Smiles for Speech (SFS), a US-based disability support non-governmental organization, on July 27, donated 500 therapy tools, two laptops, and assessment books valued at over 20,000 dollars to the department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences of the School of Allied Health Sciences (SAHS). Last year, the group launched a library for the department inside the Audiology and Speech Centre of Ho Teaching Hospital.
Over the years, SFS has worked to improve access to specialist therapy and resources for children with speech, language communication or swallowing disorders from impoverished communities around the world. The organisation also supports several educational institutions in Africa, including UHAS, that train Speech and Language therapists.
The group, led by Ms. Sandy Dorsey (left), a leading speech-language pathologist (SLP), educator and global advocate for children with special needs, also took the students through a discussion on how to care for, understand and communicate better with children with special needs, using materials easily found around the household or classroom. Ms. Dorsey noted that SFS is committed to empowering caregivers by providing access to developmentally appropriate resources to support children with disabilities and ensure long-term sustainable solutions given by expert professional volunteers from all around the world.
Dr. Olawale Ogundiran (right), Head of the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences at SAHS, who received the items, lauded the group for their support for the department and called on other stakeholders to follow their example.
The group also visited some disability organisations in Ho.