Research has demonstrated targeting overall communication can significantly improve the quality of life of children and adults who stutter. However, when assessing need for therapy and measures of change, fluency is often not only the focus, but also the required guideline in the school setting. A panel of school-based speech-language pathologists will discuss how they advocated to change their district guidelines to promote best practices within this unique setting. Panel members will discuss their past experiences with assessment and treatment when restricted by previous guidelines, will share the positive outcomes resulting from their revised guidelines, and will provide advice regarding how to navigate roadblocks to quality care in the school environment. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask the panel members about their experiences and recommendations.

Moderator: Courtney Byrd, Ph.D., CCC-SLP