Communication Disorders

Communication Disorders

The mission of the Communication Disorders Department is to provide patient centered evaluation and treatment services to persons experiencing communication or swallowing disorders and to achieve the best possible outcomes for each individual. Speech Pathologists and Audiologists work as integral members of the rehabilitation team to develop individualized therapy programs to meet the goals and needs of patients and their families. Therapy programs are designed to meet the specific communication needs of each person and may include individual, group, and community- based activities. Building on a long-standing reputation for excellence the department strives to continually advance the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology through application of clinical research, practical application, and sponsorship of education programs for student externs and professional staff.

Speech Language Pathology Services:

Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services are available for children and adults who have cognitive-communication or swallowing problems resulting from neurologic impairments, including brain injury, stroke, and progressive neurological diseases. Evaluation and treatment are provided for deficits in:

• Attention
• Language Comprehension
• Memory
• Reading and Writing
• Reasoning/Problem-Solving
• Social Interaction Skills
• Speech Production and Voice
• Swallowing
• Verbal and Nonverbal Expression

Outpatient Referrals for Speech Language Pathology Services:

The Communication Disorders Department welcomes referrals for outpatient evaluation and treatment. Patient Information and Community Referral Forms must be completed prior to scheduling an appointment. Also, insurance coverage needs to be verified before scheduling.

• Patient Information form (please submit with each referral)
• Community Referral – Occupational Therapy / Physical Therapy / Speech Therapy / Seating Center

Submit completed forms by fax to the Rancho Outpatient Referral Office at (562) 385-7826. For outpatient appointments and appointment related inquiries please call (562) 385-7111, Option #4, 2. Office hours are Monday – Friday (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

Audiology

The Las Floristas Audiology Center provides comprehensive audiologic services for clients of all ages.  Specific services include:

• Diagnostic Audiologic Evaluation
• Pediatric Audiologic Evaluation
• Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response Testing (BAER)
• Hearing Aid Evaluation and Orientation
• VNG Testing (Videonystagmography)
• Otoacoustic Emissions Testing (OAEs)
• Ototoxicity Monitoring
• Hearing Conservation

Special Programs

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• Professional Continuing Education

Bilingual services are available
ASHA Continuing Education Sponsor

Employment Opportunities in Communication Disorders

For information regarding employment please contact:
Wendy Burton, Director, Communication Disorders Department
Tel: (562) 385-7687 Fax: (562) 385-6690
Email: wburton@dhs.lacounty.gov

Rancho Levels of Cognitive Functioning DVD (1995; 40 minutes)

The Rancho Levels of Cognitive Functioning Scale is an evaluation tool that describes the patterns or stages of recovery typically seen after closed brain injury. This DVD provides vignettes which exemplify behaviors present at each of the originally defined 8 levels of cognitive functioning.  For information regarding DVD rental or purchase please contact:

Rancho Research Institute
Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center
Tel: (562) 385-8111
Email: info@ranchoresearch.org
www.ranchoresearch.org