Celebrating CRIT’s Dads: A Letter of Gratitude and Hope
By: TELETONUSA /
Dear Dad,
This Father’s Day, thank you for showing up, staying strong, and standing by your child through every challenge.
Father’s Day at CRIT
We’ve met thousands of families at the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA. Each story is different, but every father we meet shows the same deep love and commitment. You don’t have to be perfect to make a difference — you have to be present.
We see the late nights, the double shifts, the worry behind your eyes. Even when it’s hard, you stay. That quiet strength speaks louder than words.
To the Father Who Shows Up: Thank You
You might have missed work for doctor’s visits, Googled unfamiliar therapy terms, held your child through tears and setbacks, and kept going. Your resilience is inspiring, and it lifts others, too.
Be a Hero for CRIT Dads
This is why, on this Father’s Day, we ask everyone to join our “Heroes for CRIT” campaign. It’s a simple way to support more children and the fathers walking the road with them. Your digital fundraiser will help provide therapy, equipment, and care to families who need it.
Become a Hero for CRIT by creating a fundraising campaign (heroesforcrit.org ). You will not just be giving hope to a child. You’ll be telling a dad: “You’re not alone. We see you. We’re with you.”
This Father’s Day…
💛 Let’s honor those who never give up.
🦸♂️ Let their strength inspire us.
👉 Start your digital fundraiser and become a hero for CRIT.
When a father fights for his child, he changes the world. Let’s help him do it.
Meet Sloan, our inspiring May Star of the Month!
By: TELETONUSA /
At nearly four years old, Sloan exudes imagination, determination, and joy. We are thrilled to celebrate her as our Star of the Month for National Speech-Language-Hearing Month!
Sloan has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, a condition that affects her muscle tone and control in all four limbs. While this makes daily tasks, such as sitting up, crawling, or speaking, more challenging, Sloan refuses to be held back! She is dedicated to building her strength, coordination, and communication skills so she can engage in play with her twin sister and baby brother.
In speech therapy, Sloan is blossoming into a confident communicator. She actively explores new sounds, words, phrases, and sentences using her voice and assistive tools. She is also learning to eat safely and try new foods. Born with moderate to severe hearing loss in both ears, Sloan faces additional challenges in communication. However, her hearing aids empower her to hear better and learn to articulate clearly. She can express herself in phrases and sentences, but at times, she struggles to be understood.
With the guidance of her speech therapist, Sloan is mastering an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device that allows her to communicate through eye gaze. This device enhances her ability to connect both at home and in the community when verbal expression is difficult. Her therapists have observed remarkable progress in her ability to engage in conversations, make decisions, and express herself during play. Sloan articulates her desires and asks questions with enthusiasm. She has also made strides in trying new foods, making mealtime a joyful experience with her family. Her unwavering desire to connect with others is why we proudly celebrate her during National Speech-Language-Hearing Month!
Sloan is achieving impressive milestones in occupational therapy as well. She now skillfully uses both hands together, such as steadying a toy with her right hand while pressing buttons with her left. This ability marks a significant step towards her independence. Her fine motor skills are improving, and her increasing core strength helps her maintain balance during active play. Sloan’s growing confidence and focus shine brightly in every session.
In physical therapy, Sloan is learning to navigate her world with increasing independence. She practices sitting up on her own and remains balanced while sitting cross-legged. She focuses on standing and shifting her weight to play in her toy kitchen and kick a soccer ball with her sister, supported by a special device called a LiteGait. Her favorite therapy game? Peek-a-boo on all fours—especially when she pretends to wield magical powers to “freeze” her siblings! Sometimes, her sister challenges her by “freezing” her back, adding an extra layer of fun.
Sloan’s remarkable progress since joining CRIT just over a year ago speaks volumes about her strength and resilience. Her creativity and playful spirit inspire everyone around her. Each milestone she reaches demonstrates the incredible possibilities available through dedicated care, commitment, and strong support.
Thanks to your generosity, children like Sloan are making significant strides and discovering joy every single day. Let’s continue to support their journeys!
