speech language pathology volunteer opportunities toronto

Connections SLP

Focused on Friendship

Volunteer Opportunities

Our volunteers are important members of our team! University and college students interested in speech-language pathology, education, social work, psychology and other related fields are invited to apply. We provide training for our volunteers to work jointly with our staff during our PEERS® programs as social coaches. Please contact [email protected] for further information about volunteering with us.

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Child Development Programs offers our volunteers opportunities to learn new skills, engage with clients, form new relationships, and have fun! We have adult and student volunteers, as well as co-op students to help in many aspects of delivering services to children and their families. There are opportunities to volunteer for the Preschool Speech and Language, Infant Hearing, and Blind Low Vision programs.

Volunteers bring fresh ideas, knowledge, and life experiences to our programs. They may be high school students, college students, university students or graduate school candidates as well as professionals, retiree’s or families.

How do I become a volunteer?

New volunteers with the Child Development Programs are provided with an orientation and guidance to perform well in their role with our program, and to get the most out of their volunteering experience. It is important to us that our volunteers are provided with a meaningful and enjoyable experience.

Volunteers with the York Region Preschool Speech and Language Program may assist staff with a wide variety of activities, projects, and tasks. They can co-ordinate and prepare materials for intervention, assist with treatment sessions and parent education classes, and carry out day-to-day office needs and administrative tasks. Volunteers with the Blind-Low Vision Program are able to provide teams with administrative support. Infant Hearing Program volunteers may have a chance to interact with families during newborn hearing screenings or audiology visits and provide support to the program through help with various administrative and office tasks.

Programs operate from Monday – Friday, from 8:30/9:00 am to 4:30/5:00 pm. The York Region Preschool Speech and Language Program has  7 sites located throughout York Region . The Blind Low Vision and Infant Hearing Program volunteers typically work out of Oak Valley Health, or at one of the sites.

Oak Valley Health’s volunteer policy requires that you volunteer for more than 60 hours if you require a reference for the Masters in Speech and Language Pathology. It is recommended that you request a letter of reference from the Speech and Language Pathologist in the office you support.

Application Process

Please note: there is usually a wait list for enrollment with our programs. Your application will be kept on file for one year and you will be contacted once a vacancy becomes available. All applications are reviewed. However, due to the volume of applications, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

I really enjoy working with the children and their families at YRPSLP. I am constantly gaining new experiences because every child is so unique. I am able to contribute my ideas and create new resources and activities that I know will be used in a meaningful way. Jahnusha Shriraam

HearSay Speech and Hearing Centre

Volunteer opportunities.

Interested in gaining experience working with children in a speech and language setting? 

We offer volunteer opportunities throughout the year in our office and in our therapy groups. Volunteers work closely with a Speech-Language Pathologist or Communicative Disorders Assistant to help develop therapy materials, assist with behaviour management in groups, and observe and participate in speech-language therapy. 

For information about volunteer opportunities at HearSay, email our Human Resource Manager, Tracy Gaetan [email protected]

What do volunteers do?

Conversation facilitation: Working with groups of 4 – 6 people with aphasia, volunteers enable members to interact, engage, challenge and develop amazing conversations. Always working in partnership with another co-facilitator, your role is to provide communication techniques specific to the members with aphasia, while also taking part in the conversation. This is an integral position in our program and a great starting place for new volunteers.

Other volunteer opportunities include: Painting/Creative Program Assistant; Fitness Assistant; Book Group Co-facilitator; New Beginnings Program Facilitators; One-to-One Computer Facilitator; Outreach Home-Visit Communication Facilitators.

Virtually on Zoom: One-to-one Outreach, Virtual Travel, Meditation & Relaxation, Book Group, Toastmasters, Karaoke, Sports Discussion, Current Events and Music Discussion. In-Person Programming at our Centre: Conversation Groups, Painting, New Beginnings

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy The Aphasia Institute’s priority is to ensure health and safety in the workplace by requiring all agency personnel to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19; by personnel, we mean Staff, Volunteers and Students.

This means that all current and new volunteers will be required to provide proof of vaccination from COVID-19, or provide a certificate of medical exemption.

There are also positions available in the areas of research, administration, fundraising, and governance.

