News Summary
The Savannah Speech and Hearing Center (SSHC) has been awarded a significant grant from The Savannah Community Foundation’s Emerging Leaders Committee Fund. The funding will enhance its sliding fee scale and scholarship programs, improving access to essential speech and hearing services for individuals in financial need. SSHC is committed to providing affordable care, including services for children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing through its Sound Start program. This grant highlights SSHC’s vital role in the community amidst a growing demand for speech therapy services.
Savannah – The Savannah Speech and Hearing Center (SSHC) has received a significant grant from The Savannah Community Foundation’s Emerging Leaders Committee Fund, aimed at enhancing its services for the local community. This funding will support SSHC’s sliding fee scale and scholarship programs, which are crucial in assisting individuals in need of speech and hearing services but facing financial difficulties.
Located at 5414 Skidaway Road, SSHC is a non-profit organization that provides essential speech therapy and hearing services for clients of all ages. Its comprehensive offerings include pediatric occupational and physical therapies, catering to a wide range of therapeutic needs within the community. With the support of this grant, the center emphasizes its commitment to providing affordable care, making it the only organization of its kind in this part of Georgia to offer services on a sliding fee scale.
One of SSHC’s notable initiatives is the Sound Start program, which provides early intervention for children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. This program is instrumental in ensuring that children receive the support they need at a young age, promoting better outcomes in communication and overall development. In addition to these specialized therapies, SSHC offers free hearing screenings every Thursday from 9 AM to 1:30 PM for children aged 2 years and older, as well as adults without a prior diagnosis of hearing loss.
The grant from The Savannah Community Foundation underscores the importance of SSHC’s role in the community. The foundation actively supports various charitable needs in the Savannah area and distributes approximately $16,000 each cycle to local organizations that address pressing issues. SSHC has been empowering and transforming the lives of both children and adults since its establishment in 1954, ensuring that services are accessible regardless of financial ability.
Professionals at SSHC are highly qualified, with certifications from recognized associations. The speech-language pathologists are certified by the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA), occupational therapists by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), and physical therapists by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). This level of accreditation ensures that clients receive high-quality, evidence-based care tailored to their individual needs.
SSHC is also recognized for its support groups and informational resources that cater to survivors of strokes and traumatic brain injuries. These programs provide valuable community support for individuals and families navigating the challenges associated with these conditions.
The backdrop to this funding comes amid growing concerns regarding the availability and capacity of speech-language services in the region. An audit of the Savannah-Chatham County School Board revealed that speech-language pathologists’ caseloads have exceeded limits set by the Georgia Department of Education, which has negatively impacted service delivery to students in need. Additionally, the district has recognized the necessity for more speech-language pathologists and assistants, as a national shortage continues to pose challenges, urging improved hiring practices and increased salary competitiveness.
The demand for speech therapy services has surged post-pandemic, with the school district’s budget for these services experiencing considerable fluctuations, revealing costs significantly surpassing initial estimates. This heightened demand further emphasizes the critical role of organizations like SSHC in providing necessary therapeutic services within the community and its readiness to address the needs of those who are underserved.
For more information about the services offered by SSHC, individuals are encouraged to contact the center directly at 912.355.4601 or visit their website at speechandhearingsav.org.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Savannah Speech and Hearing Center Receives Grant for Community Services
Savannah’s Innovative Community Initiatives
Savannah Speech and Hearing Center Receives Grant for Audiology Services
Additional Resources
- Savannah Business Journal
- Google Search: Savannah Speech and Hearing Center
- Savannah Tribune
- Wikipedia: Speech therapy
- Savannah Now
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Speech
