Freedlander Speech and Hearing Clinic

The Freedlander Speech and Hearing Clinic, located on the ground floor in Wishart Hall, functions as an outpatient clinic to the Wooster community. Staff members assess and treat communicative disorders that is, problems of speech, language, and hearing (e.g., stuttering, speech/language delay, voice problems, cleft palate, hearing loss, and deafness). Currently, the staff is composed of three professionals (Professor Nancy Aarts, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Co-Director; Instructor Arlene Luberoff, M.A., M.A., CCC-SLP, Clinic Supervisor; and Mrs. Christie Scott, M.S., CCC-SLP, Clinic Supervisor), along with student clinicians.

For students majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders, the Freedlander Clinic serves another important function: It provides them with hands-on clinical experience, something that few undergraduate programs offer. Indeed, the Freedlander Clinic's activities are natural sources of information for coursework in the major and for ideas about research that students might undertake. Student clinicians must enroll in CSD 140, Speech and Hearing Clinic Practicum, and work under the guidance of state-licensed and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certified supervisors.

"Declaring my major as CSD was one of the best decisions that I made in my four years. Ranked high among the deciding factors was the opportunity for hands-on experiences, in the Freedlander Speech and Hearing Clinic; experiences that many undergraduate students across the country do not have. Without a doubt, clinic was the most rewarding and interesting experience that I had as a major. I thank Wooster for the privilege." Gretchen Nofsinger, '06 Harbor Springs, MI

The clients served at the Clinic are of any age, from infants through older adults, and the types of disorders managed are equally varied. Referrals come from numerous sources, including area physicians, local schools, and the College faculty, staff, and student body, in addition to self-referrals from the Wooster community. There are NO FEES for clients seen during the academic year, between regular clinic hours.

The Freedlander Clinic is equipped with modern audiologic test equipment, a new sound-treated audiology test booth, and a variety of tests, assessment protocols, and therapy materials for assessment and intervention. Audiologic or hearing evaluations, as well as speech/language evaluations, are scheduled throughout the academic year for clients of all ages.

In sum, the Freedlander Clinic serves as a catalyst for service, education, and research. The Clinic not only affords students the opportunity for rich educational experiences, but also provides individuals of the surrounding community with much-needed services, at no cost, that may significantly improve their quality of life.