TalkTools has been re-approved by the Continuing Education Board (CEB) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association to offer continuing education activities for speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists. The approval period is five years, January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2022. 

In order to achieve ASHA Approved CE Provider status, TalkTools completed a rigorous application process and successfully demonstrated adherence to the ASHA Continuing Education Board standards that focus on the design, development, administration, and evaluation of its continuing education courses offered for audiologists and speech-language pathologists. The re-approval process involved the review of all courses offered by TalkTools in the past five year period and their on-going adherence to ASHA CEB standards. As a result of re-approval, TalkTools agreed to continue their compliance with ASHA CEB standards and can continue to promote their organization and courses using the ASHA CE logo on promotional course material. In addition, TalkTools is listed on the ASHA CEB's Approved CE Provider list and their courses that meet CEB standards appear in ASHA CEFind on the ASHA website at www.asha.org/CEFind.

About TalkTools
TalkTools was created to provide the best Oral Placement Therapy techniques, training and products to clients, therapists and parents. OPT uses a hierarchical approach to improve speech clarity and feeding skills in individuals of all ages and across diagnoses. It adds a tactile component to traditional speech therapy, enabling clients to feel the movements necessary for the development of their skills. It involves the use of therapy tools to train and transition muscle movements for speech production. Tools like the Horn and Straw Hierarchies and Jaw Grading Bite Blocks are now household names in the oral placement field. Leader in the industry for 30 years, TalkTools has positioned itself as the authoritative worldwide source for oral placement, sensory, and feeding therapy supplies. Continuing Education being one of our main missions, we hold many hands-on workshops around the world, we offer live webinars as well as self-study programs with the objective to train more therapists being able to positively impact the lives of their clients. Over 4,000 participants are trained every year.

About the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) 
ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for more than 191,500 audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists. Audiologists specialize in preventing and assessing hearing and balance disorders as well as providing audiologic treatment including hearing aids. Speech-language pathologists identify, assess, and treat speech and language problems including swallowing disorders.

About the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Continuing Education Board (CEB)
The ASHA CEB supports and facilitates professional development by assisting individuals in the management of lifelong learning; encouraging the availability of quality, relevant CE opportunities through its network of ASHA Approved Continuing Education Providers; and recognizing individual accomplishments in CE with the ASHA Award for Continuing Education (ACE).

We are proud to introduce WEBINARS as a new option for your Continuing Education!

Web conferencing allows participants to enjoy real time interactions with TalkTools Instructors in the comfort of their own home or office.

As summer approaches, Continuing Education offers are going to thin out, but we have you covered.

We are starting with a choice of four one-day courses, each offered for ASHA & AOTA CEUs. Registration is open!

• June 9, 2017 - OPT to Improve Speech Clarity and Feeding Skills (0.5 CEUs)
• June 23, 2017 - Solving the Puzzle of Autism: Using Tactile Therapy Techniques (0.6 CEUs)
• July 13, 2017 - Feeding Therapy: A Sensory Motor Approach (0.6 CEUs)
• Coming soon - Sensory Motor Approach to Apraxia of Speech (0.6 CEUs)

Early Bird Pricing is offered up to 15 days before each date for $120, then fee raises to $150. Group rates are available as well: buy 4 tickets get 1 free!

And here is the best part yet: we are giving away ONE webinar ticket this month! Enter below for a chance to win:

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

As we navigate together through this new experience, please let us know of any feedback you may have!

Who's excited for the annual American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention next week? The convention is happening November 17-19 in Philadelphia, PA. We are ready to blow your mind both at presentations and at booth #423 and serve you the best we can!

At the booth, you will be able to view and handle all TalkTools' signature products, such as the Horn Kit, the Straw Kit, the Honey Bear, the Bite Blocks and more. Any order placed at the Convention will receive a 20% OFF discount and FREE shipping (most orders will even be fulfilled right there)!!!

Anyone visiting the booth can be entered for our raffle featuring Introduction to OPT Kits ($195 value), Online Courses ($30 to $220 value), Amazon gift cards ($250 value) and more! Just come and have your badge scanned. There will also be free bracelets, pens, chocolate and more for everyone ;) And you will be able to be photographed dressed as a super hero  at our super cool photo station to celebrate your successes in speech & feeding therapy.

Another reason to stop by our booth is to chat with TalkTools experts! Lori Overland, MS, CCC-SLP, C/NDT, Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP, Monica Purdy, MA, CCC-SLP & Colette Ellis, M.ED., CCC-BCS-S will be on hand to answer your therapy questions and discuss your Continuing Education opportunities.

