Velopharyngeal Incompetence

The Need for Speech Standards

mpannb{at}lsuhsc.edu

Speech-language pathologists are often involved in the diagnosis and treatment of velopharyngeal incompetence (VPI). Some speech-language pathologists have extensive educational and clinical experience with VPI; others have limited training and experience. Thus, the quality of speech-language services for people with VPI is heterogenous, and it ranges from poor to excellent. There are, as yet, no specific guidelines for speech-language pathologists providing services to people with VPI. Optimal services require specific guidelines for training and experience. The purpose of this article was to (a) review speech-language pathology standards and qualifications, (b) provide reasons for identifying qualified speech-language pathologists, and (c) identify strategies for reduction of risks involved in the delivery of speech-language services for people with VPI.

Key Words: velopharyngeal incompetence, cleft palate, speech standards

Submitted on August 19, 2002
Revised on February 11, 2003
Accepted on March 23, 2004