Testimonials

Here's what people have to say about Joan Green and Innovative Speech Therapy

Clients and their families: "His speech has improved remarkably." (wife of former client) My husband suffered a stroke at the age of 40. The damage to his left hemisphere left him literally wordless- we were told he had severe apraxia and aphasia. He started working intensively with Joan Green. With Joan's personalized program, lots of practice and diligence, his speech has improved remarkably. The crippling apraxia has nearly disappeared. Megan Thomas (Wife of former client) "Working with Joan has improved my quality of life and encouraged me to continue to improve my functionality." (former client) "I started working with Joan and the Innovative Speech Therapy team to help me regain my communication skills six months after my stroke in 2002. Joan provided intensive traditional speech therapy as well as unconventional therapy through the use of software, computers and technology. The drills and practice we had improved my articulation and recall of words, and the use of software and technology expedited my learning curve and empowered me to work alone to accomplish even more. Through the use of a text reader, word prediction and Wynn Wizard software, I can now understand written language as well as communicate to others. These technologies inspired me to develop my own speech therapy CD which focuses on word pronunciation and articulation. This CD is included in Joan's Innovative Speech Therapy Solutions Kit. Working with Joan has improved my quality of life and encouraged me to continue to improve my functionality." (Winston Lindsley - Former Client) "Speech therapy programs need to be revamped to include the resources, tools and techniques of Joan Green's modern system." (wife of former client) "Joan Green's innovative approach to treating language and cognitive deficits finally propels speech therapy into the 21st century! We are living in a world of rapid technological advances and yet most therapists have failed to incorporate new technology into their therapeutic procedures. Joan Green's unique program utilizes a vast array of materials ranging from simple books and games to elaborate computer programs. She adapts her procedure to the unique needs and present level of her clients. Her techniques and resources enable family members to also assist in the process on a daily basis away from the formal therapy setting. The intensity of the therapy, coupled with the well chosen tools, hastens clients' improvement and enables them to reach their full potential. Her work is extremely important. Other speech therapy programs are hampered in their attempts to assist many of their clients by the limitations of their resources and methods. Speech therapy programs need to be revamped to include the resources, tools and techniques of Joan Green's modern system." (Joan Doolittle - Wife of former client) "The resources and techniques she used were absolutely unique and effective." (daughter of former client) "The tools that Innovative Speech Therapy recommended have been instrumental in helping my Dad regain and sustain the ability to communicate with family and friends around the country. Therapy goals were targeted to re-establish communication and the ability to share humor -- which have been the hallmarks of my Dad's life. Dad's speech pathologist recommended we seek out Joan to help Dad with his communications challenges. The resources and techniques she used were absolutely unique and effective. Dad is living proof that at least some stroke victims can continue to improve, long after they are deemed to be "stalled" by more traditional approaches. Nearly 2 years after his stroke, after working with the software tools 1-3 times/week, he discovered that he could again read the newspaper without assistance! I don't know what we could have done if we had not been referred to Joan. Computer-assistive technology is still considered a new technique...and many speech therapists working in skilled nursing and rehab facilities do not have the equipment, the support, nor the time to learn how to integrate these tools into their treatment programs. This needs to change!"(Helen Wood - Daughter of former client) "Her methods are extremely stimulating." (daughter of former client and SLP) "When my dad had a stroke, Joan was the SLP I chose to work with him. Having worked together in rehabilitation, I appreciated all of Joan's strengths as a clinician: organized, empathetic, energetic, innovative, and practical. When she formed Innovative Speech Therapy as a company to provide innovative computer program use for stroke and brain injured clients, I couldn't wait to take her classes. She is a master teacher and clinician, and like all great teachers is able to simplify complex issues and present them in a practical, and applicable way. Joan is very passionate about what she does and has really made the effort for the clinician and family to benefit from her passion, curiosity and hard work and not to forget the fun part of it. Her methods are extremely stimulating. It is also helpful to have this externalization through