Danielle Santucci
Clinical Fellow of Speech Language Pathology
347-527-0445
Education
ASHA Objective #1: Expand Data Available for Quality Improvement and Demonstration of Value
Respiratory Muscle Strength Training
During my clinical experience, I had the opportunity to educate the interprofessional staff of the Staten Island University Hospital Rehabilitation team. My presentation was on the Expiratory Muscle Strength Training Device, better known as EMST-150 Device, which is a part of a Respiratory Muscle Strength Training Program. The EMST-150 is a calibrated expiratory muscle strength trainer designed specifically for individuals who want to enhance their breathing, swallow function, and overall quality of life. Individuals diagnosed with overall dysphagia, strokes and neurologic diseases such as Parkinson’s and ALS have shown benefits in swallow function using EMST-150 as an intervention approach. My interest in presenting this topic was treating individuals that could not master coordinated breathing skills and/or a productive cough, especially my patients with Parkinson’s Disease. This is a perfect device that could be used within therapy sessions and for an intensive home exercise program.
Physical Limitations and Impact in Young Children
Physical limitations, such as cleft lip and/or palate, mechanical ventilation and tracheostomy, can have significant implications on the development on young children. These limitations can affect a child’s physical and language development as well as their feeding and social aspects. Medical professionals and caregivers should be educated and aware of the impact of such limitations and how I, as a speech-language pathologist, can provide education and intervention to such individuals.
Aphasia and Apraxia Support Group
At Staten Island Hospital I had the experience of running an Apraxia and Aphasia Support Group with my fellow speech-language pathologists, Erin Alvino and Elizabeth DiGiovanni. There we had the opportunity to provide care in an interactive and personal group setting, which often included the individual with Aphasia and/or Apraxia and their supportive care-givers. We provided the individuals with a safe place where they can communicate freely through fun and engaging activities and education on their communication impairments and strategies to improve. While also counseling the individuals and their caregivers through this difficult time in their lives.
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