Speech or Language Impairment (SLI)

Speech or Language Impairment (SLI) Description:

In order for a student to be eligible for a Speech or Language Impairment, under the classification headings of articulation, fluency, voice, functional communication or delayed language development, must be evidence of dysfunction in one or more of the following criteria:

Receptive and expressive language (oral and written) difficulties including syntax (word order, word form, developmental level)
Semantics (vocabulary, concepts and word finding)
Pragmatics (purposes and uses of language)
Auditory processing, including sensation (acuity), perception (discrimination, sequencing, analysis and synthesis) association, auditory attention
Deficiency of structure and function of oral peripheral mechanism
Articulation including substitutions, omissions, distortions or additions of sound
Voice, including deviation of respiration, phonation (pitch, intensity, quality), resonance
Fluency, including hesitant speech, stuttering, cluttering and related disorders
Problems in auditory perception such as discrimination and memory.

SLI is most often addressed in schools by Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs).

Colorado Speech or Language Impairment Guidelines for Assessment and Eligibility

SLI Guidelines
(PDF)

Colorado Communication Rating Scales

The Communication Rating Scales are to be used with students 3-21 years of age.

Printable Versions

Communication Rating Scales (PDF)

OnDemand Webinars

Communication Rating Scales Webinars

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Licensing Information

Licensing Office

Licensing Application Checklist

Financial Opportunities

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G et Connected

Speech-Language Pathology Listserv

The Colorado Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) listserv shares resources, professional development and training opportunities and provides information including current trends, research, and ongoing topics of interest related to SLPs. The purpose of this network is to provide information and news regarding the profession and research; announce professional development and training opportunities; and post school-based job openings. Our focus is to better the lives of students with Speech-Language Impairments and benefit the families, communities, and professionals who support them. This service is chat-free and does not include advertisements from vendors or contract-based companies. To subscribe to the SLP Listserv, please follow the directions below.

To subscribe to the SLP listserv:

Please complete the online listserv subscription request, SLP Listserv Subscription.
Once you have been added, you will receive a confirmation email.

SLP Listserv Subscription Request

To unsubscribe from the CO-SLP listserv:

Open a new email.
In the “To” field, type the email SLP-unsubscribe-request@cdelist.cde.state.co.us
In the body of the message write, “unsubscribe SLP” and send the message.
You will automatically be unsubscribed.

Listserv Disclaimer:

A variety of learning opportunities, information, and resources are provided on this listserv. These materials do not represent an exhaustive list, nor are they required or endorsed by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). The identification or description is for the purpose of providing information and resources and does not constitute CDE's endorsement. Every effort has been made to identify the citation for the resource; please maintain the citation and/or authorship when adapting or modifying these materials.

Associations & Committees

ASHA State Education Advocacy Leader (SEAL)

State Education Advocacy Leaders (SEALs) are appointed to advocate on education issues by CSHA our ASHA recognized state speech-language hearing association. The SEAL’s purpose is “to enhance and perpetuate the advocacy, leadership, and clinical management skills of school-based ASHA members at the state and local levels to influence administrative and public policy decisions that affect the delivery of speech-language pathology and audiology services in school settings.” Find more information about SEALs and who represents Colorado.

The Colorado Speech-Language Hearing Association (CSHA)

CSHA is a professional association consisting of speech-language pathologists and audiologists that work in a variety of settings throughout Colorado. The key goals of CSHA are the advancement of education, advocacy, and member communication amongst SLPs and Audiologists. Membership in CSHA supports state level advocacy for our professions, CE events hosted in Colorado, communication to members on important issues, as well as volunteer and networking opportunities. CSHA's vision is "Making Colorado a place where all voices are heard." CSHA welcomes future professionals and speech-language pathology assistants. We hope you'll consider becoming a member. For more information go to the CSHA website.

Speech-Language Advisory Committee (SLAC)

SLAC Mission Statement: The Committee believes that speech-language pathologists and special educators in Colorado deserve innovative professional development opportunities that address issues, challenges, and evidence-base practices relevant to infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents with disabilities. The Committee provides advice on policies and procedures for best practices and in the alignment and standardization of services across the state. Committee members consist of regional representatives, hospital representatives, school administrators, university liaisons and various other stakeholder groups. Regional Representatives act as liaisons for their regional public school SLP constituents. They are nominated by their Special Education Director and chosen through an application process to serve in this capacity. Representatives from the Colorado Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CSHA), the university programs, and community liaisons were added to the Committee to ensure collaboration between significant stakeholders across the state.

Mission of SLAC and Regional Representatives (PDF)
Special Education Calendar - to see what’s happening in special education

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Employment and Recruitment

SLP SLPA Job Board*

School-Based SLP/SLPA Positions for 2025-26 School Year Form*

Please note that this may not include all of the jobs open in Colorado. Visit individual district websites for a complete list of job opportunities. All applications should be submitted directly to the district in which you are applying.

*School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) or Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Positions form should only be completed by districts and administrative units.

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Career Tracks

School-based SLPs are Master’s degree educated experts in the areas of speech, language and communication. SLPAs have Bachelor’s degrees and have completed a certification program and clinical practicum hours.

