Deborah Ha

Deborah Ha is a speech-language pathologist who cares for patients with cognitive-communication disorders (difficulty with thinking skills that aid in effective communication), language disorders (difficulty with speaking, understanding speech, reading or writing), motor-speech disorders (difficulty planning and coordinating movements related to speech) and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). She supports patients with speech and language conditions and aids people who require augmentative communication (which can replace or support spoken language), including individuals with a tracheostomy (a surgically created opening in the windpipe to facilitate breathing) and those using a ventilator (breathing machine). Her special interests range from health disparities and global health to neuropalliative and end-of-life care. Ha earned her master's degree in communication sciences and disorders at Emerson College. She is a member of the Dysphagia Research Society, Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences, and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Outside of work, Ha enjoys spending time with her dog; exploring the Bay Area through hiking; and learning new recipes to feed her friends and family.