National Speech-Language-Hearing Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders and the role of American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) members in providing life-altering treatment. (ASHA is 100 years old this year!)

These disorders can have a profound impact on quality of life. Early intervention and the role of therapists are crucial in providing life-altering treatment. Heritage Valley’s Speech Therapy department offers a wide variety of adult outpatient diagnostic and therapeutic services. Speech, communication, cognition, and swallowing greatly impact our quality of life. Our speech pathologists, who are accredited by ASHA, are dedicated to helping patients restore abilities in these areas. 

Medical conditions we treat include Stroke; Traumatic Brain Injury; Neuromuscular Disorders (Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, etc.); Head and Neck Cancer; Dementia; Primary Progressive Aphasia and Vocal Fold Dysfunction.

Please CLICK HERE for more information or contact us at:

• Heritage Valley Beaver: 724-773-4664
• Heritage Valley Center Township: 724-773-6447
• Heritage Valley Kennedy: 412-777-6231
• Heritage Valley Sewickley: 412-749-7097 

According to ASHA, speech and language disorders are common in adults. Some people have difficulties understanding language, whereas other people have trouble expressing themselves. Some people have difficulties with both. Below are some tips to be a good communication partner to someone experiencing difficulty.

• Get the person’s attention first.
• Keep your voice at a comfortable level. You don’t need to talk louder unless they ask you to do so.
• Keep the words you use simple, but adult. Don’t “talk down” to the person.
• Slow down as you speak.
• Use short sentences. Repeat key words that you want them to understand.
• Break down directions into small steps. Repeat directions as needed.
• Use pictures, gestures, writing, and facial expressions. Someone with communication difficulty may understand those better than words.

We are pleased to report that 15 seniors graduated from the Heritage Valley Health System School of Nursing on May 1 during a ceremony at Montour Heights Country Club. Congratulations to all!

Heritage Valley School of Nursing to offer New Technologies for Enhanced Student Learning

The Heritage Valley Health System School of Nursing is pleased to announce that they have been accepted into the Bodyswaps & Meta Healthcare Education grant for summer courses. Thanks to this grant, teachers will be exploring how Artificial Intelligence & Virtual Reality-powered immersive learning can be embedded into the curriculum.

Bodyswaps is the leading provider of AI-powered immersive simulations for education and healthcare. By combining learning modules, customizable AI roleplays, and tailored assessments, Bodyswaps provides a truly rounded learning experience. Faculty members are excited for the chance to bring new learning opportunities to Heritage Valley students!