Adult Speech, Language & Hearing Services (FHSU)Expanding Adult Speech, Language and Hearing Services

The purpose of the Kansas Masonic Adult Speech, Language and Hearing Services funding priority is to expand adult services provided by the Department of Communication Disorders and the Geneva Herndon Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Clinic at Fort Hays State University (FHSU) in Hays, Kansas. The expansion would include enhanced training and services related to dysphagia and hearing screenings provided in the Western Kansas service area of FHSU.

The Kansas Masonic Adult Speech, Language and Hearing Services Partnership With FHSU

A Growing Need

Dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) is a growing health concern in our aging population and a common secondary disorder associated with dementia and stroke. Additionally, loss of hearing associated with aging affects approximately 30 percent of adults age 65 years and older and approximately half of the population over age 75.
Outcomes of the Funding Priority

The Kansas Masonic Foundation believes that several specific outcomes would be seen through the funding priority:
- One hundred percent of SLP graduate students will be exposed to Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) Training in the classroom setting.
- Seventy-five percent of SLP graduates will gain FEES experience in the clinical setting prior to their externship.
- Three external partnerships for FEES services will be established in the first year.
- One hundred percent of SLP graduate students will participate in clinical hearing screenings for older adults.
- Hearing screenings will be conducted at six unique off-campus sites per year.
Additional Benefits

In addition to the possible growth of business in Kansas through this program, students will also benefit from:
- Improved academic performance, school attendance and educational attainment.
- Increased problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Improved interpersonal relationships, teamwork, money management and public speaking skills.
- Enhanced social psychological development (self-esteem, ego development and self-efficacy).