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!

We are excited to present you our first 2016 Live Workshops! Next year is going to be busy and studious. Our Instructors are going to travel a lot and cover many different subjects to meet your needs. Get ready to take your therapy to the next level!

January 15 - 16, 2016 | San Juan, PR

"A Three-Part Treatment Plan for Oral Placement Therapy" by Whitney Pimentel, MA, CCC-SLP

 January 20 - 21, 2016 | Pasadena, CA

"Oral Placement Therapy: Assessment & Program Plan Development" by Renee Roy Hill, MS, CCC-SLP

 January 21 - 22, 2016 | Jacksonville, FL

"Feeding Therapy: A Sensory-Motor Approach" by Lori Overland, MS, CCC-SLP

 January 23, 2016 | Jacksonville, FL

"Developing Oral Sensory Motor Skills to Support Feeding in the Down Syndrome Population" by Lori Overland, MS, CCC-SLP

 January 28 - 29, 2016 | Odense, Denmark

"Three-Part Treatment Plan for Oral Placement Therapy" by Renee Roy Hill, MS, CCC-SLP

 January 29 - 30, 2016 | Middlesex, NJ

"Oral Placement Therapy: Assessment & Program Plan Development" by Monica Purdy, MA, CCC-SLP

February 1 - 2, 2016 | Odense, Denmark

"Oral Placement Therapy: Assessment and Program Plan Development" by Renee Roy Hill, MS, CCC-SLP

 February 3 - 5, 2016 | Odense, Denmark

Level 3 Training by Renee Roy-Hill, MS, CCC-SLP

 February 11 - 12, 2016 | Birmingham, AL

2016 SHAA Convention by Jennifer Jones, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-S, C/NDT

 February 11 - 13, 2016 | Rosemont, IL

2016 ISHA Convention by Monica Purdy, MA, CCC-SLP

 February 12 - 14, 2016 | Derbyshire, UK

Level 3 Training by Whitney Pimentel, MA, CCC-SLP

 February 19 - 20, 2016 | Charlotte, NC

"Feeding Therapy: A Sensory-Motor Approach" by Lori Overland, MS, CCC-SLP

 February 26 - 27, 2016 | San Jose, CA

"A Three-Part Treatment Plan for Oral Placement Therapy" by Whitney Pimentel, MA, CCC-SLP

 March 2 - 3, 2016 | Dubai, UAE

"A Three-Part Treatment Plan for Oral Placement Therapy" by Monica Purdy, MA, CCC-SLP

 March 2 - 4, 2016 | Jackson, MS

2016 MSHA Convention by Jennifer Jones, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-S, C/NDT

 March 3 - 4, 2016 | Little Rock, AR

"Feeding Therapy: A Sensory-Motor Approach" by Lori Overland, MS, CCC-SLP

 March 4 - 5, 2016 | Middlesex, NJ

"A Sensory-Motor Approach to Apraxia of Speech and Related Motor Speech Disorders" by Renee Roy Hill, MS, CCC-SLP

 March 5, 2016 | Krakow, Poland

"Sensory Intervention Techniques for Speech-Language Pathologists" by Monica Purdy, MA, CCC-SLP

 March 5, 2016 | Toronto, ON

"Oral Placement Therapy: Clinical Implications for Tongue Thrust and Lisps" by Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP

 March 6, 2016 | Krakow, Poland

"Solving the Puzzle of Autism: Using Tactile Therapy Techniques" by Monica Purdy, MA, CCC-SLP

 March 10 - 12, 2016 | Fort Worth, TX

2016 TSHA Convention by Renee Roy Hill, MS, CCC-SLP

 March 16 - 17, 2016 | Sacramento, CA

"Oral Placement Therapy: Assessment & Program Plan Development" by Monica Purdy, MA, CCC-SLP

