The Musson Experiential Therapy Room

A major exciting addition to the School of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology is the Experiential Speech-Language Center, funded by the R.C. and Katherine Musson Foundation. This Center is designed to allow student clinicians to develop and implement interventions with clients which are based in real world communication environments of home-related activities. Clients participate in a fully furnished family room and kitchen where they can practice daily tasks related to a home environment. Both adults and children are provided the opportunity for therapy in a home-like setting that allows for more natural communication among client, family members, and student clinician. Opportunities for family room activities as well as use of sink, refrigerator, toaster oven, and microwave make these naturalistic experiences possible and facilitate carryover to the home environment. The Experiential Speech-Language Center is the location of several monthly support groups offered by the Speech and Hearing Center. The Fluency Support Group and the Support Group for Individuals with Closed Head Injury use the room to facilitate a natural home-like setting for the support group activities. Additionally, 10 to 12 clients and families are offered services in the room each week. The Center is becoming a focal point for development of innovative speech and language services within the Audiology and Speech Center.