Every day is a ‘learning day.’ This is a volunteer experience that challenges me to explore new knowledge about communication, conversation and language. Myriam Shechter, Conversation Facilitator, 10 years.

We value the long-standing commitment and dedication our volunteers bring to our centre. We require that volunteers make a one year commitment typically consisting of a weekly 3-hour shift.

• Attend one of our Volunteer Information Sessions (see below).
• Complete the Volunteer Application Form .
• The Manager Volunteer Services will contact you to arrange an interview.

While it is not unusual for us to receive a high volume of inquiries, we are currently experiencing an exceptionally high volume of volunteer applications. Please expect that it may take a few days for us to respond to all inquiries.

Monthly information sessions provide an opportunity for us to present the wide range of volunteer opportunities, provide a “big picture” of our programs and then allow you to “interview” us to ensure that we can provide what you are looking for in a volunteer experience.

Volunteer Orientation Sessions occur on specific Fridays (see below), start at 2:00pm, and are generally one hour in length. These sessions provide information about our volunteer opportunities, expectations of our volunteers, and what you can expect from us. They are highly recommended if you are considering applying for a volunteer position at the Aphasia Institute.

Please fill the below form to reserve your spot at one of the following sessions. All sessions are via Zoom, with a 2:00pm start . All sessions are on Fridays.

Sessions in 2024:

• Friday, January 26th
• Friday, February 23rd
• Friday, April 19th
• Friday, May 24th
• Friday, June 14th
• Friday, August 23rd
• Friday, September 20th
• Friday, October 25th
• Friday, November 29th

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Date Requested* —Please choose an option— Friday, January 26th Friday, February 23rd Friday, April 19th Friday, May 24th Friday, June 14th Friday, August 23rd Friday, September 20th Friday, October 25th Friday, November 29th

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Start dates for volunteers are coordinated in conjunction with our member registration and our Supported Conversation for Adults with Aphasia training program.

Entry points for volunteers into our 2024 Program are the following weeks:

• Monday, January 15th
• Monday, April 15th
• Monday, July 8th
• Monday, October 7th

Our Conversation Program is an ideal opportunity for students who are pursuing a degree in Speech and Language Pathology. However, due to the high number of student applicants, we accept a fixed number of students at each entry point into the program. We therefore have a highly competitive process for student applicants. If you require a clinical reference from our Speech and Language Pathologist as part of the application process for Graduate Studies, please ask our Manager Volunteer Services about our specific requirements for Clinical References

School of Graduate Studies

Speech-language pathology (practitioner), program overview.

The  Master of Health Science (MHSc) in Speech-Language Pathology is a full-time professional graduate program. The primary aim of the program is to prepare practitioners for entry into the practice of speech-language pathology. Graduates are prepared to assume varied professional responsibilities including the assessment, treatment, and management of speech, voice, language, and swallowing disorders. Coursework and clinical internships are integrated and sequenced in a unique modular curriculum. Additionally, students participate in the interprofessional education (IPE) curriculum for 11 health science programs at the University of Toronto.  There is a strong research-to-practice focus and students complete a comprehensive portfolio requirement in their final year.

Students cannot apply to the MHSc program from the SGS website. For application information, fees, and guidelines to apply to the MHSc clinical program, please consult the Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs (ORPAS) website .

For students interested in pursuing research: visit the Speech-Language Pathology (Research) program page.

Quick Facts

Master of health science, program description.

The MHSc program educates graduate students to become highly competent entry-level clinicians in the profession of speech-language pathology. It prepares students to work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools, community clinics, and private practice. Speech-language pathologists provide services across the lifespan to individuals with a wide range of speech, language, hearing, and swallowing disorders. The integrated curriculum places equal emphasis on theoretical and practical competencies regarding normal development, as well as the assessment and treatment of disorders in human communication and swallowing.

The MHSc program offers a unique and internationally acclaimed curriculum that extends over 22.5 months and comprises five academic and four clinical units. The themed academic units are directly followed by full-time clinical placements targeting the same areas of practice, enabling a strong research-to-practice focus.

