It is heartwarming to be part of the Oregon Scottish Rite and to know during these unsettling times of the coronavirus that our Speech and Language Charity is continuing to assist Oregon children.
While most Universities across our country who provided Speech therapy have closed their doors, this was never required nor considered by the Oregon Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Speech & Language Clinic at Portland State University.
All clinic services have been moved to a Telepractice format and, according to PSU staff, not one single child has been abandoned. In fact, they report that clinic service has even expanded to assist more children than ever.
This inspiring result has been made possible, in no small part, by the funding over the past years of research in Teletherapy by Dr. Megann McGill, a professor at the PSU Speech and Language department. Only with the support of your Scottish Rite Speech & Language Charity, Dr. McGill has developed the techniques, training, and technical structure necessary to now provide this service on a larger scale.
Dr. McGill and Scottish Rite Clinic director Professor Claudia Meyer have been able to train all 41 Speech Graduate students on how to conduct therapy sessions via Tablet or Computer, making possible the continued aid to all clinic children. Clinic Director Meyer stated, “All the children are doing great, even those 4 years old and younger. The children and their families have adapted and are finding the new format motivating.”
Every child receiving clinic services gets them for free with the help provide by your Oregon Scottish Rite Speech & Language Charity. Professor Meyer indicated that the gratitude expressed by the families has been overwhelming.
Remember your Oregon Speech & Language Charity is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and 100% of your donation stays in Oregon. Speech Charity Donation Form 2019-fillable
Bill Anton, 33°
Orient Personal Representative & Past President
Oregon Scottish Rite Speech & Language Board
