by Cindy A. Abole, Public Relations

Speech-language pathology student Amy Hull remembered how the simple act of reading the newspaper aloud provided the most joyful moments shared with her grandfather, Arthur Hull. But things changed suddenly following his stroke in 1995.

The stroke cruelly affected his speech, challenging his will and determination. In the months that followed, Hull became aware and even inspired by his progress in speech therapy through rehabilitation. Her interest led her to prepare for a career in the speech-language therapy through the Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) program at MUSC.

From the outset, the College of Health Profession’s newest program has proven to be a formidable group around campus. Having participated with the MUSC Gives Back activities throughout the academic year, the 14-member group was honored with one of seven community volunteer service awards in April.

“It’s always been great to get into community work with children and adults,” said Hull, CSD class president. “We’re glad to provide the service and information that people need.”

In February, volunteers organized audiological screenings for the public at the city’s Eighth Annual Health and Wellness Fair. Students provided this service to children and adults of all ages. Their work helped to identify individuals with a potential hearing loss. Following the test, students were able to discuss options with people, plus distribute information and literature for additional audiological support available throughout the county. The group managed and organized other free screenings for children in early childhood centers at the College of Charleston, Roper Learning Center and Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church.

Other community service included clean-up and beautification of Palmetto Islands County Park bike trail, race packet preparation for the 1998 Cooper River Bridge Run and holiday caroling for the elderly at Manor Care Nursing Facility.

A favorite local charity, the Lowcountry Children’s Center, Inc., a place which provides assistance for local abused and victimized children and their families, recently commended the organization for its volunteer support. Students helped to reinforce reading and oral language in an effort to provide a creative, comfortable atmosphere prior to counseling.

“For the first time in our existence, there was full-time volunteer support for a three-month period,” said M. Elizabeth Ralston, Ph.D., executive director of the Lowcountry Children’s Center, Inc. “Not only was this valuable for the children and families that we serve, but it was extremely helpful to the support staff.” Volunteers at the center are required to complete specialized training prior to committing service.

Their successful community outreach efforts have attracted continued support from the faculty. “We are extremely pleased,” said Elise Davis-McFarland, Ph.D., CSD program director, commenting on the group receiving the 1998 MUSC Gives Back Award. “It shows a sense of community. Those who are able to, should try to provide assistance in whatever ways necessary and possible. It shows that they (students) are really taking this to heart.”

The CSD program is the only post-graduate speech-language pathology program in the state designed to prepare graduates to work in medical and rehabilitation settings. While the CSD program’s curriculum includes all of the courses in speech-language pathology, it is also linked to the College of Health Professions’ Occupational and Physical Therapy programs by a series of core courses taken together by students in all three areas. CSD students are also members of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLAHA), a national organization devoted to speech pathology students.

“We’re thrilled,” said Hull upon receiving the MUSC Gives Back Community Service Award. “I think that we, as a class, have pitched in and taken a strong role in volunteer work. As a new class, we reached 100 percent participation in all activities. We hope to continue to do just as well or strive to do better in 1998-99.”