Throughout the two-year program, students will develop a strong focus on evidence-based and interprofessional practice through lectures, learning activities, mentorship, and self-directed projects. As part of SLP1509Y, students will participate in the Interprofessional Education curriculum offered by the Centre for Interprofessional Education at the University of Toronto. At the conclusion of their MHSc program, students will have an opportunity to showcase their learning outcomes and entry-level competencies.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies.

Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Speech-Language Pathology's additional admission requirements stated below and outlined in the Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Application Service (ORPAS) Application Guide .

Applicants must obtain an appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university, with a standing equivalent to at least a University of Toronto mid-B in the final year.

Applicants must complete prerequisite undergraduate university-level courses with grades of at least a B+ in child development (one half course), general linguistics (one half course), phonetics (one half course), elementary statistics (one half course), research methods (one half course), and human physiology (one full course).

Applicants must arrange to have two academic referees complete the Confidential Assessment Form and write an academic reference letter.

Applicants must complete a minimum of 14 hours of clinical experience supervised by a registered speech-language pathologist.

Applicants must arrange for a Clinical Reference Form and accompanying letter from the primary supervisor of the clinical experience.

Applicants must complete a Statement of Intent that has two components: 1) their reasons for choosing speech-language pathology as a career; specific personal attributes that would be relevant to the profession; academic and non-academic accomplishments; and reasons for choosing the MHSc program in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Toronto; and 2) a summary of volunteer experiences.

Proficiency in oral and written English is required for both the academic and applied aspects of the program. Applicants who were educated outside Canada, whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction was not English, must demonstrate proficiency in the English language through the successful completion of one of the English proficiency tests. To satisfy the requirement, the department strongly prefers the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with the following minimum scores:

Internet-based TOEFL: 100/120 with 22/30 on the speaking section and 22/30 on the writing section.

If an applicant finds it impossible to take the TOEFL, the department will accept the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 8.0.

Applicants may be requested to attend a personal meeting with members of the Department of Speech-Language Pathology to provide an opportunity to clarify documentation and explore in-depth issues, such as spoken and written language ability and areas of academic performance or interpersonal communication skills.

See the departmental website and the ORPAS Application Guide for details on application instructions.

Program Requirements

The professional MHSc program is divided into five academic and four clinical units . Successful completion of all courses and program requirements in the units is required. Each academic unit is composed of related coursework. Teaching within and across units emphasizes integrated learning experiences. Academic units are followed by full-time clinical placements, four overall for a total of 30 weeks of clinical experience throughout the two-year program. Students should anticipate receiving at least one placement outside the Greater Toronto Area. Students must accept placements offered to them and are responsible for all related travel and accommodation costs.

Prior to graduation, all MHSc students are required to demonstrate their learning outcomes and entry-level competency in key areas of professional practice.

Students will complete the program requirements within two consecutive years.

Program Length

6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S)

3 years full-time

“I was thrilled that there was a scholarship specifically related to the Atlantic region!”

Speech Avenue

NOW OFFERING: Speech and Language Therapy group sessions for children! Learn more.

Speech Avenue and All Avenues are one and the same.

Speech language therapy & rehabilitation services toronto.

All Avenues and Speech Avenue strives to offer the best speech therapy & behaviour therapy for children and adults in the Greater Toronto Area.

Services for Children

Our clinicians can help with:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Developmental Disabilities
• Language Delay
• Learning Disabilities
• Paediatric Swallowing
• Pragmatic Language
• Play Skills & Communication
• Preschool Stuttering
• Speech Delay
• Speech and Language Group Therapy

Services for Adults

We provide support for:

• Accent Modification

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We offer safe, in-person services at our clinics located in Etobicoke and Scarborough. Our offices follow COVID-19 safety guidelines to keep you and your family safe.​

Services in 16 Languages

 We provide services in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Romanian, Cantonese, Mandarin, Gujarati, Swahili, Malayalam, Tamil, Tagalog, Russian, Hebrew, Urdu, and Hindi.

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Home / Speech Pathology Career Guide / Guide to Speech Therapy Volunteer Opportunities

The field of speech therapy has many possible work settings and job duties. If you’re interested in becoming a speech language pathologist (SLP), choosing where you want to practice can be a big decision. To narrow down your options, volunteering is a great way to gain experience and determine your preferred setting. Speech therapist volunteers contribute to the community and may gain connections with professionals. Find out more about what speech therapy volunteer opportunities are available and how to get involved.

