Wayne State Speech and Language Center welcomes new programs

We are continuing to develop new specialized diagnostic and intervention programs within the WSU Speech and Language Center. A new clinical program for children with food aversions was initiated in 2015, funded through a grant from the Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation. The grant also now is funding additional groups for parent education and hearing-impaired children.

Ms. Karen O'Leary has taught in our department for 24 years and has served as Clinic Director since 2009. After earning her M.A. degree from Wayne State University, she acquired extensive clinical experience, most particularly in child language development and literacy. She noted, "We continue to experience an outstanding level of support from our affiliation sites for part-time practicum placements and internships. Our students participate in off-campus placements beginning in their second semester thanks to the support of so many hospitals, public schools, and private agencies. I'm happy to report that 100 percent of our May 2015 graduating class was employed as of early August! The clinical experiences they gain here on campus and in the larger community have served them well. I am very grateful to all of you who generously share your time and expertise with our students."

We have expanded group programs in the Speech and Language Center this year. Dr. Derek Daniels offered the Intensive Stuttering Program for Adults as well as an ongoing individual program for children and adults who stutter. We have three maintenance groups in our Speech Therapy and Education Program for Stroke Survivors (STEPSS) program to support those clients with varying communication needs. We added an 8-week school-age phonology group program with an accompanying parent education component this year.

Mrs. Aaron Hardy Smith and Ms. Kim Stewart began a Parent Education Program (PEP) as part of our summer Preschool Language Acquisition Years (PLAY) program and it has been very well received by client families. This year we also have added new Head Start sites that include "early Head Start" (EHS) programs. The EHS programs increase our student's experience with the birth-3 age group.

For further clinic information or appointments, call 313-577-8386.