DePaul Speech Language Pathology Program

Grove Communication Therapy and Evola Pediatric Therapy share a building. Clinicians across speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, mental health, social work, and educational therapy regularly collaborate and communicate on shared clients. Families can move between appointments all in one place, making it a truly integrated, whole-child care experience.
 
Meet our Tricia, who’s on her second SLP externship placement and Lidia, who’s on her Level II Fieldwork A placement.
 
Tricia, Grove Communication Therapy, SLP
I’ve fallen in love with DIR/Floortime: a neurodiversity-affirming approach that considers each child’s developmental level and individual differences to build communication through genuine relationships. In practice, this means following a child’s lead, building on their natural motivations, and letting connection drive progress toward communication goals. Collaborating with OT and other disciplines on shared cases has deepened my understanding of how sensory and regulatory needs are the foundation for communication.
 
Lidia, Evola Pediatric Therapy, OT
So grateful for my time at Evola Pediatric Therapy. The welcoming team has made this such an incredible learning experience. I’ve loved seeing how neuroscience and sensory integration build the foundation of this occupational therapy practice, while learning the importance of co-regulation and helping children learn to feel safe, connected, and confident in their bodies. Supporting neurodiverse children through such individualized care has been so meaningful. From speech to social work to psychology, the collaboration across this team is truly something special.
 

If you or somebody you know has aphasia, please contact us for New Client Intake forms to join us on Tuesday mornings this summer for our aphasia conversation group. You can call our clinic at (773) 326-7040 or email Kate McShane M.A., CCC-SLP at [email protected].

This conversation group is supported by the Margo Fowler Family Foundation which is dedicated to assisting people with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) and other rare neurodegenerative disorders by providing education and support services for individuals and families affected by these diseases; funding research for diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and cures; and raising awareness through advocacy and promotional efforts.

EXTERNSHIP SPOTLIGHT!

Meet Jada, whose externship placement is at Wee Speech in Skokie, IL! Here is what she has learned, "I'm learning a ton of new valuable information and receiving hands-on experience with Childhood Apraxia of Speech!”

Registration for Fall courses is now open. We are offering three different undergraduate elective courses this Fall 2026!

SLP 101 | INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND DISORDERS | 4 credits
Overview of the field of communication and its disorders with emphasis on speech-language pathology and audiology as a profession...

SLP 210 | PHONETICS | 4 credits
This course examines the articulatory, acoustic, and linguistic properties of speech. Instruction in using the International Phonetic Alphabet for phonetic transcription is provided.

SLP 310 | NORMAL CHILD LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT | 4 cr.
An overview of normal language acquisition, focusing on theories, experimental findings, and milestones in typically developing children. 5 clinical observation hours will be acquired.

✨EXTERNSHIP SPOTLIGHT✨

Meet Emma, whose second externship placement is at Advocate Condell Medical Center. Here is what she's learned: “I am gaining experience with Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Studies (VFSS), Passy Muir Valves (PVM), tracheostomies, dysphagia therapy, and language evaluations and therapy. I am learning so much about strokes, TBIs, and swallowing disorders, and I am really enjoying the fast-paced environment of a Level 1 Trauma Center!“

Summer 2026 undergraduate and graduate level course elective alert:
SLP 332 & SLP 443 | Aural Rehabilitation

This is an online hybrid class focusing on an examination of methods for assessing and treating hearing disorders in adults and children, as well as conditions that result in hearing loss. This class is cross-listed and available to both undergraduate and graduate students.

If you have any questions regarding this course or registration, please contact us at (773) 325-5158 or email us at [email protected].

EXTERNSHIP SPOTLIGHT!

Meet Chaya, a second-year graduate student clinician who was placed at both Advocate Health Lutheran General Hospital and By Your Side Autism Therapy Service for her externship placements. Here is what she learned: “I've learned How to keep up with the fast pace and demands of being a floater slp working in inpatient acute care. I’ve also learned the importance of Remaining fluid and flexible when meeting the needs of autistic children and when transitioning between sessions.”

Chaya shared a photo of her at her externship!

The DePaul SLP's went out to the ballgame Monday night! The Cubs took home a W against the Phillies on DePaul Night!
ID; Photos of Cohort 5 students at the Cubs game.

✨EXTERNSHIP SPOTLIGHT✨

Meet Maegan, a second-year graduate student clinician who was recently placed at OSF Saint Anthony's Medical Center for her medical externship placement. Here is what she learned: “One of the most interesting things I learned about was tracheostomy tubes. I gained experience working closely with patients to coach breathing/swallowing coordination, phonation, and how to use Passy Muir valves. Additionally, I learned how tracheostomy tubes and stomas impact swallow functioning during video fluoroscopic swallow studies.”

Meagan shared a photo with us of her wearing lead protection prior to a fluoroscopic swallow study!