminder email with a link to the session.

DATES/TIME: 

Wed + Fri from 11:30am – 12:30pm OR 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Next Monthly Sessions:

No more sessions are being offered due to the decision to dissolve IMPACT Parkinson’s Society.

COST:

• $160.00 for 8 classes. Cost will be prorated if less than 8 classes are scheduled. (Financial assistance may be available to you if it is a hardship to pay for the sessions. See below.) *
• Up to 30 min FREE virtual assessment for new clients (value of $30.00).*
• 1:1 sessions available for $125.00/hr.
• Minimum of 4 participants required. Maximum of 8.
• NOTE: Those having Extended Health Benefits may have coverage for speech therapy and are encouraged to find out.

* We are now offering FREE assessments plus if you do not have extended health coverage for Speech Therapy and the cost of Let’s Talk LOUD is prohibitive to you please send us an email. We are able to offer free assessments and assistance due to one of our long time clients, Sue “Slugger” Sayer, who bequeathed funds to us to continue supporting collective efforts to provide much needed programs, research and advocacy for Parkinson’s initiatives. Thank you Sue.

FOR MORE DETAILS + TO REGISTER: Email info@impactparkinsons.com. Call 604-525-2631.

Meet Your Speech Language Pathologist: EMMA CAWOOD

“I received my M.Sc.A in Speech Language Pathology from McGill University (2020) and I am a LSVT (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment) LOUD for Life certified clinician (2021). I am currently working at Burnaby Hospital and have a particular interest in swallowing disorders and voice. I am very excited and honoured to be joining the IMPACT Parkinson’s Let’s Talk LOUD groups starting in May 2021. I was involved with the groups last year as a student clinician with Mia Mosters and was inspired by the dedication and commitment of everyone involved. The best part was seeing how much the participants got out of the group sessions and the friendships that formed between them.

In my spare time I like to read fiction and hone my pasta-making skills using my pasta machine. I speak French, a bit of Spanish, and am currently taking Mandarin classes at Langara College.”

I have just completed a “Let’s Talk LOUD” session with IMPACT Parkinson’s. The group voice therapy is designed to allow us to speak LOUD. The Speech Language Pathologist  is an amazing therapist – she has the ideal balance of professionalism and being social. I was reticent at first to “AHHHH” at my strongest level, but her way of presenting knowledge with humour made me “AHHHH” happily in no time!

W K