the computer, a great biofeedback assistant. She has done the leg work so we (patients and clinicians) can reap the benefits. I can't wait for her Guides and kits!" (Luann Jacobs- Speech Language Pathologist) "This technique has been so successful that my husband has progressed from not recognizing simple pictures to reading the newspaper and news and professional magazines." (spouse of former client) "The use of computer generated language programs has dramatically enhanced the quality of life for my husband. After his stroke in 2000 at the age of 56 his language deficit was so great that traditional language therapy was abandoned within the first year. That's when we found Joan Green and her innovative use of computers to introduce new techniques for language therapy. The programs allowed my intelligent, highly motivated husband to independently use a familiar device at his own pace. This technique has been so successful that my husband has progressed from not recognizing simple pictures to reading the newspaper and news and professional magazines. We see no signs of this forward momentum ending. With the aid of Joan Green and her technological therapy my husband's computer will become his augmentative speaking device. Thanks to Joan's optimistic attitude and her "outside the box" techniques, my husband's world continues to grow bigger and better." (Jane VanRemoortere- Spouse of Client) "IST therapists were instrumental to regain my ability to write" (former client) "A few months after my stroke, I met the speech therapists from Innovative Speech Therapy. My therapy goal was to return to my attorney practice - a lofty goal for someone who had aphasia and apraxia. IST therapists were instrumental to regain my ability to write. In fact, the only way that I can write this endorsement today, is by using the computer techniques, tools and strategies that I learned at IST. I did return to my job awhile. Now, as the Administrator of the Stroke Comeback Center, I run a computer lab and assist other stroke survivors to use technology to reclaim communication skills. Thank you, Joan" (Janice Rodriguez - former client) "Thank you so very much for all of your help which my parents greatly appreciate almost as much as I do. I will definitely keep up all of my progress which you have helped me achieve. Also, it feels totally reassuring that you are there to help me. Thanks again." (J.L. Daughter of former client) Speech-language pathologists: "I have always been able to rely on Joan's advice when I needed it - and now her knowledge" (SLP) "Joan Green's aptly-named company-- Innovative Speech Therapy--says it all. Her approach to helping stroke survivors and other communicatively-challenged clients to achieve maximum success is truly innovative. Locally if not nationally, Joan is uniquely qualified to apply and adapt software programs to meet the specific needs of her clients with post-stroke aphasia. Her personalized, intensive program (TWIST) is a prime example of her dedication to providing highly individualized and effective remediation services. She is equally committed to educating other SLPs so that they, too, can use computer software with their clients. I have attended several of Joan's workshops and always found her presentations to be full of easily understood and highly useful information. I look forward with great anticipation to her new book, which I am sure will be of significant benefit to forward-thinking SLPs and their clients. As a speech-language pathologist in private practice, I share Joan Green's enthusiasm for using computer software for the benefit of individuals with communication and cognitive challenges. I applaud her contributions to our field. I was fortunate to have Joan's expertise when I obtained grants from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the Montgomery County Maryland Government on behalf of the Montgomery County Stroke Association (MCSA) , a non-profit support group for stroke survivors and their caregivers. She wisely advised me regarding computer hardware and software selection and capably provided most of the individual in-home session and small group instruction for the stroke survivors with aphasia who participated in two different grant-funded programs. I now use these computers and software programs in the computer-aided speech-language therapy groups sessions that I facilitate for the MCSA (www.mcstroke.org.) I have always been able to rely on Joan's advice when I needed it- and now her knowledge will be available to everyone who purchases her products." (Janet M. Gritz, M.A. CCC-SLP- Founder of Communication Matters) "The products by Joan Green will serve as an excellent resource for clinicians and as instructional material for graduate students at the university level who need to be aware of how to integrate technology into treatment approaches and life skills for their clients and their families." (SLP) "I am thrilled that Joan Green is publishing her innovative approaches to speech and language treatment using technology and computerized tools. I was trained by her in the use of technology for therapy. I know first hand the benefits