TalkTools is scheduled for two presentations that you don't want to miss, Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning.

"Diet-Shaping for Self–Limited Diets in Children With a Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder"

Session Code: 1205 Thursday, November 17, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center Room: Terrace Ballroom IV Presenters: Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP & Lori Overland, MS, CCC-SLP, C/NDT Instructional Level: Intermediate Abstract Type: Professional Education Speech-Language Pathology Topic Area: Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders

Abstract: Presentation explores 1) the etiology of self-limited diets in autism; 2) the sensory-motor system as it relates to feeding; 3) sensory processing and how it affects the diet; 4) the importance of establishing home–base when conducting a feeding program and 4) diet–shaping based on a sensory-motor approach to feeding.

Learner Outcomes: 1. Improved understanding of the etiology of a self-limited diet 2. Demonstrate understanding of a home-based diet 3. Comprehend the concept of diet-shaping

"Careful Hand Feeding or Comfort Feeding Evaluations: Techniques in Palliative Dysphagia Management"

Session Code: 1689 Saturday, November 19, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center Room: 204A Presenter: Colette Ellis, M.ED., CCC-BCS-S Instructional Level: Intermediate Abstract Type: Professional Education Speech-Language Pathology Topic Area: Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders

Abstract: Review the speech-language pathologist’s role of traditional dysphagia management versus palliative and end of life care. Review primary and secondary recommendations made when there is known risk of aspiration. Address ethical questions SLPs face regarding dysphagia management. Instructing professionals or caregivers in careful hand feeding techniques will be introduced.

Learner Outcomes: 1. Describe the difference between traditional speech pathology services and those available during palliative care 2. Demonstrate the consultant role, service and communication needed during palliative care 3. Apply sensory motor techniques which can facilitate ‘careful hand-feeding’ if this is an option chosen by the patient with severe feeding difficulties and dysphagia

See you in Philadelphia!

While Diane Bahr’s first workshop with TalkTools is approaching, we wanted to highlight her recent addition to the team.

TalkTools: What was your first encounter with Oral Placement Therapy (OPT)?

Diane:  I took courses with Sara Rosenfeld-Johnson and Lori Overland when they were first teaching workshops. I have been using TalkTools products and programs in my own treatment, as well as teaching about them in my graduate course and continuing education ever since.

TalkTools: You contributed to several publications about OPT since then. Can you tell us more about them?

Diane: Absolutely. Firstly, Sara and I wrote the first article using the terms OPD and OPT: “Treatment of Children With Speech Oral Placement Disorders (OPDs): A Paradigm Emerges.” You will also see my name on the acknowledgement page in Oral Placement Therapy for Speech Clarity and Feeding, as well as the Introduction to the 4^th edition. Sara mentions me as well in her acknowledgement page in Oral Placement Therapy (OPT) for /s/ and /z/, and Lori in A Sensory Motor Approach to Feeding. So, I have a long history of helping and supporting the work of TalkTools.

TalkTools: Why did you decide to join the TalkTools team?

Diane: Sara had invited me to join the team many years ago, but we were working through the oral sensory-motor controversy and decided to work separately until we had some resolution. We now seem to have this resolution particularly with Ray Kent’s 2015 article and all of the orofacial myofunctional research that is coming out around the globe. I decided to join the TalkTools team now because the timing is right. Both my textbook (Oral Motor Assessment and Treatment: Ages and Stages, 2001) and my parent-professional book [Nobody Ever Told Me (or my mother) That!, 2010] discuss the work of TalkTools.

TalkTools: How is your workshop going to help therapists?

Diane: My 15-hour workshop “Integrated Treatment of Feeding, Speech and Mouth Function in Pediatrics” can be taken either by therapists new to TalkTools who want an introduction or by therapists who have taken TalkTools workshops and want integration regarding the many aspects of oral sensory-motor treatment (i.e., feeding, motor speech, and mouth development/function). My course was a graduate course for many years, and I have been teaching it in continuing education since 1989. The goal of this workshop is to help all therapists integrate the wealth of oral sensory-motor information (re. feeding, motor-speech, and mouth development/function) that is currently available. I keep the workshop updated with the newest and best information I can find. Basically, I have spent 33 of my 36 year career studying and doing oral sensory-motor treatment.

TalkTools: Thank you and welcome to the TalkTools team!

