Center for Speech, Language and Hearing Disorders

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For the Community

SUNY Cortland’s Center for Speech, Language and Hearing Disorders provides evaluation and therapy services free of charge to children and adults with a variety of speech, language, and hearing delays or disorders. These include:

  • Articulation disorders
  • Language delays and impairments
  • Voice disorders and gender affirming voice services
  • Fluency (stuttering)
  • Neurogenic communication disorders (after stroke or brain injury)
  • Accent modification
  • Swallowing disorders

We also participate in a nationally recognized program for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease called SPEAK OUT!® .

What is SPEAK OUT!®? 

SPEAK OUT!® is a speech therapy treatment specifically designed for people with Parkinson’s disease to improve their voice and swallowing. SPEAK OUT!® is based on principles of motor learning and teachings of the late Daniel R. Boone, Ph.D., CCC-SLP. In the 1950s, Boone recognized individuals with Parkinson's could improve their communication by "Speaking with intent." The program typically consists of a 4-week period of individual speech therapy sessions and daily home practice. Upon completion of the individual therapy sessions, the person transitions into the SPEAK OUT!® Group session. These weekly group sessions help you to maintain the progress that you have attained while working in a group setting. The SPEAK OUT!® program was developed by the Parkinson Voice Project in Richardson, TX.

Clinical Educators and Graduate Clinicians in our department are certified to provide our clients with individual SPEAK OUT!® sessions and SPEAK OUT!® Group sessions.

How do I get services?

The schedule for these services is changeable so for appointments or more information, please contact the Communication Disorders and Sciences Department at 607-753-5423. 

I have Parkinson’s disease. When should I begin seeing a speech therapist?

Approximately 90% of individuals with Parkinson’s disease are at risk of developing a weak voice that may lead to difficulties with swallowing. The Parkinson Voice Project has developed a unique speech treatment to help patients regain and retain their speech and communication while minimizing swallowing issues. This program is called SPEAK OUT!®.

What costs are associated with these services?

The Center at SUNY Cortland provides services free of charge.

The Center is located in the Professional Studies Building on the College’s campus. It is the clinical training site for graduate students in the Communication Disorders and Sciences Department. Graduate student clinicians may also provide outreach services to local preschools, schools, or adult care facilities. All clinical services are supervised by New York State-licensed, ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists and audiologists. The American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) is the national accrediting body for the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology. 

For appointments or more information, contact the Communication Disorders and Sciences Department at 607-753-5423. 

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Communication Sciences and Disorders education program in speech-language pathology at SUNY College at Cortland is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

For SUNY Cortland Students in the Communication Disorders and Sciences Major

The Center for Speech, Language and Hearing Disorders is the campus training site for graduate student clinical experiences at SUNY Cortland. Graduate students may also have the opportunity to provide community-based services. Clinical experiences begin the first semester of graduate school and this hands-on learning is invaluable for externships and future career goals.