Speech Therapy where there are No Speech Therapists: The Task Force for the American Cleft Palate–Craniofacial Association

Abstract

This paper describes the outcome of the 2013 American Cleft Palate–Craniofacial Association Task Force entitled “Speech Therapy Where There Are No Speech Therapists.” The membership and goals of the initial task force are presented. Survey methods, communication of the members, and meeting discussion of the task force at the 12th International Congress for Craniofacial Anomalies in Orlando, Florida, in May 2013 are described. Conclusions of the task force and recommendations for the future comprised four areas: organization and communication, protocols, service delivery models, and development of training programs/modules in speech-language pathology for craniofacial conditions.