NAU Yuma Speech-Language Pathology grads set to make big impact in K-12 schools

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - There is a big need for more speech language pathologists (SLPs) in Yuma, and local graduate students will help make a big impact in the classroom.

Summer Track program coordinator Dr. Sandra Stewart, says two years ago, Northern Arizona University (NAU) launched a Yuma-based speech-language pathology master's degree program.

Yuma special educators asked the university to make the program available to students in Yuma to help with the shortage of SLPs.

"This was our first launching of a program actually based in Yuma," said Dr. Anna Sosa, NAU department chair of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

She says the first full cohort is now set to graduate, with more than half staying in the Yuma area to work in local schools.

"We will essentially, with this cohort, double the number of SLPs working in the school districts in Yuma," said Dr. Stewart.

Speech language pathologists help support the learning and development of children with communication disorders. They say over 90% of this Yuma cohort is bilingual, Iike many of Yuma's school children, which will help strengthen K-12 learning.