Date: Friday, October 18, 2002
To: ahkamai@oxychem.com
From: erinburns@jnashc.org
Subject: Re: Thani’s evaluation

Dear Mrs. Mai,

Although it is not a traditionally recognized role of a speech language pathologist, I told Mr. Walters (the OxyChem manager) that I am willing to provide elective clinical services to non-standard English speakers, such as Thani, who do not present a speech or language disorder. I’m actually very excited to work with a client like Thani because I feel that I will really learn a lot from this experience. Learning about different cultures and languages has always been a passion of mine! To my knowledge, Mr. Walters referred Thani to the JNA Speech and Hearing Clinic because he presented difficulty understanding others’ speech, pronouncing certain English words, and engaging in effective communication with his fellow employees. Therefore, this already gives me some information about the areas of language that present problems to your husband. The purpose for conducting a needs assessment is so that I may gain a clearer focus of what areas to target in Thani’s upcoming therapy. The needs assessment will begin with a personal interview where I ask Thani specific questions about his communication goals. I will then administer several corresponding informal tests that will give me an indication of how well Thani is currently meeting these goals. For example, if one of Thani’s main communication goals is to improve his oral presentation skills or participation during meetings, I would then direct my focus for therapy on these particular goals. I will be happy to go into greater detail about these tests if you’re interested. I understand that you are very concerned about your husband succeeding in therapy. I can assure you that if Thani possesses a positive attitude along with a willingness to learn and cooperate, therapy will provide great benefit to his oral communication skills. Therefore, in response to your question, the particular oral communication goals that Thani and I will work on in therapy will depend greatly upon the results of the upcoming needs assessment. Initially assessing Thani's needs provides information to both him and I about what skills he brings to therapy, and about what he wants and needs to know for future communicative success. I hope this information is not confusing to you and provides some clarification about my role in the needs assessment process. Any further questions or concerns you may have are always welcomed. Just because you are not my actual client, does not mean that you do not play an integral role in the therapy process. Never hesitate to call or email me with your questions or concerns about your husband's progress in therapy or about my role in his therapy.

Sincerely,

Erin E. Burns
M.A. CCC/SLP
Speech Language Pathologist

Justice, Nichols, and Ash Speech and Hearing Clinic
541 Emmons Ave. Suite 5-B
Buffalo, New York 14222
(716) 873-8656