Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)
The ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter’s Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Specialist Jennifer Chapin works to provide tools and education to our local ALS community.
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The Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) at the ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter offers a consultative service to Massachusetts residents living with ALS or PLS. The Chapter SLP helps people with ALS and their families connect with local healthcare specialists and provides education, training and support for needs related to:
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Speech, voice and language
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AAC and assistive technology
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Cognitive and behavior
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Swallowing and nutrition
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Breathing and cough function
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Saliva management and oral/dental care
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To assist people with ALS and their caregivers better coordinate care, resources and services, our Chapter SLP collaborates with a host of ALS professionals including but not limited to:
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Massachusetts Chapter Care Services Coordinators
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ALS Clinic team specialists
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Outpatient therapists
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Home health & VNA clinicians
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Palliative care and hospice care providers
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Durable Medical Equipment (DME) suppliers
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Specialists from other ALS-related organizations
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Are you a rehab professional with limited experience treating people with ALS? A significant component of our Chapter SLP’s role includes education, training and support to community-based SLPs and other rehabilitation professionals who may not have experience with ALS.
The ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter’s SLP manages the Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT) Loan Program. Approximately 85% of people diagnosed with ALS will experience speech and voice decline necessitating use of alternative communication supports to effectively express themselves. Our Chapter provides free communication equipment loans to pALS for as long as they can benefit from it.
Meet Our Speech Language Pathologist
Jennifer Chapin, M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
Augmentative-Alternative Communication (AAC) Specialist
Clinically, Jen specializes in the evaluation and treatment of speech, language, swallowing, cough, breathing and cognitive-behavioral changes in ALS. She served on multidisciplinary ALS Clinic teams in Connecticut and Florida and established a an AAC Clinic for people with ALS at the University of South Florida’s Speech & Hearing Clinic. Prior to joining the ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter, Jen studied bulbar dysfunction, swallowing screening and respiratory muscle strength training in ALS as a doctoral student in the Aerodigestive Research Core lab at the University of Florida. Jen is a native Vermonter and is excited to return to her New England roots and the Boston Metro region, which is a preeminent center for ALS medical care, critical research and technological innovation.
Email: Jennifer.Chapin@als.org
Call or Text: (781) 435-3802
