Speech with Melissa

04/02/2025

Concerned about summer regression? Keep your child’s progress on track with summer speech therapy! Sessions begin June 24th—reserve your spot today!

04/28/2024

Modeling on AAC devices is crucial for users' language development and social interaction. It involves demonstrating how to use the device effectively to express thoughts and needs.

By modeling, caregivers and peers provide consistent exposure to language, expand vocabulary, and encourage functional communication. Ultimately, modeling fosters meaningful connections and empowers individuals with communication difficulties to engage more fully in social interactions.

04/27/2024

Check this out before heading downtown for the draft!

As Detroit prepares to host the 2024 NFL Draft from April 25th-27th the NFL wants to ensure all visitors are accommodated. Here are some of the accommodations available during the event.

04/03/2024

Worried about summer regression? Speech with Melissa is now enrolling for summer speech therapy sessions! Spots are limited.

01/20/2024

‼️Check out this FREE AAC class on Jan 30th‼️

Do you want to learn more about Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)? Do you need help accessing it for your child? Please join Caitlin Hurban, AAC Assistive Technology Specialist from MDRC's Michigan Assistive Technology Program and our partners from Michigan Alliance for Families, Alt+Shift, and Disability Rights Michigan to learn about AAC and accessing AAC for school aged children and infants/toddlers. Our lunch and learn on AAC is January 30th from 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. This is a free event. Register on Eventbrite. If you cannot make it the day of the event, it will be recorded. ASL interpretation and CART are provided.

AAC means all of the ways that someone can communicate besides talking (e.g., facial expressions, gestures, pointing to pictures, spelling, writing, speech generating devices). "Augmentative" refers to communication methods used in addition to speech and "alternative" means communication methods used instead of speech. All methods or modalities of communicating are valid. In this presentation, we will be discussing AAC systems, including lite, mid, and high tech (usually speech generating) options.
[Image description: Four Hexagons on the top left of the Image: 2 orange hexagons, a green and a blue hexagon on a teal background. Four logos are on the bottom of the image, a Disability Rights Michigan logo,a Michigan Assistive Technology program logo, a Michigan Alliance for Families logo and a Alt + Shift Logo. Text: " Introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Resources in Michigan. Tuesday, January 30th, from 12p.m. to 1:30p.m. Join MATP AAC AT Specialist Caitlin Hurban, Alt+Shift AT/AAC Specialist Carolyn Parker, and Michigan Alliance for Families Training Manager Stephanie Nicholls for an introduction to augmentative and alternative communication, an overview of supporting organizations for school aged AAC users in Michigan, and many resources! Register today for the live session and access to the future recording! Eventbrite: https://TechTuesdayAAC.Eventbrite.com." End Image Description]

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/techtuesday-intro-to-augmentative-alternative-communication-resources-tickets-796079183267?aff=oddtdtcreator

11/01/2023

Keeping it inclusive over here with a trick-or-treating communication board!

10/13/2023

🌟 Embrace the Power of Outside Speech Services! 🗣️

Hey everyone! 👋 Are you wondering why outside speech services can be a game-changer for students in addition to school speech services? Let's dive in!

🔹 Tailored Attention: Outside speech services provide one-on-one attention, tailoring therapy to your child's specific needs. This individualized approach can accelerate progress and build confidence.

🔹 Diverse Techniques: Outside speech therapists often bring a fresh perspective and a wider range of techniques, which can complement school services. This diversity can help students overcome challenges more effectively.

🔹 Flexible Scheduling: Beyond school hours, outside speech services offer flexibility, allowing kids to receive therapy without interfering with their regular class schedule.

🔹 Consistency: Maintaining consistent therapy is crucial for progress. Combining school services with outside speech services can help ensure a seamless and continuous speech therapy journey.

🔹 Extended Support: Sometimes, kids need extra support to reach their full potential. Outside services can provide that additional boost, ensuring comprehensive development.

🔹 Emotional Well-being: Speech therapy can be challenging. Outside therapists can often offer a more comfortable and confidential environment, reducing the stress and anxiety some students may feel in a school setting.

Let's champion the benefits of a multi-faceted approach to speech services! It's all about supporting our children in the best way possible. 💪💬

10/12/2023

🗣️ Speech therapy is incredible, but have you heard about Occupational Therapy (OT)? It's a crucial partner in helping individuals with speech difficulties.

🧡 OT focuses on enhancing fine motor skills, coordination, and sensory processing, which are vital for speech development. It's all about laying the foundation for clear communication!

💡Interested in OT services for your child? provides in-home OT services for children in the metro Detroit area! Contact them today to schedule your initial evaluation.

10/05/2023

In honor of AAC awareness month, my co-worker and I put core boards all around our school! 🗣️

Everyone now has the opportunity to communicate 💕

10/01/2023

Did you know October is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) month?! 🎉

Leave a comment and let me know what you already know about AAC and what you want to learn about AAC! 🔎

09/10/2023

🗣️ Ever wondered what Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) do? 🤔 Let's dive into the incredible world of SLPs and their vital role in communication and beyond!

SLPs are like communication superheroes! They help people of all ages overcome speech and language disorders, making sure everyone can express themselves effectively.

👶 Pediatric SLPs work with little ones, helping them develop essential communication skills, from babbling to saying their first words. They're instrumental in early intervention!

👥 School-based SLPs support students with speech and language challenges, ensuring they can succeed academically and socially. They're the champions of clear communication in the classroom.

💬 SLPs assist individuals who've had strokes, traumatic brain injuries, or neurological disorders regain their speech and language abilities. Their work is truly transformative.

🗣️ Fluency specialists help those dealing with stuttering, while voice therapists work with singers and non-singers alike to keep voices strong and healthy.

🌟 SLPs also play a crucial role in treating swallowing disorders, ensuring that people can enjoy meals safely and comfortably.

🔊 So, the next time you hear someone say, "What do SLPs do?" remember that they're the bridge to better communication, the key to unlocking potential, and the reason many people find their voice again. 🙌

08/07/2023

Expressive and receptive language go hand in hand, like a beautifully synchronized dance! 💃🕺

When we express ourselves effectively, we create a clear pathway for others to understand and respond. 👥💬

It's a dynamic exchange that fuels personal growth, learning, and collaboration. Let's celebrate both aspects of language, fostering an inclusive, vibrant world where everyone's voice is cherished and embraced!