Adult Services
Adult Services:
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Accent modification coaching- Standard American English
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Aural rehabilitation therapy
(deaf and hard-of-hearing clients with cochlear implants)​
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Fluency/Stuttering
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Parent/teacher in-services & consultations
Accent Modification
Coaching
Accents are beautiful and special, however sometimes one's native language patterns carry over to English, making it challenging for a listener to quickly or accurately understand a message. This can sometimes negatively impact a person's relationships with others, promotions at work, connections with clients or teachers, and affect their self-esteem. Our accent modification programs are personalized and designed to help clients improve their overall communication skills and speech clarity.
An initial evaluation is done followed by weekly in-person or telehealth services. Clients learn to hear differences between their first language and a native English speaker. Sessions include listening and ear training activities. Clients learn how to modify the stress and intonation on words and different tongue and lip movements for new sounds. We can focus on public speaking, interview skills, work or class presentations, discuss career aspirations, personal interests, and more.
Accent modification coaching can help boost one's confidence. Our sessions allow for practice and feedback, so clients become more comfortable when speaking to others with their new skills. Our goal is not to eliminate an accent, but to help non-native speakers learn new ways of making speech sounds or changing grammar patterns which may differ from a native English speaker to become more effective and confident communicators. ​
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Aural Rehabilitation
Listening With Cochlear Implants
Word Works offers specialized services for deaf and hard-of-hearing children and adults. Few Bay Area Speech Pathologists have extensive knowledge or training working with people with hearing aids and cochlear implants. For over 20 years Tamara has enjoyed working closely with the Deaf community and others affected by hearing loss. She has dedicated time learning how to best work with children and adults learning to hear with a cochlear implant.
Tamara uses visual phonics and cues, pictures and writing, and American Sign Language. She knows the hierarchy of skills to design programs for every client's unique needs. She understands how to teach people to better identify environmental sounds, speech sounds, and language with a cochlear implant or hearing aids. Articulation issues are also addressed in therapy when needed.
Sessions take place via teletherapy and occasionally in-person. Every client has a different background and listening skill set, so history of hearing loss, auditory processing skills, and years of deafness are taken into account. Tamara loves seeing her client's make progress and encouraging them along the way. She works with families and includes them in sessions whenever possible. Daily practice and family and friend involvement is essential to making progress.
I am here to answer questions and guide you on your communication journey!
Schedule a FREE 20 minute telephone consultation today!