that computers, software, Internet and other assistive communication devices provide for patients and their families. Prior to working with Joan, I had provided treatment for adults with aphasia and cognitive communication disorders in a traditional CARF accredited rehabilitation unit. Although we tried utilizing functional methods, we certainly were confined by the resources available to us and time limits presented within the center. After being mentored by Joan on how to incorporate a variety of applicable training software, the Internet, screen readers, and other technology I realized this opened a new door into how to approach therapy for my clients and their families. One client I worked with 5 years after his massive stroke resulting in aphasia and apraxia, was able to fulfill his seemingly unattainable dream of writing a book of crossword puzzles using a puzzle builder program. Another afflicted with a severe aphasia and difficulty comprehending written material was able to practice more independently and read and write email using a screen reader. Over her 20+ years of research, working with clients, and training other SLPs she has achieved an expert knowledge of available tools, resources and uses for technology in the practice of speech language pathology. Currently I am a professor teaching at Loyola College in MD and I see the potential for educating graduate student clinicians on the functional uses for technology in our field. I believe that the products by Joan Green will serve as an excellent resource for clinicians and as instructional material for graduate students at the university level who need to be aware of how to integrate technology into treatment approaches and life skills for their clients and their failies. " (Dede Matrangola M.S. CCC-SLP Instructor Loyola College in MD) "I am looking forward to the publication of IST's book and kit. It should be a required addition to the bookshelf of every speech pathologist involved in stroke rehabilitation." (SLP) IST's approach to using computer applications for patient rehabilitation is a very important tool for both the professional and the patient. It is especially critical in today's healthcare world of managed care, where patients are discharged too quickly and still need considerably more rehabilitation than their insurance companies will allow. With the intensive computer programs that IST and Joan Green can put together for a patient, both the patient and the family can reap the rewards. The family can learn to become an integral part of the patient's rehabilitation program. Computer speech programs that exist today to help regain cognitive and communication skills are overwhelming for a patient to disseminate themselves. Each patient is an individual with different skill sets that need to be improved. With the individual attention that IST gives each patient, the use of technology is essential to enhance his or her progress. What is also unique in the use of the computer is that the keyboard has a link to the brain that greatly expands the graphic modality. If the patient has lost his ability to physically write, he can still write and express his thoughts through the keyboard. This means that there is always a way to improve cognitively and the computer is the driving force behind it. I absolutely endorse the use of this book and kit in graduate speech pathology programs. In addition, every clinical rehabilitation program should have these materials as a reference. Ideally, every patient who does not have ready access to a speech rehabilitation program after a traumatic or medical incident, which affects the brain, should attend TWIST. Joan Green is to be applauded for having the vision, the energy and the extensive knowledge base for compiling technological information into book format for clinicians, patients, and their families to use to help them regain and return to optimum function. In my opinion, although there are many computer programs out there, Joan is the leading expert in the country in helping patients learn how to utilize computer applications to maximize their recovery. I am looking forward to the publication of IST's book and kit. It should be a required addition to the bookshelf of every speech pathologist involved in stroke rehabilitation. (Jill Arends, M.A., CCC-Sp Comprehensive Speech Pathology Services, LLC www.askroy.com/tolife www.findinglifesrewards.com) "It was great to learn about all the software that can help my clients! I didn't even know that most of it existed." (K.S.) "I thought your presentation was terrific-thorough and really appropriate for a variety of patients. Wonderful resources! It was really on the cutting edge of therapy!" (J.T.) "I found the information on software and websites for further reference most helpful. Great practical solutions for clients to increase their independence through technology." (J.Y.) "One of the best presentations I've had the pleasure of attending. Thank you!! Ms. Green kept the audience engaged from start to finish. Well done!" (K.S.) "Your information was useful and practical. Thanks you for sharing your knowledge. Can't wait to start using the