EPI.LO.G.o laboratory was established by Dr. Elena Theodorou, Lecturer of Speechpathology, to cover research, educational and clinical needs in the areas of Language and Communication Disorders in Childhood. The lab is funded by the Cyprus University of Technology (Start-up Funding Lecturer Elena Theodorou) and it is located in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, ZT3 building, 15 Vragadinou Street, 3041, Limassol.

The lab is equipped with workstations where researchers and their collaborators can store and analyze research data. It is equipped, among other things, with Diagnostic Language Tools, tablets for developing communication boards, applications involving the use of symbols for linguistic development, etc.

In short, laboratory’s activity is related to a) the mapping of the language skills of children with developmental language disorders (primary and secondary), b) the accurate identification and reliable assessment of language difficulties in childhood, and c) the utilization of research data for targeted Evidence Based Practice. It also deals with (d) the investigation of Alternative and Augmentative Communication provided to people with limited or non-existent verbal communication; and (e) how language programs of symbols and concepts (e.g. MAKATON) can be used effectively in speech therapy at both the level of assessment and planning of the intervention. In addition, it deals with the investigation of the treatment of children with serious communication difficulties, namely with programs using gestures, meanings and symbols that can contribute to the development of communication skills as well as to the development of speech.

Laboratory supervisor

Dr. Elena Theodorou

Lecturer in Speechpathology

Cyprus University of Technology