Communicative Disorders Assistant
Encyclopedia
A communicative disorders assistant (CDA) performs hearing
and speech-language screenings, prepares therapy materials, implements speech therapy, reports on therapy outcomes, performs routine maintenance on clinical equipment, and works with speech-language pathologists
(SLPs) and audiologists to adjust therapy goals. While CDAs cannot perform assessments or set therapy goals, they are a vital part of the therapy team. CDAs are supervised by, but work in conjunction with SLPs and audiologists.
While anyone working under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist or audiologist may be considered to be Supportive Personnel, Communicative Disorder Assistants receive their title after being specifically trained and educated in various communicative issues as well as completing field placements in various communication areas (such as fluency
, articulation
, augmentative and alternative communication
, and aural rehabilitation) at various institution types. These may include, but are not limited to school boards, hearing aid
manufacturers, acute care hospitals, treatment centres, long-term care facilities, community health units, private agencies, augmentative communication companies and audiology clinics.
In Canada
, Communicative Disorder Assistants are not regulated, although the Audiologists and Speech-language Pathologists who supervise them typically are regulated under the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) or the Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
(CASLPA). The training, supervision, and use
of CDAs is specified within these organizations.
The Communicative Disorders Assistant Association of Canada (CDAAC) recognizes for membership only students or graduates of approved Communicative Disorders Assistant programs within Canada (those that include coursework in all areas of communication
and prepare students to work with clients of any age).
Hearing (sense)
Hearing is the ability to perceive sound by detecting vibrations through an organ such as the ear. It is one of the traditional five senses...
and speech-language screenings, prepares therapy materials, implements speech therapy, reports on therapy outcomes, performs routine maintenance on clinical equipment, and works with speech-language pathologists
Speech and language pathology
Speech-Language Pathology specializes in communication disorders.The main components of speech production include: phonation, the process of sound production; resonance, opening and closing of the vocal folds; intonation, the variation of pitch; and voice, including aeromechanical components of...
(SLPs) and audiologists to adjust therapy goals. While CDAs cannot perform assessments or set therapy goals, they are a vital part of the therapy team. CDAs are supervised by, but work in conjunction with SLPs and audiologists.
While anyone working under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist or audiologist may be considered to be Supportive Personnel, Communicative Disorder Assistants receive their title after being specifically trained and educated in various communicative issues as well as completing field placements in various communication areas (such as fluency
Fluency
Fluency is the property of a person or of a system that delivers information quickly and with expertise.-Speech:...
, articulation
Manner of articulation
In linguistics, manner of articulation describes how the tongue, lips, jaw, and other speech organs are involved in making a sound. Often the concept is only used for the production of consonants, even though the movement of the articulars will also greatly alter the resonant properties of the...
, augmentative and alternative communication
Augmentative and alternative communication
Augmentative and alternative communication is an umbrella term that encompasses the communication methods used to supplement or replace speech or writing for those with impairments in the production or comprehension of spoken or written language...
, and aural rehabilitation) at various institution types. These may include, but are not limited to school boards, hearing aid
Hearing aid
A hearing aid is an electroacoustic device which typically fits in or behind the wearer's ear, and is designed to amplify and modulate sound for the wearer. Earlier devices, known as "ear trumpets" or "ear horns", were passive funnel-like amplification cones designed to gather sound energy and...
manufacturers, acute care hospitals, treatment centres, long-term care facilities, community health units, private agencies, augmentative communication companies and audiology clinics.
In Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, Communicative Disorder Assistants are not regulated, although the Audiologists and Speech-language Pathologists who supervise them typically are regulated under the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) or the Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
The Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists is a Canadian society with more than 5000 members, supporting the needs, interests, and development of speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and supportive personnel inclusively...
(CASLPA). The training, supervision, and use
Scope of Practice
Scope of Practice is a terminology used by national and state/provincial licensing boards for various professions that defines the procedures, actions, and processes that are permitted for the licensed individual. The scope of practice is limited to that which the law allows for specific education...
of CDAs is specified within these organizations.
The Communicative Disorders Assistant Association of Canada (CDAAC) recognizes for membership only students or graduates of approved Communicative Disorders Assistant programs within Canada (those that include coursework in all areas of communication
Communication
Communication is the activity of conveying meaningful information. Communication requires a sender, a message, and an intended recipient, although the receiver need not be present or aware of the sender's intent to communicate at the time of communication; thus communication can occur across vast...
and prepare students to work with clients of any age).