AK Speech Therapy

17/03/2026

Learn more about SPEAK OUT! and dysphagia rehab using BiSSkApp!

📣 INSIGHT into Parkinson’s Online Conference 2026
Join thousands from around the world for three powerful days of education, connection and inspiration at the world’s largest online Parkinson’s conference.

Held 11–13 April 2026 (World Parkinson’s Day weekend), this year’s program covers a wide range of practical and evidence-based topics, including; the latest Parkinson’s research, speech and swallowing, clinical trial updates, allied health access, balance and gait, lifestyle strategies, supportive care and more.
Designed for people living with Parkinson’s, carers and health professionals, you can sign up for free live access to the conference, or purchase a Premium Ticket for extended on-demand viewing.

Get your FREE ticket here;
https://pdwarrior.com/insight/

16/03/2026

🗣️✨ World Speech Day

Today we celebrate the power of communication — to connect, to inspire, and to create change.

Communication shapes how we learn, build relationships, share ideas, and participate in our communities. Speech-language therapists work alongside individuals and whānau to support meaningful, accessible communication across the lifespan — including spoken, signed, written, and alternative forms of communication.

World Speech Day is a reminder of the impact communication can have — and the importance of ensuring everyone has the opportunity to express themselves and be understood.

16/03/2026

I am pleased to announce AK Speech Therapy is now offering the SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program.

The SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program, developed by the nonprofit organization, PARKINSON VOICE PROJECT®, helps people with Parkinson's and related disorders REGAIN and RE TAIN their speech and swallowing. The program, if followed according to the exercises set out in the SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program, can improve volume, articulation, breath support for speech, vocal quality, intonation, and facial expression. Patients and families also report reduced drooling and improved swallowing. This highly effective, research-based treatment combines education, individual SPEAK OUT! Therapy, SPEAK OUT! Classes, daily home practice, and continuous follow-ups.

"Up to 90% of people with Parkinson's are at risk of losing their ability to speak. In addition, swallowing complications account for 70% of the mortality rate in this patient population. Our vision at Parkinson Voice Project is to make quality speech therapy accessible to people with Parkinson's worldwide." said Samantha Elandary, Parkinson Voice Project's Founder and Chief Executive Officer.

About Parkinson Voice Project Parkinson Voice Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization solely dedicated to helping people with Parkinson's and related disorders REGAIN and RETAIN their speech and swallowing. The organization provides SPEAK OUT! Booklets, online SPEAK OUT! Home Practice Sessions, and a weekly Parkinson's Sing-Along to complement the speech therapy they will receive at AK Speech Therapy. The organisation is headquartered in Richardson, Texas, and has trained over 11,500 SLPs and 16,600 students in more than 50 countries.

For information, visit

SPEAK OUT!® Therapy, developed by Parkinson Voice Project, helps people with Parkinson's regain and retain their speech and swallowing.

24/02/2026

As a speech and language therapist, I’m often asked:
"How do we make texture-modified meals look and taste better?"

I’ve recently come across a fantastic resource — Beyond the Blender — a cookbook designed specifically for people who require modified texture diets.

What I love about it:
✔️ Focus on dignity and presentation
✔️ Practical recipes for soft and bite size diet, minced and moist diet, puree diet and liquidised diet matched to IDDSI levels
✔️ Helps move beyond “beige bowls” of food
✔️ Supports safer swallowing without sacrificing enjoyment

For families supporting someone at home, or care facilities wanting to improve mealtime experience, this is well worth exploring.

Swallowing difficulties don’t mean giving up on beautiful, enjoyable food.

https://beyondtheblender.com.au/

A collection of dysphagia-friendly recipes for anyone with or cooking for someone with swallowing difficulties. Developed by Griffith University Master of Speech Pathology students and staff.

23/02/2026

Check out this award winning series of short videos about the lived experiences of people with aphasia: a language difficulty which affects speech, understanding of language, reading and writing.

Living With Aphasia A new series in 5 chapters, featuring experts and patients from the Aphasia Resource Center, offers insight into the experience of Living with Aphasia. This series is intended as an introduction to aphasia. The information serves to provide general guidelines and is not a diagnos...

09/02/2026

AK Speech Therapy offers the Gold Standard Treatment - Lee Silverman Voice Treatment - for speech and voice changes in Parkinson's Disease and other neurological conditions. Therapy is provided in the comfort of your own home or care facility.

