Each May, National Speech-Language-Hearing Month shines a spotlight on communication disorders and the professionals dedicated to treating them. It’s a time to acknowledge the work of audiologists, speech-language pathologists, speech, language, and hearing scientists, audiology and speech-language pathology assistants and students whose efforts make a lasting difference in the lives of countless individuals on their rehabilitation journey. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), speech and language disorders are widespread, affecting approximately five to 10% of people in the United States. At Encompass Health, speech language professionals walk alongside patients helping them rediscover their voices and reconnect with the world around them.

Stacy Thomashaw, director of therapy innovations at Encompass Health and a seasoned speech language pathologist with over 20 years of experience in the field, credits the Company’s collaborative therapy approach and accessibility to advanced resources as key to empowering speech-language pathologists to provide the highest level of care to their patients.

“Encompass Health supports our clinicians through evidence-informed care and ensures education and innovation remains central to how we approach patient care.” says Thomashaw. “When speech-language pathologists feel supported and see the real impact of their work, they’re inspired to keep growing in their roles—and to keep showing up for their patients with purpose and passion.”

Encompass Health follows a team-based model within each hospital that ensures that all therapy disciplines, including speech-language pathology, are an equal partner in the rehabilitation process and treatment plan.

“There’s a seat at the table for every discipline here,” Thomashaw explains. “SLPs are empowered to bring their ideas forward, advocate for their patients, and grow within a strong team dynamic. We are greater than ourselves when we work together and we love it!“

The impact of speech-language professionals at Encompass Health reaches far beyond the hospital walls. Through meaningful partnerships with organizations like the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the American Heart Association, our therapy professionals have access to a wide range of opportunities for professional growth—including networking, volunteerism, advocacy, and continuing education. As technology continues to evolve within the field, these partnerships play a crucial role in shaping the experiences and professional journey our therapists will have during their time at Encompass Health.

“The intangible benefits of being at Encompass Health are things you will not find anywhere else,” says Thomashaw. “We have advanced therapy certification programs, a SLP community that creates the space for professionals to connect, and a career ladder in place so everyone can achieve their professional goals and feel the lasting impact they make on patients and their family’s lives. It is both an honor and a privilege to help patients regain their independence.”

At the heart of Encompass Health is a deep respect for the dedication and compassion of our speech-language pathologists. Their expertise transforms lives – one word, one swallow, one breakthrough at a time. We are proud to support these therapy professionals who help patients find their voice and their strength on the road to recovery. Encompass Health is proud to support the specialized work of speech language professionals who address speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing challenges as part of a comprehensive, interdisciplinary care team. Learn more about therapy careers at Encompass Health today!