蘑菇视频

A $10,000 gift from the Qwest Foundation to the 蘑菇视频 Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Education of the Deaf Department will benefit 蘑菇视频 speech and language clinics, and be a learning boon to students studying at the clinics.

鈥淭he donation from Qwest will allow 蘑菇视频 to purchase augmentative communication devices, specialized software, access switches, and other adaptive equipment,鈥� said Beth Guryan, 蘑菇视频 assistant professor for Communication Science and Disorders and Education of the Deaf, who works with students at 蘑菇视频-Boise.

The grant will enable 蘑菇视频 speech language pathology graduate students to have hands-on training with programming devices and using software. The students will be better prepared to work in public schools, clinics and hospitals because of their experience with this state-of the art equipment.

鈥淥ur ability to meet the needs of children and adults with severe communication impairment will be greatly enhanced,鈥� Guryan said. 鈥淲e are very grateful to the Qwest Foundation for their generous donation.鈥�

蘑菇视频 Speech and Language Clinics primarily serve pre-K-12 students who have severe communication disorders. The grant from Qwest combined with a smaller donation by the 蘑菇视频 Kasiska College of Health Professions will contribute toward fulfilling the terms of a matching grant from the CHC Foundation in Idaho Falls.鈥淨west is committed to supporting innovative programs that promote K-12 education in Idaho,鈥� said Jim Schmit, Qwest鈥檚 president for Idaho.  鈥淲e are very proud to partner with 蘑菇视频 and to be able to assist the great work done by the school鈥檚 speech and language clinic.鈥� 蘑菇视频 has the only speech language pathology graduate program in Idaho. The program trains the speech language pathology professionals who work in the schools, hospitals and rehabilitation centers throughout Idaho. Speech language pathologists are seen as the experts in determining if a child could benefit from assistive technology. Additionally, these professionals have the training to provide on-going therapy services to children and adults with severe communication impairments. They also help the patients鈥� families learn how to appropriately use this equipment.

The 蘑菇视频 Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Education of the Deaf Department has 57 students in the speech language pathology graduate program offered in Boise and Pocatello.

An estimated two million Americans experience speech disability to the extent that they have significant difficulty being understood by others. The majority of the patients that come to the 蘑菇视频 speech and hearing clinics are children, and many have no communication skills at all. Not only do these children often have no speech skills, but many also have other physical disabilities that preclude expressive communication through the use of hand signs, writing, or typing.  Communication, written or verbal, is essential for interacting with others. Those children who have disabilities that affect one or both of these communication processes need a supplemental or an alternative way of communicating. The grant monies received by 蘑菇视频 will assist children and adults to improve their communications skills.

For more information on the 蘑菇视频 speech language pathology program or clinic at 蘑菇视频-Boise, call (208) 373-1721; for information on the 蘑菇视频 program and clinic in Pocatello, call (208) 282-4196.