Services and Programs
Services
Clinical services are supervised by speech-language pathologists who hold a professional license from the state of Illinois and the certificate of clinical competence in speech-language pathology and/or audiology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Saint Xavier University students who are preparing for careers in communication disorders conduct the diagnostic evaluations and treatment sessions.
Grounded in Catholic identity, mission, and heritage, the Saint Xavier University Ludden Speech and Language Clinic is committed to providing an inclusive setting to serve a diverse client community. The clinic is dedicated to providing outstanding and compassionate care to those who seek our services regardless of race, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, abilities, age, sexual orientations, nationality, immigration status or ability to pay. The faculty, staff, and students at Ludden Speech and Language Clinic are engaged in cultivating meaningful connections and service to the community.
Programs
- Two 12-week programs offered in the fall and spring of each year
- Specially designed summer programs
- Group or individual treatment according to the needs of the client
- Treatment sessions scheduled throughout the day from early morning to early evening
- Diagnostic evaluations available prior to each program (including summer) and on a limited basis throughout the year
- Aphasia Support Group connects individuals living with aphasia to one another. This provides support, shared experiences, a safe, supportive environment for communication. It fosters a better understanding of aphasia and the impact it has on our clients for SXU’s graduate clinicians. Graduate clinicians plan activities for the group and learn strategies to support communication. Our clinicians also learn how aphasia impacts our clients' lives outside of the therapy room. For information contact Carry Zaras, M.S. CCC-SLP at zarasFREESXU.%C2%A0
- Birth to Three Language Enhancement Program for parents of children under the age of 3 who are at risk or have been diagnosed with a language delay. This program is held in collaboration with the SXU Birth to Three Program and the SXU Education Department. Families must live in Evergreen Park, Oak Lawn, or Alsip to qualify. For information contact Lori Winkler, Birth to Three Program director, at winklerFREESXU.
- Head and Neck Cancer/Laryngectomy Support Group meets the fourth Tuesday of the month. For information contact Ludden Clinic at luddenclinicFREESXU.
- National Stuttering Association Adult Stuttering Support Group meets the fourth Thursday of the month. For information contact Karen Czarnik, Ph.D., CCC-SLP/L at czarnikFREESXU.
- Social Communication Group supports early language skills in school-aged children. Graduate student clinicians plan activities using the Social Thinking model to improve social competencies such as self-regulation, executive functioning, and problem solving in real-world situations. For information contact Ludden Clinic at luddenclinicFREESXU.
- SPEAK OUT!® and LOUD Crowd®, a two-part speech therapy program to help individuals with Parkinson's regain and maintain effective communication is offered. For information contact Ludden Clinic at luddenclinicFREESXU.
Clinic Calendar
| September to December | (12 weeks) |
| January to May | (12 weeks) |
| Summer, June /July | (6 weeks) |
Additional Information
- New clients are required to have a diagnostic evaluation of speech and language performed at this facility prior to scheduling a therapy program.
- Groups are normally 2 or 3 persons. Speech-language clinicians will make recommendations as to type and frequency of clinical sessions.