Which of the following is a duty of the SLPA in community settings?

The role of a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) in community settings encompasses various duties, and advocating for families through education is essential in this context. This duty involves providing support and resources to families, ensuring they understand communication disorders and the services available to help their loved ones. By educating families, the SLPA can empower them to engage actively in the intervention process, understand therapy goals, and recognize strategies that can facilitate communication in everyday situations.

In contrast, responsibilities such as discharging clients from services or conducting independent assessments fall outside the SLPA's scope of practice. These tasks require the expertise and qualifications of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). Additionally, representing oneself as an SLP is inappropriate and misleading, as it misrepresents the SLPA’s qualifications and the professional standards governing practice. Thus, the advocacy role emphasizes collaboration, support, and education, making it a vital aspect of an SLPA's responsibilities in community settings.