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Want to Become an SLP? Earn an MS Online at NYU

NYU Steinhardt’s online master of science program in Communicative Sciences and Disorders prepares aspiring speech-language pathologists with a comprehensive professional education.

• Prepares students to pursue SLP licensure 
• Accredited by ASHA’s Council on Academic Accreditation 
• As few as six terms to complete 
• Full-time and part-time plans of study

Why Become a Speech Therapy Volunteer?

Other than making a difference in the community, volunteering may also allow  Master of Speech Pathology  students to gain  necessary clinical experience toward SLP certification . Whether you are in an undergraduate program or pursuing a master’s degree, if you want to become a certified SLP, you may benefit from firsthand experience in the field. 

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA),  individuals who wish to practice as an SLP are required to earn a master’s degree  in communication sciences and disorders (CSD).  Admission to speech pathology school  may be competitive depending on the school you are applying to, and volunteering may give you an edge. 

Access to professionals in the field may open opportunities for letters or recommendation, which may be required for your admission into a speech pathology program, and firsthand experience may make your application standout. As a volunteer, you may also be able to form meaningful connections and open doors for  future SLP career opportunities.  

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) occupational outlook handbook  for speech language pathologists, licensure generally requires the completion of a master’s program, supervised clinical experience and passing a licensure exam.  As SLPs are required to obtain supervised clinical experience in order to begin their practice in the United States, volunteering in the field may provide an introduction into possible supervised practice experiences.

Do You Need to be an ASHA-Certified SLP to Volunteer?

Who can become a speech therapy volunteer? For SLP students and professionals, there are plenty of opportunities for volunteering, and you do not need to be an  ASHA-certified SLP  to get involved. 

If you are looking for volunteer opportunities, check with your program or advisor on your campus. They may partner with organizations and foundations in your area to provide you with a connection to get started. Or, you may find it easier to reach out to volunteer coordinators or organizations directly. They can help you figure out any requirements, such as if a background check is required, and provide you with relevant information.

You may find that positions may not require ASHA certification, but there are some advantages to being certified. Since  clinical experience is a requirement for certification , you may be qualified for more volunteer opportunities. Being a member and volunteering for ASHA may also provide additional benefits such as networking with fellow members, developing technical skills and additional opportunities for career advancement. 

Where Can You Volunteer as a Speech Pathologist?

There are a variety of settings SLPs may find volunteer work. Depending on where your interests lie, you may find professionals or communities that you form a connection with. Some examples of  volunteer work settings for SLPs  include:

• Early intervention, preschool, and K-12 schools 
• Colleges and universities
• Residential and nonresidential healthcare facilities
• Private practice
• Corporate settings
• Local, state and federal government agencies

Requirements for each  volunteer setting for SLPs may vary state-by-state  so you will need to research your preferred setting to find out if certification, background checks or prerequisite coursework is required.

When choosing where to volunteer as an SLP, you may want to consider what areas of speech language pathology interest you, what demographics you would like to work with in the future as well as what may look good on a resume or letter of recommendation. 

Other considerations when looking for speech pathology volunteer opportunities are things like your work schedule, free time and how much of a commitment you want to make to volunteering. If you are balancing school and other commitments with volunteering, your schedule may be something you want to take into consideration. Also, even if a volunteer schedule fits your needs, consider any training or onboarding activities you will have to complete. 

Find Your Perfect SLP Work Setting Through Volunteer Work

With so many options for SLPs, it can be hard to decide where you want to work. Gaining experience in a variety of  speech pathology work settings  may set you up for your career after graduation. If you are an SLP student who is not sure if they want to practice in schools, hospitals or open a private practice, firsthand experience may lead you to your preferred path.

Much like how there are different settings for volunteering, there are a variety of settings to work as a volunteer, and you should consider where your comfort is when you choose where to both work and gain experience.

Speech pathologists  work treating patients who have language and speech disorders and may work with, among others, the following:

• People who have experienced stroke
• Head trauma patients
• Patients suffering from degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s or ALS
• Patients with cancers of the mouth or throat
• Individuals with autism 
• Individuals with Down syndrome 
• Dementia patients

They can work in hospitals, schools and private practices, and there are pros and cons to all settings. Perhaps you don’t want to work with children, ruling out schools. Or maybe working with injured individuals isn’t where you want to spend most of your time. These are things you can learn and explore as you volunteer before committing to a full work schedule. 

