• Department of Speech, Language, Hearing,
    and Occupational Therapy Services


    Laura D. Rivera, M.S., CCC-SLP
    Director of Speech, Language, Hearing, and OT Services
    203-275-1328
    Lrivera1@bridgeportedu.net

    Bridgeport Public Schools is committed to providing skilled speech-language, hearing, and occupational therapy services to meet the individual needs of all students across preschool, elementary, and secondary grade levels.  This interdisciplinary team collaborates with teachers, families, and other professionals to deliver effective and culturally responsive services that utilize current evidence-based practices focused on improving each student’s functional skills while supporting their special education program and academic success.


    Speech-Language Pathology

    Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are licensed and certified clinicians who provide culturally competent speech-language services to students, across all grade levels, who demonstrate a wide range of communication disorders including those impacting articulation, speech sound development, language, hearing, fluency, and feeding/swallowing.  SLPs provide educationally relevant services according to each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and may incorporate a flexible model of service delivery designed to meet each student’s individual speech-language needs. 


    Occupational Therapy

    Occupational therapy is provided as a related service according to a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and is intended to focus on a student’s daily living skills while enhancing the student’s ability to function in the educational program.  Registered Occupational Therapists (OTRs) and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) work collaboratively to provide treatment that targets the strengthening and development of fine motor skills while improving a student’s ability to perform tasks necessary for independent participation throughout the school environment.     


    Deaf & Hard of Hearing

    Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing directly support the individual needs of students identified with a hearing impairment so that they develop to their maximum potential.  The services offered include Total Communication, Oral/Aural Communication, Auditory Training, and Listening & Spoken Language to ensure success across all academic and social settings.  Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing work closely with Language Facilitators who work with specific students, individually, to maintain a direct line of communication among students and their hearing peers, classroom teachers, and other school personnel in the educational environment.  Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing collaborate frequently with speech-language pathologists and a district audiologist.