information." (L.S.) Great job. Very informative- great ideas- very powerful suggestions!" (K.P.) Other professionals: "I was thoroughly impressed with her level of expertise, and was thrilled to work so closely with someone of her professional excellence." (OT) I strongly support Joan Green's work with her rehabilitative clients. Ms. Green's unique treatment approach utilizes the most innovative technology tools available to maximize the language and cognitive potential of her rehabilitative clients. In conjunction with traditional therapeutic approaches, Ms. Green's method of intervention uses specialized computer software. Her treatment regime is both motivating and reassuring to her clients as they begin to experience progress they had not yet achieved with traditional treatment methods. As an occupational therapist, I too specialize in using technology to improve the functional independence of people with special needs. Last year, Ms. Green and I treated two of the same clients. I was thoroughly impressed with her level of expertise, and was thrilled to work so closely with someone of her professional excellence. I believe that rehabilitative therapists do not use technology enough to help their clients achieve their highest level of independence. Both of our professions need more therapists trained in the uses of assistive technologies. Joan's publication (book and kit) will help ease the fear of those who are intimidated by "technology" and in time will encourage more therapists to incorporate technology into their treatments. Joan gets results. (Elaine Schwartz, MS, OTR/L Creative Therapy Solutions) "Your suggestions for the design and equipment of the lab, as well as your recommendation & training of staff on the speech software was invaluable and helped us to get our program up and running effectively and efficiently." (Executive Director) At the Adler Aphasia Center our mission is to empower, enhance and enrich the lives of people with aphasia and their caregivers. The computer lab is part of our Life Skills Program and has proven to be one of the best strategies for achieving our goal. We are so excited about the response our members have had to the computer lab. Your suggestions for the design and equipment of the lab, as well as your recommendation & training of staff on the speech software was invaluable and helped us to get our program up and running effectively and efficiently. The computer lab has become a cornerstone to the Life Skills Program. The majority of our members had never been exposed to the computer programs in their therapy and although resistant at first to the technology, many of our members now say that it is their favorite activity. They often choose to purchase the software for home use and by training their caregivers in our lab, they are able to use the software at home successfully. What our members tell us is that the software is very similar to the workbooks that they used in speech therapy but now they are finding the same work on the computer, fun to do rather than tedious and a chore. Moreover, the most effective exercises are the software programs that allow us to customize the activity to meet the specific needs and levels of each person with aphasia. Making the activity relevant for the person (i.e., pronunciation software whereby family photos are imported and those names are recorded to provide relevant speech practice) whether it be in the computer lab or a discussion group is the motivating factor for active participation at the center. Many of our older members are grieving over their losses; i.e., loss of language skills such as reading, spelling, word retrieval, etc. Often they have never used a computer prior to their strokes. Once they begin utilizing the software, they are amazed at their 'new abilities' as they move beyond the speech exercises and begin emailing their grandchildren. We have many speech students volunteer at the center. The majority of these students are unfamiliar with the software but once they have spent an hour with one of our members at the computer they realize how helpful it can be. To my knowledge there are no university programs that offer any specific training on computer software but if we are training our therapists to offer long term rehabilitation and they are not involving technology that has become as commonplace as the telephone, they are ignoring a life skill that can have a tremendous impact on the lifelong rehabilitation of an aphasic. (Karen Tucker, M.A. Executive Director, Adler Aphasia Center) "Your presentation was extremely well received and demonstrated your knowledge and commitment to the field of brain injury rehabilitation." (S.R. - Director of Program Services for Brain Injury Services) "One of our staff attended your presentation and relayed to me how impressed she was with the work you are doing with integrating technology into rehabilitation. She heard many positive comments about your presentation. A family member of a survivor of stroke she met who had attended you presentation described it as "awesome." Congratulations on your efforts!" (CJ - President of Interactive Therapeutics)