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Students in �պ�����’s Speech and Hearing Club, a chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA), collaborated with Apraxia Kids to sponsor a walk to raise awareness and funds for childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) and their efforts placed the chapter among the top three fundraisers of 54 chapters nationwide. The group contributed over $1,000 to the $17,000 national total. As a result of their fundraising activity, they will have the unique opportunity to gain experience from service professionals, children with CAS, and their families. The experience will offer insight into a condition that they might not otherwise encounter as they prepare for their professional careers.

“The Communication Sciences and Disorders Department really values person- and family-centered care,” said Sydney Daniels, a senior in the communication sciences and disorders major who coordinated the walk with Gavin Fowler, who is also a senior in the program. “I'm particularly excited about this session because it will allow us to connect with people and get those person-first experiences and expose us to things that we don't get to spend a lot of detailed time on in the classroom.” 

“It’s super important to hear firsthand perspectives of people who are directly or indirectly affected by these communication differences and disorders,” said Fowler. “That's why we wanted to open it up for everyone in the department.”

Jordan Smith-Michaels, NSSLHA secretary and a junior in the communication sciences and disorders major, had the chance to get to know a child with CAS while participating in the walk and plans to help organize next year’s event. “I think it's good that we're working to raise awareness here in Vermont,” said Smith-Michaels. “It could help bring more services for people here.”

Planning the event taught the students more about Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and the value of creating a space where community members, speech-language pathologists, and students could get together and learn from each other. 

“The experience showed the students the critical role of the speech-language pathologist in not only providing quality, evidence-based services, but also raising awareness about communication disorders through community education,” said Sara Benham, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, assistant professor and sponsor of �պ�����’s Chapter of the NSSLHA.

The NSSLHA chapter intends to involve even more community members, families, and organizations in next year's event. “This is only our second walk,” said Smith-Michaels. “Of course, we're still building.”