Eastern Kentucky University receives WHAS Crusade for Children grant for assistive learning tools

Eastern Kentucky University has received a grant from the WHAS Crusade for Children that will support the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences with its “ALL Voices Heard: Assistive Learning and Language Tools for Children with Special Education Needs” project. The grant will provide $8,000 for the purchase of assistive learning tools for children served in the university’s clinical and educational programs.

According to an article on Eastern Kentucky University’s website, Dr. Kellie Ellis, who serves as the chair and professor in the university’s Department of Clinical Therapeutic Programs, was quoted as saying of the funding, “We are incredibly grateful to the WHAS Crusade for Children for their generosity and commitment to supporting children with communication and learning needs. This funding allows us to expand access to innovative assistive technology while creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration across our clinical, educational and community programs. We are excited to continue working together to ensure that every child has the tools and support needed to communicate, learn and thrive.”

Dr. Ellis worked alongside Dr. Jade Robinson, Dr. Rebecca Crawford, and Dr. Jiyeon Park to author the grant. The $8,000 in funding will purchase assistive and adaptive technology that will help children who are served by the university’s clinical and educational programs. Among the tools that will be purchased are a specialized speech-generating tablet, switch-adapted toys, and other tools that will assist children with communication, learning, and participation.

Dr. Robinson, who is an associate professor in EKU’s Department of Clinical Therapeutic Programs, noted that in addition to benefiting the children who will be using the tools, the funding benefits students in the university’s education and clinical therapeutic programs. She said, “It is essential for CSD students to have practice with AAC technologies, as it allows them to develop clinical competence and confidence to effectively support individuals with complex communication needs.”

Echoing these sentiments, Tristan Emmons, who is a first-year graduate student in speech-language pathology, said, “Having access to this device is meaningful to me as a graduate student in the EKU CSD program. It is one thing to learn about AAC in class, but having hands-on experience with a device like this helps bridge the gap between theory and real clinical application. It makes me feel more prepared and confident going into future clinical settings where I may work with individuals who rely on AAC for communication.”

The ALL Voices Heard project aims to create meaningful engagement for kids in the region, as well as help foster their independence and education through the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices and switch-adapted technology. The tools will be used within the applied human sciences, educator preparation and communication sciences and disorders (CSD) programs, which houses the EKU Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic.

For more information about Eastern Kentucky University, visit the school’s website.