What Volunteer Opportunities in Speech Language Pathology are Available?

SLP volunteers have many ways to get involved in different volunteer settings. Some opportunities may be available in-person locally or be offered online—and some  SLP volunteer opportunities are available even abroad . If you are interested in getting involved, below are some common organizations and ideas for finding SLP volunteer options. 

Speech Therapy Organizations to Research

• ASHA has many volunteer options.  ASHA encourages you to get involved in the association and make an impact in the community through volunteerism. They offer opportunities to based on interests, level of effort and time commitment
• Volunteer BaseCamp  offers a compiled list of opportunities and organizations that are in need of speech pathology volunteers. The majority of their placements are geared towards SLPs who have completed their master’s programs.
• National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA)  is a student organization for speech language pathology students. They may be able to help provide volunteer opportunities in your area. 
• American Academy of Private Practice in Speech Pathology and Audiology (AAPPSPA)  is an association just for private practice speech pathologists. If you are interested in learning how private practice works, you may consider looking here. 
• There are also speech language pathology organizations in different states, such as the  California Speech Language Hearing Association (CSHA)  or the  Pennsylvania Speech Language Hearing Association (PSHA)  so check your area for local organizations. ASHA has  ASHA State-by-State  to help you explore your state’s Speech and Hearing Associations and find local contacts
• You should also inquire with Community Resource Center on your campus for local or partnered opportunities

Speech Therapy Volunteer Programs Abroad

• Therapy Abroad  is a volunteer group travel program that provides opportunities for speech language pathology students. 
• Smiles for Speech  sends SLP teams to help train, collaborate with and support children living in disadvantaged communities. 
• Yellow House  is a community-based organisation in Western Kenya that supports local communities through education and clinical services. 
• Trinh Foundation  is a voluntary nonprofit organization that promotes speech therapy in Vietnam.
• Projects Abroad  this program compiles potential SLP volunteer ventures for you. Their site states that you can “intern” there, or go as a qualified SLP. 
• Alliance for Smiles  typically wants experienced speech pathologists with cleft palate experience.
• Speech Therapy Cambodia  both brings SLPs to help treat Cambodian patients and also helps educate and train Cambodian speech pathologists, meaning they need volunteers with a variety of experience levels. 
• International Stuttering Association  aims to help people overcome stuttering in the developing world. SLPs can volunteer with this organization to help fight this cause. 
• Children’s Services International  is a charitable organization associated with the Speech Pathology Group. They offer a number of SLP opportunities abroad including in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 
• The site  Volunteer Forever  can also help speech pathology students find places to volunteer with a number of organizations in other countries. 

Other Ways to Help

If in-person volunteering is not feasible, some organizations and settings may offer opportunities to volunteer through telepractice through webcam.  ASHA offers online mentoring programs  where professional SLPs can volunteer their time to mentor aspiring speech therapists. This allows people who cannot travel to volunteer training and educating other speech language pathologists. If you find a local or distant setting or practice you’d like to volunteer with, be sure to enquire about any opportunities they may have online. 

You can also participate in online forums and help advise other SLP students. There are active communities on a number of networks of blogs as well as social media. 

Things to Consider Before Volunteering as a Speech Pathologist

Below are some suggestions, as provided by the  NSSLHA blog : 

Volunteering is a great way to gain experience, but volunteer work is exactly that— voluntary and unpaid. For some students, an unpaid volunteer position is not feasible. If this is the case, consider a paid position in a similar setting to the volunteer opportunities so you may gain similar experience in that setting, even if it’s not in the SLP field. For example, if you are interested in working in schools or with children, gain experience by working in childcare or similar jobs. 

2. Schedule 

You should take into account the level of commitment needed for the volunteer position. If you have a heavy schedule and they need you four days a week, it may not be a great fit. You should also be cognizant of when volunteers are needed, such as a school only taking volunteers during their school year. 

