Assessment and Treatment of Apraxia: Overcoming the Effects on Speech and Swallowing Presented by Cross Country Education & Charlene Free, MA, CCC-SLP

About Cross Country Education:

Cross Country Education is a national leader in high-quality educational products and services for the entire health care industry. Our seminars and training programs are designed to help health care providers achieve improved performance and results in all areas of clinical, financial and operational management. Our faculty of more than 150 instructors are the “best of the best” in their field of expertise and know how to provide programs that really make a difference to participants.

Since 1995, we have trained over 1,000,000 providers, managers, nurses, behavioral health professionals and other key personnel throughout the entire healthcare industry. We produce over 5,000 seminars and conferences annually for the health care industry. Plus, we coordinate in-house training for health care facilities. Let us provide your training and professional education needs!

About Charlene Free, MA, CCC-SLP:

She is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with over 11 years of experience. Currently, Ms. Free works for Enduracare Therapy Management and is also the owner of her own practice, SpeechWorks, Inc. She has worked with both geriatric and pediatric populations in her own practice, but also with White Oak Manor Nursing Home, Easter Seals, and Rehability. Ms. Free received her Bachelor of Science degree from South Carolina State College in 1990 and earned her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from South Carolina State University in 1995. She is a member of the American Speech and Hearing Association and has been featured in Empire’s Who’s Who Among Professional Women and Executives (July 2006). Her experience helps make her a skilled and knowledgeable instructor.

Course Description:

Helping the Apraxic Individual

Apraxia often accompanies many diseases that are common within the rehabilitation environment. It affects speech as well as swallowing—two of the most important activities of daily living. Individuals who suffer from apraxia have communication deficits, might not be receiving proper nutrition, and may even suffer from depression if the disorder goes untreated. Accurate assessment and treatment by the rehabilitation professional is critical to restoring the patient’s quality of life.

This one-day workshop will increase your understanding of this neurological disorder and provide attendees with practical treatment strategies that can be used with even your most difficult cases. Sample goals to increase your efficacy as a clinician will be covered, as well. Because consistency is important in any rehab setting, effective techniques for educating caregivers, both staff and family, on how to increase communication will be examined. Comparisons and contrasts to similar disorders will be made, thereby assisting you in your ability to clearly formulate goals and improve your critical thinking. Attendees will leave the seminar armed with a new perspective on treating apraxia and additional techniques to add to their rehab repertoire.

You Will Learn…

• Explore the correlation between dysarthria/apraxia, aphasia, and dysphagia
• Identify the various forms of apraxia to increase your understanding of treatment outcomes
• Discuss the similarities and differences between developmental and adult onset apraxia
• Outline practical therapeutic strategies to make your treatment of apraxic patients more effective
• Identify the different types of apraxia
• Determine if apraxia is co-morbid with other disorders
• Differentiate between apraxia and dysarthia/apraxia and aphasia
• Write goal-oriented treatment plans to increase positive patient outcomes
• Discuss how to retain muscles needed for speech and safe swallowing
• Determine how respiration affects swallowing
• Outline how to educate caregivers (both staff and family) on effective ways to communicate with an apraxic patient

Professionals Who Should Attend:

Speech-Language Pathologists
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Rehab Managers
Restorative Nursing Staff
Directors of Nursing
Registered Nurses
Licensed Practical Nurses
Nursing Assistants
Nursing Home Administrators
Activity Professionals

Date & Time:

Thursday, December 8th, 2011 from 7:30am – 3:30pm

Location:

Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel
200 North Ashley Drive Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: 813-223-2222

Registration:

$189 Early Single Registration (received 10 days prior to seminar date)
$179 2-4 Person Early Group Registration
$169 5 or More Person Early Group Registration

Register online at www.CrossCountryEducation.com.

Continued Education Units (CEUs):

0.6 (6 ASHA & AOTA contact hours)