7 Powerful Ways Speech-Language Pathologists Help People Communicate and Thrive
By: TELETONUSA /
Beyond Speech: The Full Scope of SLPs
When most people think of speech therapy, they might picture a child learning to pronounce the letter “R” or someone regaining their voice after surgery. But the truth is, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) offer a wide range of support that extends far beyond speech correction.
SLPs are trained professionals who help individuals of all ages enhance their communication, cognitive, and swallowing abilities. Whether it’s a toddler learning to talk, a teen navigating social situations, or an adult recovering from a stroke—SLPs make meaningful impacts on quality of life every day.
Who Benefits from Speech Therapy?
Speech therapy is beneficial for a diverse range of individuals, including:
Children with speech or language delays
Adults recovering from stroke or brain injury
People with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s or ALS
Anyone with voice concerns, stuttering, or difficulty swallowing
1. Articulation Therapy: Clearer Speech
What it helps with: Pronouncing sounds correctly
Articulation therapy addresses the physical aspects of speech, helping individuals produce sounds more clearly. It’s especially common for children, but adults may benefit too.
Goals:
Improve clarity and accuracy of speech sounds
Strengthen motor skills of the mouth, lips, and tongue
2. Fluency Therapy: Smoother Speaking
What it helps with: Overcoming stuttering or cluttering
Fluency therapy supports those who struggle with stuttering, helping them speak with greater confidence and ease.
Goals:
Implement strategies to manage stuttering
Reduce anxiety and improve comfort in conversations
What it helps with: Issues like hoarseness, breathiness, or vocal fatigue
Voice therapy benefits individuals experiencing vocal strain due to overuse, illness, or structural issues.
Goals:
Enhance vocal quality, pitch, and volume
Promote vocal hygiene and longevity
4. Language Therapy: Understanding and Expressing
What it helps with: Comprehension and communication
Language therapy covers both receptive (understanding) and expressive (using) language. It is vital for children, stroke survivors, and individuals with developmental delays.
Goals:
Expand vocabulary and grammar
Support verbal and written communication
5. Social Communication Therapy: Navigating Interactions
What it helps with: Using language in social contexts
This therapy focuses on pragmatic language skills, helping people interact appropriately in different settings.
Goals:
Develop skills like turn-taking and reading social cues
Boost confidence in school, work, and community settings
6. Cognitive-Communication Therapy: Thinking and Speaking
What it helps with: Memory, attention, and problem-solving
Especially helpful after brain injury or with dementia, this therapy strengthens the cognitive processes that support communication.
Goals:
Enhance executive functioning and daily task management
Improve overall independence and safety
7. Swallowing Therapy: Safe Eating and Drinking
What it helps with: Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)
SLPs help individuals who have trouble swallowing food or liquids due to medical conditions, surgeries, or aging.
Goals:
Strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing
Implement strategies and dietary modifications to ensure safety
How SLPs Empower People to Thrive
SLPs do more than correct speech—they enhance lives by helping people:
Communicate clearly and confidently
Improve academic and job performance
Reduce frustration and isolation
Increase independence and quality of life
Confidence and Independence: The Hidden Benefits
Many individuals experience emotional and psychological growth through therapy:
Improved self-esteem and self-advocacy
Restored dignity in eating, speaking, and socializing
Greater participation in community and family life
Celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing Month This May, let’s recognize the impactful work of SLPs. From first words to final recovery steps, they support meaningful connections and fuller lives.
Dear CRIT Moms,
By: TELETONUSA /
Your life transformed the moment you received a diagnosis. In that instant, your plans, priorities, and sense of peace shifted.
You have faced tough days—times when exhaustion feels heavy and the future is uncertain. Yet, there have also been days filled with love, determination, and meaningful victories.
Every step your child takes, every word spoken, and every bit of progress showcases your unwavering effort and strength.
At CRIT, we acknowledge and honor your incredible journey. You are not alone; we walk this path together. Your battles matter, and your dreams inspire us all.
Thank you for being a powerful example of resilience, for always showing up, for rising again and again, and for your endless love.