3. Location

The location of the volunteer setting may be inconvenient. If you live on campus and the hospital you wish to volunteer with is across town, you’ll need to ensure you have reliable transportation. Or if the program is abroad, you will need to ensure you have all travel documents and secure airfare and lodging. Travel time for unpaid volunteer work may not be ideal, but with the advent of telepractice and online opportunities you may alleviate some of the inconvenience.

4. Requirements

You should reach out to your prospective volunteer organization to find out any requirements for volunteering. Certain settings may have requirements in order to volunteer such as fingerprint cards, student status or certification. 

Information last updated November 2020

Code of Values

Telepractice, testimonials, help is on the way, does my child have a problem.

• Speech and Language Checklists
• Motor and Self-Help Checklists
• Articulation Disorder
• Childhood Apraxia of Speech
• Voice Disorders

Feeding and Swallowing Disorders

• Acquired Childhood Aphasia
• Specific Language Impairment
• Social Communication Disorder
• Cognitive Communication Disorder
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Intellectual Disability
• Handwriting and Dysgraphia
• Motor Disorder
• Sensory Integration Disorder
• Dyslexia and Dysgraphia
• Reading Disability

Pronouncing English

Early intervention, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, applied behavior analysis, social communication groups, reading therapy.

• Choosing Great Toys for Your Child
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• Top 12 Things to Know About Raising Your Child Bilingually
• Observing and Participating in Your Child’s Therapy
• The Clinician-Parent Partnership
• Children with Delayed Speech
• Children Who Stutter
• Children with Vocal Abuse
• Children with Word Finding Problems
• Frequently Asked Clinical Questions
• Separation from Parents
• Transitioning from Early Intervention to School Services
• Creating and Using Picture Icons for Communication
• Ear Infections and the Development of Language
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• Language and Reading
• The Role of Joint Attention in Early Communication
• Pediatric Occupational Therapy Movement and Sensory Integration
• Self-Care Skills
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• Interpreting Your Child’s Behaviors
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• Managing Challenging Behaviors: Part 3
• Managing Challenging Behaviors: Part 4

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Glossary of terms.

• Adult Appointment Form
• Child Appointment Form

Headquarters

Preparing for the first visit, resources for payment.

Since 1980, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and behavior therapists from the Center for Speech, Language, Occupational Therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis (CSLOT) have been serving the communication, movement, and behavior needs of children and adults in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

CSLOT's staff is comprised of clinical and administrative team members who work together to provide the best possible services for our clients.

The mission of the Center for Speech, Language, Occupational Therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis is to provide communication and movement to those who have lost or have not yet acquired these skills.  We are committed to service, professionalism, and creativity, and we are driven by these commitments to fulfill our mission.

One of the ways in which CSLOT serves our clients is through the use of telepractice.

"CSLOT staff is the friendliest and most helpful staff I have ever encountered, not to mention their professionalism.  I have been here nine months and would highly recommend CSLOT to all my friends.  Thank you so much for the help and support you have given me and my daughter.  She has grown and developed because of your staff and therapists.  I am so very grateful for your center."

Determine if you or your family member have a problem and find out the many ways we can help.

Developmental Milestone Checklists

Areas we assess and treat, speech disorders, language disorders, behavior disorders, motor and sensory disorders, reading disorders.

For infants and toddlers with developmental delays and impairments, we offer individual and group services.

Communication services for infants, toddlers, children, teens, and adults in individual and group sessions.

Motor and sensory services for infants, toddlers, children, and teens in individual and group sessions.

Behavior services using principles of ABA and other therapeutic techniques in individual and group sessions.

Children ages 5-14 building social communication skills with their peers in a fun group setting.

Targeting the neurobiological roots of reading disorders using computer-based technology and multi-sensory reading instruction.

Supporting non-native English speakers learn to pronounce clearly and confidently.

Informative Handouts

A critical aspect of therapy is providing education and resources to parents so that they may know the most effective ways to support their children.

We want to make sure you have the information you need about our services. If your question is not answered here, please call one of our offices and a staff member will further assist you.

Understanding therapeutic terminology can help parents and caregivers better understand written and verbal reports from a variety of service providers. 

How to Support Gestalt Language Processors Using the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) Protocol

Eight Ways to Support Your Child’s Early Development

Make an appointment.

To make an appointment, you may complete an appointment form or call and speak to our front office staff. 

