Georgia Southern University graduate students rolled up their sleeves and stepped out of the classroom last fall to perform over 6,000 hearing screenings for K-12 students in Chatham and Effingham counties. This hands-on initiative allowed students to gain essential clinical experience while addressing a critical need in their local communities.
Building Community Trust Through Hands-On Learning
The screenings weren’t just about meeting academic requirements—they were about making a real impact. Graduate students from the Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSDS) program worked closely with local schools to identify potential hearing issues among children.
“Community-based work like this allows students training to become speech-language pathologists to develop critical skills and build trust with the communities they serve,” explained Tory Candea, SLP.D., director of clinical education and the RiteCare® Center for Communication Disorders.
These screenings provided more than just practice. They gave students a chance to directly improve the lives of children, helping them overcome obstacles that could affect their learning and social development.
Why These Screenings Matter
Hearing is a cornerstone of communication, and untreated hearing issues can have far-reaching consequences for children. The screenings conducted by Georgia Southern students aim to catch problems early, which is key to ensuring academic success and emotional well-being.
When screenings identify a concern, children are referred to healthcare professionals for further evaluation. The process emphasizes early intervention, which can drastically improve a child’s ability to succeed.
“Hearing screenings for school-aged children are essential for community health,” said Candea. “Early detection can make all the difference in a child’s ability to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.”
The RiteCare® Center’s Broader Mission
Beyond the work in local schools, the RiteCare® Center for Communication Disorders also offers screenings to the wider community. These services extend to adults and children alike, reflecting the center’s dedication to promoting communication health and accessibility.
Key highlights of the RiteCare® Center’s offerings include:
- Free or low-cost hearing screenings for children and adults.
- Referrals to specialists for individuals needing advanced care.
- Outreach programs designed to raise awareness about the importance of hearing health.
“Our goal is to make communication accessible for everyone, no matter their age or background,” added Candea.
A Vital Experience for Future Professionals
For CSDS students, these clinical hours are a requirement on their path to becoming certified speech-language pathologists. But they’re also an invaluable opportunity to work directly with diverse populations and apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings.
Here’s why this matters:
- Students gain experience in performing detailed screenings.
- They learn how to communicate with families and educators about results.
- They develop the interpersonal skills needed to build trust in their future careers.
One student described the experience as “eye-opening,” adding that it helped them better understand the challenges some children face and how they, as future professionals, can make a difference.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
To highlight the scope of the program, here’s a quick snapshot:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Screenings Performed | 6,000+ |
| Counties Served | 2 (Chatham, Effingham) |
| K-12 Students Impacted | Thousands |
| Community Screenings Offered | Ongoing |
This initiative underscores Georgia Southern’s commitment to serving its community while preparing students for meaningful careers.
