USD Scottish Rite Childrens Clinic Awarded Annual Grant from Sioux Empire United Way
The USD Scottish Rite Children’s Clinic is one of over 40 Sioux Empire United Way funded agencies. The funds from this grant allow for the direct support of three staff positions, including two full-time speech-language pathologists who serve as clinic instructors and supervisors for the SLP clinical practice.
“The USD Scottish Rite Children’s Clinic offers a full array of charitable clinical services to Sioux Empire children who have difficulty with speech, language and literacy needs,” said Jane Heinemeyer, clinical director. “We are a leader in the identification of dyslexia and experience a very high demand for our services. This grant allows us to continue to strive to help meet the need for communication and literacy services.”
The clinic is a unique three-way partnership between the USD Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, the Scottish Rite Foundation of South Dakota and the Sioux Empire United Way. The partnership with USD allows for SLP students to obtain real-world experience as they continue their education. In order for the students to gather experience at the children’s clinic, full-time staff need to be readily available.
“The USD Sioux Falls Scottish Rite Children’s Clinic provided me with experience and growth as an SLP student,” said Ashley Gomez, a current SLP graduate student. “I felt more confident as a clinician working with children and was given the guidance to be successful during my therapy session. This experience was very unique and prepared me for my internships and for my future career.”
“As a graduate assistant to the clinic, I spent more time there than the average SLP Student,” said Alison Freese, a current SLP graduate student. “The clinic staff always made me feel welcomed and they always show up to work full of energy, willing to help the Sioux Falls community and the SLP students. Without the help from the Scottish Rite Clinic I might not have had such unique educational experience that helped shape into a confident and skilled professional.”
The USD Scottish Rite Children’s Clinic for Speech & Language Disorders is located at 520 S. First Avenue in Sioux Falls. For further questions, contact the clinic at 605-336-7561.
