The world places a high value on being a productive member of society. Having intelligible speech is an important skill that greatly impacts how others perceive your abilities. Speech is a complex activity that requires tremendous coordination, muscle control and specific tongue movements. Many of us speak with ease and don’t realize that it takes 70 muscles to say 1 word! Individuals with Down syndrome have hypotonia, or reduced muscle strength, which makes speech a difficult task throughout their whole life.

The Amina Grace Speech and Language program provides youths, teens and adults with the opportunity to refine their speech and language skills. The program is open to participants of all ages and each participant works 1 on 1 with a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. The participant is initially assessed by the therapist and then agrees to work on 3-5 goals throughout the 10 week session. Success gained through the programs continue for participants in their natural setting as they communicate with others at home, school and in the community. The benefits of the program include increased self-confidence, improved school and social readiness and increased independence and overall quality of life.