ABOUT
Ann Blau, MS, CCC-SLP, CMT®
Owner and Founder
Speech-Language Pathologist
Certified Myofunctional Therapist (CMT®)
Ann is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and Certified Myofunctional Therapist. She has a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences from Hunter College of the City University of New York and a Certificate of Clinical Competence from The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
As the owner and founder of Access Speech Services, Ann’s practice specialty is in the assessment and treatment of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders. She provides Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy to adults, adolescents, and school-age children as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Ann has specialized training with the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT) and specialty certification in The Myo Method® and Simon Says Myofunctional Therapy programs.
She began her career as a medical speech-language pathologist and has over 15 years of hospital-based experience in the evaluation and treatment of adults with neurogenic speech, swallowing, cognitive, and voice disorders in acute-care, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation settings. Ann is a certified provider of the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD® and eLOUD) programs for patients with Parkinson’s Disease with specialty training in the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP™). Additionally, she serves as editor-in-chief for Airway Circle and as an aphasia support group facilitator for Virtual Connections.
Ann is also a clinical mentor, continuing education instructor, published author, adjunct research fellow, lifelong learner and proud airway health advocate.
At Access Speech Services, we take a holistic approach to treatment, incorporating evidence-based practices and collaborating with caregivers, families, and other healthcare providers to help patients achieve their desired goals. Our personalized, high-quality services are designed to meet patients’ unique needs as they advance toward optimal health and well-being.
EMPOWERING CHANGE . IMPROVING FUNCTION. MAKING A DIFFERENCE.
PERSON-CENTERED FOCUS
We recognize that our patients are more than just their physical symptoms. That’s why we take the time to understand their individual preferences, goals and values so that we can develop tailored treatment plans that address the whole person rather than just isolated aspects of their health.
ACCESSIBLE SERVICES
We endeavor to make patients’ lives less burdensome by providing remote access to our highly specialized services. Telepractice (or teletherapy) sessions are secure and convenient, eliminating travel time and expenses without compromising the quality or effectiveness of treatment.
COMMITMENT TO LEARNING
We regularly attend continuing education courses and trainings to enhance our clinical skills. By keeping up with the latest research and advances in patient care, we’re able to implement the most up-to-date interventions and protocols to maximize therapeutic outcomes.
We offer consultations, comprehensive patient evaluations, customized treatment programs, and professional development opportunities.
ADULTS
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
Speech and Language Therapy
Cognitive-Communication Therapy
Lee Silverman Voice Treatment
(LSVT LOUD/eLOUD)
Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) Training
Swallowing Consultations
Educational Consultations/
Support Sessions
CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
Educational Consultations/
Support Sessions
PROFESSIONALS
One-on-One Mentoring/Clinical Consulting
in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
Speaking Engagements
SYMPTOMS, CONDITIONS AND DIAGNOSES WE TREAT:
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders
Mouth-breathing or other oral habits, tongue thrust, lip and/or tongue ties, improper tongue posture, speech sound errors (e.g., lisps)
Neurological Disorders
Stroke, Traumatic or Anoxic Brain Injury, Brain Tumor
Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases
Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Myasthenia Gravis
Acquired Communication Disorders
Aphasia, apraxia of speech, dysarthria
Cognitive-Communication Disorders
Attention, problem-solving, memory, reasoning, sequencing and executive function impairments
Voice Disorders
Vocal fold nodules and polyps, muscle tension dysphonia, vocal fold paralysis/paresis, hoarseness
Swallowing Disorders
Dysphagia
We are committed to providing you with the professional and personalized care you deserve.
Access Speech Services is a private pay practice. As such, all fees will be collected in full on the date of service. Although we do not bill medical insurance directly, we will provide you with an itemized invoice (superbill) on a monthly basis so that you can submit a claim for possible reimbursement if you are covered by out-of-network insurance benefits.
We are dedicated to helping our patients reach their individualized goals as efficiently as possible by engaging them as active partners in the therapeutic process.
OUR MISSION
To improve our patients’ quality of life by providing exceptional, accessible and effective person-centered care
OUR VISION
To empower patients to take charge of their health and well-being through education, support, and shared decision-making
OUR VALUES
To maintain integrity, respect, compassion, individuality, inclusivity, clear communication, collaboration and excellence in service delivery
WHAT OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING
Ann is one of the nicest people you’ll meet. Not only is she patient and kind, she is also an out of the box thinker and a diligent researcher who is highly skilled in her field. She keeps on top of the research and trends in the field. I was her patient for a few years. Thanks to her help and services, I was able to successfully go through my tongue tie release. I was a bit nervous about the procedure for a while but she really helped me feel better about it. She is always attentive during sessions and quick to answer emails. Therapy is one of those things that is just different for everyone -- I have all the confidence that she is able to provide a well-thought out lesson and customized lesson plan for each of her patients as she did for me.
-JENIFER C.
I had a great experience working with Ann. She was kind, knowledgeable, professional, and extremely thorough during our sessions and throughout my entire treatment process. She made me feel that she truly cared about finding what treatment methods worked best for me and left no stone unturned. I highly recommend Ann for anyone seeking orofacial myofunctional therapy.
-NICOLE R.
Ann’s expertise as a therapist has had a profoundly positive impact on my health. Ann has provided not only outstanding care, but also a consistently supportive and engaging presence at each appointment. It is rare to encounter a health professional who combines such personal attention with expert care, and I consider myself fortunate to have found her. Ann’s thorough approach, combined with her patience and guidance, has led to remarkable progress. I have experienced a significant reduction in jaw pain, my tongue placement has improved, and I have gained a deeper understanding of my facial muscle health. Most notably, my sleep apnea has seen substantial improvement. This progress is a testament to Ann’s skill and unwavering commitment, without which these positive changes would not have been possible.
-JULIANA L.
STEP
1
Schedule Your Free Initial Phone Consultation
STEP
2
Receive a Comprehensive Evaluation
STEP
3
Begin Your Customized Treatment Plan
Serving New York and Florida
Have a question? Need more information? Get in touch!
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