When most people think about spinal cord injury (SCI), they think about mobility. But for speech-language pathologists, the impact of SCI goes far beyond movement. In this episode of Brainstorms, Stephane Ratway, MS, CCC-SLP, joins host Renee Garrett, MSEd, CCC-SLP, CBIS, to explore the often overlooked and absolutely essential role SLPs play in spinal cord injury recovery.
The conversation examines how SLPs support quality of life after SCI through ventilator weaning, breath support for speech, cough strength, and secretion management, as well as voice, communication, cognition, swallowing, and airway protection. These areas are central to patient safety, participation, and long-term outcomes, yet they are often misunderstood or underestimated within the rehab process.
Whether you work in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, or outpatient neuro settings, this episode will expand how you see your role on the SCI team. Recovery is not just about movement. It is about being heard, being safe, and staying connected. You will walk away with practical, functional treatment approaches you can use right away.
The conversation examines how SLPs support quality of life after SCI through ventilator weaning, breath support for speech, cough strength, and secretion management, as well as voice, communication, cognition, swallowing, and airway protection. These areas are central to patient safety, participation, and long-term outcomes, yet they are often misunderstood or underestimated within the rehab process.
Whether you work in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, or outpatient neuro settings, this episode will expand how you see your role on the SCI team. Recovery is not just about movement. It is about being heard, being safe, and staying connected. You will walk away with practical, functional treatment approaches you can use right away.
