KidTalk changes the lives of young children with speech and language delays and disorders.  Our vision is that all of Oregon’s children have the communication skills necessary to succeed at home, in school, and in life by the time they enter kindergarten.

KidTalk is a state-wide program that provides direct, individual speech-language therapy at clinics located in Baker City, Bend, Klamath Falls, La Grande, Medford, Portland, and Roseburg.  We also offer screening, evaluation, parent and caregiver consultation and training, community education, and referral services.  Services in Portland are provided in Spanish as well as English.  

Children who are seen by KidTalk range in age from late infancy to kindergarten. Their main problem a speech-language delay/disorder which may include problems with understanding, talking and articulation making speech sounds. 
Parents who are concerned about their pre-school child’s speech and language are encouraged to contact the nearest clinic for a screening. If KidTalk is found to be an appropriate resource, the child may be seen for direct treatment once- or twice-weekly with the speech-language pathologist, or the parents may receive periodic consultation and individualized parent training.

Each child is evaluated at the beginning of therapy, and a specific program is developed for each child based on their individual needs. Families may also be referred to their local Early Intervention, Early Childhood Special Education, or other community programs.

Screenings and consultations are free of charge. KidTalk will bill medical insurance for evaluations. A not-for-profit organization, KidTalk raises money to cover most of the cost of treatment, and the majority of families qualify for a 100% discount. Families are encouraged to make donations as they are able, and to invite family and friends to make donations to help support the program. More than 250 children and their families are helped each year by KidTalk.

WHEN TO SEEK HELP

Parents who are concerned about their pre-school child’s speech-language development may contact the closest clinic directly to make arrangements for an initial screening. KidTalk accepts referrals for:
•    children whose primary area of concern is communication;
•    children who are already in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) programs whose parents are looking for additional or supplemental services;
•    children who have a speech-language problem who are not eligible or who did not qualify for EI/ECSE services;
•    children who are not receiving private fee-for-service therapy.

Children are considered at risk for a language disorder if they do not:
• Respond to sound during the first six to eight weeks of life.
• Use sounds, gestures, or eye contact to get attention by eight months.
• Understand some words by 10-12 months.
• Use some words by 16-18 months.
• Follow simple directions by 18-20 months.
• Combine words to form "sentences" by 30 months.
• Have moderately intelligible speech by 36 months.
• Use complete sentences or engage in brief conversations by 3½ years.
• Use compound or complex (more than one idea) sentences by four years.

Don't delay! If your child has trouble with areas of speech and language development that children of a similar age have mastered, call KidTalk at any of Clinics listed below:

Portland: 503-226-1048 (toll free statewide number: 1-877-226-1048)

Baker City/La Grande: 541-523-5828

Bend: 541-389-8201

Klamath Falls: 541-883-7095

Medford: 541-858-1793

Roseburg: 541-440-3040

HOW YOU CAN HELP

KidTalk is supported by donations from individuals, businesses, foundations and organizations. Individuals are encouraged to consider leaving funds to KidTalk: Oregon Scottish Rite Clinics through their wills, trusts, and life insurance. KidTalk also accept gifts of securities and in-kind gifts such as toys and games (please contact your local clinic before providing in-kind gifts). The organization accepts VISA and MasterCard as well as checks, money orders and cash. Please send donations to the administrative office for processing:

Oregon Scottish Rite Clinics
5125 SW Macadam, Suite 200
Portland, OR 97239
(503) 226-1048 or toll-free: (877) 226-1048.

Donations can also be made through Paypal at the KidTalk website, www.scottishritekids.org.  Direct link to Paypal:

Each year KidTalk holds special events to raise money for the program. Events slated for 2010 include a Gala dinner-auction-casino night on Saturday, October 30, a concert series (TBD) and bowlathons at seven Oregon locations. To donate an auction item, please click here for a procurement form.

Volunteers are needed across the state of Oregon. For more information about the KidTalk program, volunteering, attending special events, or donating, please contact Erin Haag, Associate Director, at 1-877-226-1048 or via e-mail, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You may also contact the Executive Director, Karen Aguilera at the number above or through e-mail, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

TESTIMONIALS

"...The need for organizations such as this is tremendous. We cannot thank you enough for providing our little boy and all the hundreds of other children with the ability to have a voice that can be heard." Patrick and Rebecca H. - parents

"The past 14 months have been a great success story. It is as if our daughter has come out of a shell and blossomed into a very confident little person." Vicki and John P. - parents

"The improvement Andy has shown in just 7 months is remarkable. His ability to communicate as well as his behavior are no longer insurmountable problems." Carolyn J. - parent

"You did much more than help him to speak more clearly; you helped him to see that he has the ability and strength to grown and to overcome obstacles in his life." Tami H. - parent

You may also visit www.scottishritekids.org for more information.