Beyond Speech: How One Business is Changing Lives Through Language

When Andrzej Lewandowski came to the U.S., he brought with him a passion for education and language development. As a young teacher, he saw firsthand the growing need for specialized bilingual speech therapy services in his community. This observation sparked a vision that would eventually lead to his role at Dempster Therapeutic Services, a speech-language pathology clinic specializing in bilingual therapy for children.

That decision led to the birth of Dempster Therapeutic Services, a speech-language pathology clinic specializing in bilingual therapy for children. Today, it’s not just a business—it’s a mission. Andrzej and his team work tirelessly to ensure that children, particularly those from Polish-English speaking households, receive the support they need to thrive.

 

The Unique Value of Bilingual Speech Therapy

Many families in the Polish community face a tough situation: their children struggle with speech delays, but the available services don’t cater to their bilingual needs. Schools and traditional speech therapy providers often fail to distinguish between a language delay and a developmental disorder.

“I remember when a friend of mine first arrived in the U.S. as a teenager,” Andrzej recalls. “Because they didn’t speak English well, they were almost placed in special education. It had nothing to do with their intelligence—just the language barrier.”

This lack of cultural and linguistic understanding inspired him to create a space where bilingual children receive proper diagnoses and effective therapy. Unlike other providers who offer one-size-fits-all solutions, Dempster Therapeutic Services understands the nuances of bilingual development.

 

A Standout Clinic in the Greater Chicago Area

What makes Dempster Therapeutic Services different?

• State-of-the-art tools and assessments available in both Polish and English.
• A physical clinic with top-tier resources, unlike many competitors who only offer home-based services.
• Prime location—minutes from major highways in Schiller Park, making it easy for families to access.
• Teletherapy options for families across the U.S. who need bilingual support.

Beyond the services, it’s the personal touch that sets Andrzej apart. “We don’t just provide therapy and send families on their way. We stay in touch, track progress, and give parents the tools they need to continue therapy at home,” he says.

 

Why He Left the Insurance System Behind

For many healthcare providers, dealing with insurance companies can be a nightmare. Andrzej experienced this firsthand.

“One day, I had a conversation with an insurance rep about an autism diagnosis,” he shares. “She told me I had to ‘re-certify’ a child’s autism diagnosis six months later. I asked about her background—she had a high school diploma. Meanwhile, I had multiple degrees and years of experience. That was the day I decided I wasn’t going to let insurance companies dictate the care I provide.”

Since then, Dempster Therapeutic Services has operated on a private-pay model, ensuring that care is focused on the child’s needs—not on insurance policies.

 

More Than Just Speech Therapy: A Holistic Approach to Care

Andrzej’s clinic is built on more than just therapy sessions. His background in linguistics and personal experience as a parent fuel his deep understanding of the challenges bilingual children face.

His approach includes:
✔️ Comprehensive evaluations that differentiate between language delays and true speech disorders.
✔️ Parent education—helping families understand their child’s needs and navigate the school system.
✔️ Advocacy for bilingualism, ensuring parents don’t feel pressured to choose one language over another.

“In the past, parents were told that speaking two languages would confuse their child,” Andrzej says. “That’s completely false. Bilingualism is a strength.”

 

The Passion Behind the Business

Andrzej isn’t just a lead speech pathologist—he’s a father, an advocate, and a lifelong learner. “I love my job,” he says simply. “I spend hours studying, improving, and making sure I provide the best care possible.”

When he’s not working, he enjoys long walks with his family, going to the movies, and reading. His daughter has shown remarkable achievement in her own academic journey—skipping two grades at the Polish language school in Chicago and expressing interest in following in her father’s footsteps as a speech-language pathologist.

 

Giving Back to the Community

Dempster Therapeutic Services isn’t just about profit. Each year, the clinic donates to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, supporting children in need of critical medical care.

The clinic also provides free initial consultations to help parents understand their child’s speech needs, even if they don’t ultimately choose Dempster for therapy.

“We’re here to help, no pressure,” Andrzej says. “If we’re not the right fit, we’ll still guide you in the right direction.”

 

Looking Ahead: The Future of Dempster Therapeutic Services

With a strong reputation, glowing reviews, and a passion for making a difference, Dempster Therapeutic Services continues to grow. As bilingualism becomes more valued in today’s world, Andrzej hopes to see more awareness, advocacy, and accessibility in the speech therapy industry.

“We go beyond speech and language—that’s our motto,” he says. “Because it’s not just about words. It’s about understanding, confidence, and giving every child a voice.”

Website: https://slp-d.com