How to speak with us to ask questions and get information.

Welcome to CSLOT! We have been preparing for your first visit with us and we want you to be prepared as well.

CSLOT has established contracts with several insurance companies; find out more here.

Volunteer at CSLOT

CSLOT’s volunteer program is for individuals interested in working in the fields of speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, or applied behavior analysis and is designed to provide exposure to working in the field within our clinic setting.

Our passion is serving children and families in our community and we love helping college students discover their passions as well. Volunteering at CSLOT is one way to explore if a career in the fields of speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, or behavior therapy is right for you.

Volunteer Tasks

Volunteers perform a variety of tasks including assisting in our individual and group therapy sessions, preparing equipment and materials for treatment sessions, and completing assigned office tasks.

Volunteer Schedule

The program consists of four-month trimesters and is accommodated on weekdays, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. The volunteer commitment must consist of 8 hours per week for the duration of the trimester.

Volunteer Dates

January 2024 – April 2024

May 2024 – August 2024

September 2024 – December 2024

Volunteer Application Process

We accommodate two volunteers per trimester and volunteers are placed on a first-come, first-served basis. CSLOT receives many requests for volunteering opportunities and we are unable to accommodate everyone who expresses interest. If you are interested in volunteering in our office, please complete the CSLOT Volunteer Application .

We know your time is valuable!  Complete the appropriate form below and a member of our office staff will speak with you within 24 hours, Monday-Friday, to set up an appointment.

We look forward to serving you!

CSLOT SF Bay Area: 510-794-5155

Work with a lively and creative team dedicated to improving the lives of those we serve.

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FOR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS: Learn what to expect if you are visiting the Emergency Departments

FOR PATIENTS AND VISITORS: You must self-screen and wear a mask if entering the Emergency Department, waiting areas, patient rooms or other patient care areas. All Unity Health Toronto spaces are mask-friendly. Learn more about our current guidelines for visitors .

FOR URGENT VIRTUAL CARE: Information about Toronto’s Virtual Emergency Department

Speech Language Pathology

Speech-language pathologists at Unity Health Toronto care for patients who have swallowing and communication disorders. The team provides services to patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Speech-language pathologists help to evaluate and manage swallowing disorders, which may arise from medical causes such as stroke or trauma, or from other causes such as intubation.

A clinical swallowing evaluation includes an examination, a review of a patient’s medical history and food and liquid trials in varying amounts and with various feeding techniques. For patients who have communicative challenges from stroke or head injury, the team also provides assessment and management of speech, language and cognitive communication disorders.

At St. Michael’s Hospital, the Speech-Language Pathology service is fully affiliated with the graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Toronto. All speech-language pathologists have received Master’s level training and most have cross-appointments with the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine. Unity Health’s commitment to quality improvement and education is demonstrated in various research-related endeavours and in continuous staff training.

For more information on this service, visit our Ear, Nose, Throat and Voice page.

Last updated May 04, 2021

Speech Production Lab

The Speech Production Lab (SPL) at the University of Toronto is dedicated to the study of normal and disordered aspects of speech motor control and to innovation in the assessment and rehabilitation of individuals with neurologic and neurodegenerative disorders affecting speech.

Research areas

speech motor control, neurodegeneration, speech rehabilitation, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease (PD), stroke, dysarthria, apraxia of speech (AOS).

Target populations

Adults with speech disorders as a result of neurodegenerative diseases (including ALS, Parkinson’s disease, stroke)

Prospective students

We provide opportunities for graduate education, internships, and volunteer experience. If you are interested in volunteering for our lab please email the lab manager Madhura Kulkarni . For research internship and research assistant opportunities please check:

•  U of T Work Study Program
•  D+H Sunnybrook Summer Student Research Program
• Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program
•  Co-op programs at your university

Interested in participating in research?

There are always several studies ongoing at SPL and our other labs that need research participants. If you wish to participate, please contact Dr. Yana Yunusova

Learn more about our publications , team and events .

Rehabilitation Sciences Building Department of Speech-Language Pathology 500 University Avenue (Note: for mail use 160-500 University Avenue) Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1V7 Canada E-mail: yana.yunusovaATutoronto.ca Phone: (416)-946-8637