Clinic helps patients with speech, hearing needs

Name of program: The University Hearing and Speech Clinic, 310 N. Riverpoint Blvd.

What it does: The program is a graduate school training program for those getting degrees in hearing and speech therapy. It also provides speech, language and hearing services in an outpatient clinic.

Who runs it: The clinic is part of Washington State University Spokane and Eastern Washington University. It benefits from resources at both schools.

How to get help: Anyone in need of receiving services for hearing, speech or language problems can call the main number at 358-7580. Patients are charged on a sliding scale, according to Doreen Nicholas, clinic director.

“We don’t turn anyone away,” she said.

Typical client: “We have a wide variety,” Nicholas said. Many patients are adults who have had strokes or head injuries.

They work with language delays in children. They also work with singers, cheerleaders and people who are trying to get rid of regional accents.

“It’s a big field,” said Nicholas, adding that the students get a lot of experience.

How to help: The clinic always accepts money through the colleges, and there also is a need for volunteers.

Many of the children who receive treatment at the clinic play learning games. Volunteers can help make the materials needed for these games.