There are a variety of pathways to becoming a school-based SLP in Colorado. Interested parties with a BA or BS in any field can complete an SLP Prerequisites (SLPP) program to get prepared for an SLP graduate program, or complete an SLPA certification program. If you have a Bachelor’s degree in communication disorders or a related field, you may be eligible to enroll directly into a Master’s degree program. See the links below for more information on these options.

Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
- Technical Assistance: Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) (PDF)
Speech-Language Pathologist Prerequisites Program (SLPP)
Distance Learning Programs (PDF)
Colorado Educator Licensing

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

SLPA Certificate Program Contacts
- University of Northern Colorado - Email Kerry Young
- Colorado University at Boulder - Email Jen Marson-Parker
- Metropolitan State University - Email Ilana Oliff
  - Learn about Metro State SLPA Certificate
  - Metro State SLPA Course Application
Technical Assistance: Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) (PDF)

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Professional Learning

Speech-Language Conferences

Professional Learning Quick Links

Webinars
CDE Professional Development - Access to all professional development opportunities offered through CDE
Disability Listservs – Listservs provide information about that disability and upcoming trainings. Use the Disability Categories link on the right to join their listservs.

Webinars

Auditory and Language Processing Disorders (On-Demand Series)

The Auditory and Language Processing Disorders is a mini course is about the special educator’s role with understanding auditory and language processing disorders through assessment and intervention. This course consists of 9 videos and 1 quiz.

Access the Auditory and Language
Processing Disorders Series.

Oral Expression & Listening Comprehension

After watching this 20 minute meeting participants will be able to accurately compare and contrast SLD - Oral Expression and Listening Comprehension, Developmental Delay (DD) and Speech or Language Impairment (SLI).

Access the Oral Expression &
Listening Comprehension Webinar

SLPA Supervision in Schools

This is a self-paced webinar series that is open to any speech-language pathologist who is new to supervising speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs) in Colorado or who needs a review. It consists of seven instructional videos, articles that will support your learning, and resources to support you in your role as supervisor. You must view all videos and complete the course evaluation in order to have successfully passed this course and receive the certificate for 7 contact hours. If you are participating in the SLPA Student Mentorship Program, you must complete these videos and submit your certificate to the CDE in order to receive compensation.

*Please note that Medicaid Billing regulations have been updated since the original airing of this webinar. See the Qualified Medicaid Billing Personnel document below for guidance.

Access the SLPA Supervision
in Schools Series.

Speech-Language Interventions for Multilingual Learners

This Speech Language Interventions for Multilingual Learners course was created by Dr. Sandy Frey and designed to provide you with a general overview of best practices for approaching family engagement, and intervention for multilingual students with speech-language disorders. The course consists of 4 videos and 1 quiz. Upon successful completion of the course, you will be eligible to receive a certificate of completion from the CDE which will grant you 1 hour of recertification credit.

Access the Speech-Language
Interventions Course

Speech Sound Disorder and Dyslexia Part 1 (2-Hour Webinar)

In this two-hour webinar, Dr. Kelly Farquharson: breaks down the Simple View of Reading and the Science of Reading; explains how speech sound disorders impact reading; and discusses the frequency with which students with Speech Sound Disorders also struggle with decoding.

Access the Speech-Sound
Disorder & Dyslexia Webinar

Speech Sound Disorder and Dyslexia Part 2 (Half-Day Workshop)

In this half-day workshop, Dr. Kelly Farquharson of Florida State University teaches a master class on the appropriate intervention and treatment of speech sound disorders. In this three and a half hours, you will learn about various speech sound disorders, treatment techniques, and strategies for choosing the best speech sounds to target first.

Access the Speech-Sound
Disorder & Dyslexia Workshop

SLP Role in Concussion Management in School

In this one hour webinar, you will learn about the SLP’s role in working with a multidisciplinary concussion management team. SLP’s play a key role in supporting students with concussions as they return to school including consultation, professional development and support for their colleagues, and direct intervention for students who qualify for specially designed instruction.

Access the SLP Role in
Concussion Management

Advancing Equity within Special Education Identification Webinar Series: Part 4 - Strategies and Considerations for Speech-Language Impairment

Viewers will explore strategies for identifying students with speech-language impairments versus language differences due to multilingualism. Learn about dynamic assessment methods and cultural considerations for eligibility determination.

Access Strategies &
Considerations for SLI

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Resources

Aligning IEP goals with Colorado Academic Standards

Colorado Reading, Writing, and Communication Standards Organizational Chart for Speech-Language Pathologists (Revised 2021) [Excel]

Auditory Processing Disorder

Guidelines for the Educational Evaluation & Intervention of Auditory Processing Deficits (APD)

CDE Technical Assistance (TA) Documents

Assistive Technology Resources from Statewide Assistive Technology, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (SWAAAC)

CDE Links

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
- Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
- Colorado Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
Special Education

Websites

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Questions?

For more information about services for students who have speech or language impairments in Colorado, please contact:

Hannah Mackie
Email Hannah Mackie
Phone: (720) 697- 4545

Having trouble with this webpage?

If you have problems with broken links or accessing the content on this page, please contact the Exceptional Student Services Unit at ESSU@cde.state.co.us. Please copy the URL link for this page into the email when referencing the problem you are experiencing.