Kansas State University

MANHATTAN — The Kansas State University Speech and Hearing Center, which offers clinical training for graduate students in communication sciences and disorders, has been designated a Kansas RiteCare Clinic.

At the induction ceremony at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27, the Scottish Rite Masons will present the center with a $20,000 check to provide evaluation and treatment for children who have communication and swallowing difficulties. More than 175 Scottish Rite clinics exist in the United States.

The event, in Hoffman Lounge in Justin Hall on campus, is open to the public.

The state-of-the-art facility has provided clinical services for communication and swallowing impairments to area residents for more than 50 years. Faculty members, led by Robert Garcia, are licensed to practice speech pathology or audiology in the State of Kansas and are nationally certified.

 “The contribution will enable us to extend our services to a greater number of children in need,” said Garcia, program director of communication sciences and disorders.

The on-campus center, at 139 Campus Creek Complex, is part of the School of Family Studies and Human Services in the College of Human Ecology. It includes therapy rooms designed to accommodate individual sessions and small groups. They are equipped with audio and video digital recording systems to enhance clinical teaching and parental involvement.

The foundation provides funding to support speech, language, hearing and learning disabilities programs for children throughout the nation. Today speech pathologists and other trained personnel at more than 175 RiteCare clinics provide diagnostic evaluation and treatment for speech and language disorders.