The W’s Speech and Hearing Center receives LAMP ™ certification
Mississippi University for Women’s Speech and Hearing Center has added another accolade to its growing number of recognitions after being named a Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP ™) certified Center of Excellence from The Center for AAC and Autism.
“We are pleased to announce that The W has been certified as a LAMP Center of Excellence by the Center for AAC and Autism. The LAMP therapeutic approach employs motor learning principles alongside a voice output communication aid, enabling non-verbal individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities to develop independent and spontaneous communication skills,” said Cindy Halloran, OTR/L, director of The Center for AAC and Autism.
LAMP is a form of therapy which focuses on neurological and motor learning for patients with limited to no speaking abilities. It was developed through clinical experience from Cindy, John Halloran, M.S., CCC-SLP, and Mia Emerson, M.S., CCC-SLP.
“Through the LAMP approach, individuals learn to use words and construct sentences by pressing buttons on a speech-generating device, effectively expressing their wants, needs and ideas,” Halloran added.
Under the guidance of Lynn McConnell, CCC/SLP, and Janie New, CCC/SLP, both instructors at The W with over 15 years being LAMP certified, the Speech and Hearing Center went through the certification process. The process involves the demonstration of clinical and educational competencies through case presentations, tutoring and advanced training.
“Janie New and Lynn McConnell have a long-standing relationship with The Center for AAC & Autism and have been instrumental in the ongoing development of the LAMP approach. They have helped support many individuals, families and therapists by providing implementation and training to help non-speaking individuals find their voice,” said Halloran.
The W’s certification is valid through 2027, at which time they will have to be recertified.
This recognition is a point of pride for the center, and it serves as a testament to the work of the faculty and students.
“I want to thank Lynn McConnell and Janie New for their guidance and leadership in the area of AAC for our students and clients. We are excited to be recognized as a LAMP Center of Excellence, and we look forward to better serving our community in this capacity,” said Jennifer Pounders, MS, CCC-SLP, clinic director for the Speech and Hearing Center.
About the Speech and Hearing Center
The Speech and Hearing Center is located on The W’s campus at the corner of 11th Street South and Fifth Avenue South. The Center is operated as a component of the graduate program in speech-language pathology and offers speech and languages services, audiological services and both speech/language and audiologic consultation. To learn more, please visit www.muw.edu/slp/shc/.
About the Center for AAC & Autism
The Center for AAC & Autism was established in 2009 by the Prentke Romich Company to serve as a resource for those working to improve the language and communication skills of kids with autism. The center is staffed by a team of highly experienced therapists who, using AAC, have taught individuals to independently and spontaneously express themselves. They also provide therapists, educators and parents with specialized training on language development strategies utilizing AAC, information tools and additional resources and supporting clinical research aimed at the effective implementation of AAC. To learn more, please visit www.aacandautism.com/.