Thematic Events

PSHA Thematic Events are virtual sessions hosted by PSHA committees to support their mission and goals through focused professional discussions, presentations, and collaborative learning opportunities. These events may or may not offer ASHA CEUs or Act 48 hours but always provide valuable content designed to engage and inform. Participation is free for all PSHA members, offering a convenient way to stay connected, share expertise, and advance the profession together.

Check out our next virtual thematic event.

The PSHA Healthcare/Telehealth Committee Presents

Facilitating Communication: Strategies for Speech-Language Pathologists Caring for People Living with Dementia

Malathy Venkatesh, PhD, CCC-SLP

September 28, 2026 6:00pm-7:00pm

Abstract: 

 Linguistic and cognitive-communication challenges can manifest across all stages of dementia, significantly impacting the quality of life for individuals and their care partners. This presentation examined these communication difficulties and detailed evidence-based interventions for SLPs in healthcare settings. Grounded in patient-centered practices, the session shared practical insights and specific examples from implementing the Montessori approach in long-term care facilities, alongside strategies to support communication.

Learning Objectives: 

 • Recognize language and cognitive-communication impairments across the different stages of dementia, as well as the abilities that remain relatively preserved at each stage
• Describe current evidence-based cognitive-linguistic interventions and compensatory strategies
• Identify effective communication strategies to support meaningful interactions with people living with dementia

Time Ordered Agenda:

6:00- 6:05 pm : Introduction and Disclosures
6:06- 6:15 pm : Progression through the stages – impact on language and communication
6:16 - 6:25 pm : Review of existing Cognitive-communication interventions
6:26 -6:40 pm : Examples from Montessori approach
6:41 - 6:50 pm : Strategies to support communication
6:51 - 7:00 pm: Q & A

Speaker Abstract:

Malathy Venkatesh, PhD, CCC-SLP is an Assistant Professor in the Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program at A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences. She is an AMI Certified Montessori Practitioner for Dementia and Aging. Her interests include implementation of evidence-based person-centered approaches to improve quality of life.

Financial Disclosures:  The speaker does not have any relevant financial disclosures

Non-Financial Disclosures: Editorial Board Member, Perspectives of the Special Interest Group of ASHA, Vice-President for Public Relations, South Asian Caucus of ASHA, 2027 Convention co-chair, Arizona Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention

Register Now

Satisfactory Completion Requirements :

Certificates of completion will be awarded after active attendance at the Thematic Event, submission of a completed evaluation, and submission of a completed assessment of learning. Partial credit is not awarded for these continuing education events. A link to the online assessment and evaluation will be provided. In addition, some presenters will assess understanding during the event using polls via Zoom.

Act 48 Clock Hours:

PSHA is an approved provider by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to sponsor Continuing Education programs as required by ACT 48. The number of clock hours is listed on the flyer for each event. Individuals attending the program must arrive on time and stay the duration of the program in order to receive Act 48 Professional Education hours.

Cancellation/Refund Policy
Cancellations accepted until the beginning of the event.  Thematic Events are free for members, therefore, refunds for cancelling an event will not be issued.

Professional Conduct and Discrimination Policy
All participants are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner. Please review PSHA’s Professional Conduct and DEI Commitment inside the CEU Policy link shared here.

Complaint Policy
Questions and concerns should be emailed to [email protected]. Complaints arising during or after an event, can be filed using the PSHA CE Complaints and Appeals Form.

Accessibility Policy
The Association is committed to providing an outstanding experience for all participants at its events. We strive for full access to the activities of these events and accommodations relating to mobility, hearing, vision, or other areas may be provided. We ask that requests for reasonable accommodations at the event be made as early as possible, and well in advance of the event, so we may explore options to best meet the individual’s need or provide a resource/suggestion to help meet the individual's requirement. Potential Barriers: Although we strive to make this event as accessible as possible to all members, some barriers may remain due to financial, logistical, facility, vendor or volunteer/staffing limitations. If the association is unable to provide an accommodation due to one or more of the reasons stated above and the individual feels attendance is no longer an option, the Association will provide a full refund of the event registration fee.