 March 16 - 19, 2016 | Chantilly, VA

2016 SHAV Conference by Whitney Pimentel, MA, CCC-SLP

 March 18 - 19, 2016 | San Diego, CA

"Oral Placement Therapy: Assessment & Program Plan Development" by Monica Purdy, MA, CCC-SLP

April 7 - 10, 2016 | Osage Beach, MO

2016 MSHA Convention by Monica Purdy, MA, CCC-SLP

 April 8 - 9, 2016 | Evansville, IN

"A Three-Part Treatment Plan for Oral Placement Therapy" by Renee Roy Hill, MS, CCC-SLP

 April 9, 2016 | Charleston, SC

"Oral Placement Therapy: Clinical Implications for Tongue Thrust and Lisps" by Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP

 April 14 - 15, 2016 | Long Branch, NJ

2016 NJSHA Convention by Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP

 April 15 - 16, 2016 | Phoenix, AZ

"Feeding Therapy: A Sensory-Motor Approach" by Lori Overland, MS, CCC-SLP

 April 15 - 16, 2016 | Denver, CO

"A Three-Part Treatment Plan for Oral Placement Therapy" by Renee Roy Hill, MS, CCC-SLP

 April 28 - 29, 2016 | Omaha, NE

"A Three-Part Treatment Plan for Oral Placement Therapy" by Whitney Pimentel, MA, CCC-SLP

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Congratulations to TalkTools® Instructor Jennifer Jones, who became this weekend one of only 2 SLPs in the world with the credentials: PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, C/NDT!

What does this all mean?

A PhD (the abbreviation for the Latin "Philosophiæ Doctor", literally, Doctor of Philosophy) is the holder of a doctor's degree, which is the highest university degree. This degree rewards substantial contributions to a discipline by published work. It was originally granted to middle age individuals who had demonstrated a productive career in Philosophy. Holders of a PhD have lead an original research documented by substantial dissertation. This degree is often required to be hired as a university lecturer or a researcher in some sciences, although this varies from place to place.

A CCC-SLP is a Speech-Language Pathologist who is "certified": who has earned an ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) Certificate of Clinical Competence in the field of Speech-Language Pathology. It is a professional credential that is nationally recognized and that represents a level of excellence. As ASHA puts it, "those who have achieved the CCC ASHA certification have voluntarily met rigorous academic and professional standards, typically going beyond the minimum requirements for state licensure. They have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to provide high quality clinical services, and they actively engage in ongoing professional development to keep their certification current."

A BCS-S is a Board Certified Specialist in swallowing and swallowing disorders, also called Dysphagia. A BCS-S maintains high-level skills and clinical experience in the evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders. Thanks to continuing training, a BCS-S knows the latest clinical approaches and can most effectively and efficiently evaluate and treat individuals with swallowing disorders.  As the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders puts it, "the BCS-S specialist provides appropriate, evidence-based treatment techniques to address the swallowing problem(s) of each individual, based upon the comprehensive swallowing assessment."

A C/NDT is a Certified Neuro-Developmental Therapist, who has been certified by the NDTA™ (Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association). As the NDTA™ puts it, "NDT is a holistic and interdisciplinary clinical practice model informed by current and evolving research that emphasizes individualized therapeutic handling based on movement analysis for habilitation and rehabilitation of individuals with neurological pathophysiology." This certification is one of the most prestigious in this field as it requires a continuous process of updating knowledge with current NDT theory and practice.

Jennifer is looking forward to her upcoming classes in Puerto Rico on Dec. 4-5 and is glad so many people registered! (In fact, it is sold out ;).) The subjects are "Pediatric Dysphagia: Interpreting the MBSS and Planning Treatment" and "Adult Dysphagia: Interpreting the MBSS and Planning Treatment." Stay tuned for more TalkTools news!

Read articles by Jennifer:

"Why Every SLP Needs to Understand Dysphagia" Jones, J., (2015). TalkTools Blog

"Targeted Treatment: Cranial Nerve Based Assessments" Banotai, A., Jones, J., (2012). http://www.advanceweb.com/