Diane Bahr is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist and infant massage instructor. She has practiced Speech-Language Pathology since 1980 and has been a feeding therapist since 1983. Her experiences include teaching Graduate, Undergraduate, and Continuing Education courses; working with children and adults who exhibit a variety of speech, language, feeding, and swallowing disorders; and publishing/presenting information on oral sensory-motor function, assessment and treatment. She is the author of the textbook Oral Motor Assessment and Treatment: Ages and Stages (Allyn & Bacon, 2001). She has also written a book for parents entitled Nobody Ever Told Me (Or My Mother) That! Everything from Bottles and Breathing to Healthy Speech Development (Sensory World, 2010). Diane maintains a private practice, writes articles appearing in a variety of publications, is interviewed frequently on radio and in magazines, and is an international presenter.

She will be teaching the workshop “Integrated Treatment of Feeding, Speech and Mouth Function in Pediatrics” offered for 1.5 ASHA & AOTA approved CEUs on December 8-10, 2016 in New York, NY. Learn more and register here.

"Everyone really enjoyed the course.  All of the feedback I’ve gotten has also been positive.  Lori did a wonderful job presenting.  Chad did a great job handling everything on site.  It all went very smoothly.  And Linda was great to work with as well.  I appreciate all her help as we were getting ready for the course. We wanted to share one story with you from the weekend. One of our SLP’s was unable to make the first day because her child was sick and Chad and Linda took care of her.  She was able to watch a presentation of the first day on line at home and join everyone on the second day.  I got the following text from her around lunchtime that day “These people are wonderful!!!! They sent me great email with easy steps to follow and then called me to follow up.  I am watching the video now and will try to be ready tomorrow.  Loving the great customer service from TalkTools and SpeakAbility.”  We really appreciated all they did to help her. And we were also pleased with how good it was for our company.  Thank you for asking us to host the course."

        ~ Frances, Host in Charlotte

"The interest that the course of last Saturday generated was so high that some professionals are talking about traveling to continue with deeper training. The demand is there, the opportunity is real."

      ~ Nellie, Host in Puerto Rico

"We have already seen improvement with many of our clients using the skills Monica taught us!"

      ~ Erica, Host in San Diego

These testimonials come from organizations that hosted a TalkTools® workshop in their facility. What it means is that you host the workshop of your choice (see the list below) at your facility, TalkTools® provides all learning material and markets it to professionals in your region. Hosts can be private practices, non-profit organizations, parent groups, or other types of organizations able to meet the requirements. This is how we get to travel across the country (and more!) to train therapists of all horizons.

Here's a list of workshops available for hosting:

• A Three-Part Treatment Plan for Oral Placement Therapy (1.2 CEU)
• Feeding Therapy: A Sensory-Motor Approach (1.2 CEU)
• A Sensory Motor Approach to Apraxia of Speech and Related Motor Speech Disorders (1.2 CEU)
• Oral Placement Therapy: Assessment and Program Plan Development (1.2 CEU)
• Developing Oral Sensory Motor Skills to Support Feeding in the Down Syndrome Population (0.6 CEU)
• Rehabilitative Feeding and Speech Techniques for Teens and Adults (0.6 CEU)
• Oral Placement Therapy to Improve Speech Clarity and Feeding Skills (0.6 CEU)
• Pediatric Dysphagia: Interpreting the MBSS and Planning Treatment (0.6 CEU)
• Adult Dysphagia: Interpreting the MBSS and Planning Treatment (0.6 CEU)
• Oral Placement to Speech: Transitioning Muscle Memory into Speech Sound Production (0.6 CEU)
• Partnering Effectively with Parents: Maximize the Potential of Children Receiving Therapy (0.6 CEU)
• Solving the Puzzle of Autism: Using Tactile Therapy Techniques (0.6 CEU)
• Oral Placement Therapy: Clinical Implications for Tongue Thrust and Lisp (0.6 CEU)
• Sensory Intervention Techniques for Speech-Language Pathologists (0.6 CEU)

• TalkTools® has been known for its quality, clinically relevant Continuing Education since 1996.
• 75,000+ SLPs have attended our workshops with over 95% recommending them to their colleagues.
• Our email database has over 30,000 contacts, with the possibility to send geo-targeted campaigns.

• EDUCATE YOUR STAFF with unique learning material, appropriate CEUs, free products and other advantages.
• BE A KNOWLEDGE GENERATOR by educating your audience to cutting edge clinical strategies that can be implemented right away.
• DEVELOP PUBLIC RELATIONS with professionals and families affected by speech and feeding disabilities in your community.