Meridian Students Partner for Interdisciplinary Training

Graduate students from the Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) and Occupational Therapy (OT) programs in Meridian recently came together for an interdisciplinary advocacy event highlighting the importance of early communication in intervention.

As part of the collaboration, SLP students Kelsey Walsh, Bailee Jeppesen, and Eliesse Jakotich presented strategies to OT peers on supporting communication development across therapy settings. Techniques included modeling and expanding on a child’s message, using wait time, and pairing language with play or movement. The session also emphasized the role of multiple communication modalities, such as American Sign Language (ASL) and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.

“This was a great opportunity to show how SLPs and OTs can share goals and strategies to support children’s communication,” Jeppesen reflected. “By working together, we can make a meaningful impact in everyday interactions.”

The event highlighted the value of interdisciplinary collaboration and the shared commitment of Meridian students to advocate for children’s communication development across settings.