Get in touch on 0223185360 or send a message via the website www.akspeechtherapy.co.nz

If you want to learn more about the benefits of LSVT LOUD you can also watch this free webinar on the research which highlights the speech, voice and swallowing benefits of this effective treatment. https://blog.lsvtglobal.com/spread-of-effects-of-lsvt-loud-more-than-increased-loudness/

You may be aware that LSVT LOUD results in a louder voice, but did you also know that research has documented a spread of effects into other areas of communication as well? Join LSVT LOUD Expert Clinicians as they present research demonstrating improvements in articulation, facial expression, swallo...

09/02/2026

Aphasia affects communication — not intelligence.

If you or someone you care about has had a stroke or brain injury aphasia can make speaking, understanding, reading, or writing harder — even though thoughts and ideas are still there.

At AK Speech Therapy, I support adults with aphasia, in their own home to:

- communicate more confidently in everyday life
- find strategies that work
- reduce frustration for both the person and their family or carers

Speech therapy can support you to reach your communication goals and optimise your quality of life regardless of how long it has been since you were diagnosed with aphasia.

Visit the blog to learn more at www.akspeechtherapy.co.nz or book an appointment by calling 0223185360.

30/09/2025

Exciting News from AK Speech Therapy!

I'm thrilled to announce that I am now offering Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD®) – the gold-standard therapy for improving voice, speech clarity, and communication in people with Parkinson’s disease and other conditions that cause dysarthria (slurred speech), and dysphonia (voice changes).

Whether it’s regaining your speech, improving communication after brain injury, or addressing swallowing challenges, AK Speech Therapy is here to help every step of the way. Other popular services include:

- Communication therapy for people recovering from stroke and brain injury, helping you or your loved one rebuild confidence and independence in everyday communication.

- Dysphagia (swallowing) assessment and therapy, including evidence-based approaches using BiSSkApp to support safer and more effective swallowing.

AK Speech Therapy is based in Narrow Neck and offers mobile services across Auckland – I come to you.

Get in touch today to learn more or book in your initial consultation.

Find out more at www.akspeechtherapy.co.nz

10/04/2025

🧠🎵 THINK LOUD – A Powerful Voice for Parkinson’s 💬🎶

"Think Loud" isn't just a song — it's a call to action.

This catchy tune by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer takes inspiration from Lee Silverman Voice Treatment; an evidenced based therapy approach to improve the vocal loudness, clarity, and overall communication for people with Parkinson's Disease.

Think Loud and other tracks on the newly released album 'Think Loud 4 Parkinson's' have been created to raise awareness and support for those living with Parkinson’s Disease. Available for purchase in support of charity Cure Parkinson's, and on Spotify, it inspires people to speak up, stay strong, and keep their voices heard using the key mantra of the therapy treatment - Think Loud!

Whether you're living with Parkinson’s, supporting a loved one, or working in the community — this anthem is for YOU.

🎧 Listen, share, and THINK LOUD!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

“Think LOUD for Parkinson’s” – a new song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment has been released! It is a MUST SEE to get you inspired to THINK...

09/04/2025

Diary of a Head Injury is an award-winning documentary short written by Nick Worthington and directed by Jonny Kofoed, released during Brain Awareness Month in partnership with Headway. The film aims to inspire others to share their stories and raise awareness of concussion. It is powerful reflection on the challenges, and resilience required, when living with a head injury.

Speech therapy plays a vital role in helping people rebuild communication skills, enhance cognitive function, and regain independence. If you or a loved one are seeking support, don’t hesitate to reach out. AK Speech Therapy is here to help.

https://www.diaryofaheadinjury.com/

Animation [Assembly]: Matthew Wilson, Elliot Stronge, Gary Sullivan, Frankie Principe, Josh Fourt-Wells, William Bardebes, Jonny Kofoed

28/03/2025

I am so excited to announce my partnership with the fantastic team at Swaltech. I am provider of their innovative swallowing technology BiSSkApp in Auckland. It is a fantastic biofeedback tool allowing people with swallowing difficulties to rehabilitate their swallow in their comfort of their home. Get in touch today to learn more!

www.akspeechtherapy.co.nz www.swaltech.com

11/10/2024

Kia ora,
Welcome to AK Speech Therapy, a private speech and language therapy practice operated by Amy Keenan.

AK Speech Therapy provides expert assessment and individualised therapy for adults with difficulties swallowing and communicating.

At AK Speech Therapy we operate a mobile service which means the appointments are typically at your home. The service is based in Narrow Neck, Auckland but operates across the Auckland region.

Please visit the website www.akspeechtherapy.co.nz for more information on available services, pricing and to access the blog which has some helpful tips to get you started.

Get in touch on +64223185360 or amykeenanslt@gmail.com to discuss your speech, language or swallowing needs. We look forward to hearing from you.