The mission of the Training Program is to provide a multi-sensory approach to auditory training for special education teachers; teachers of the deaf and hearing-impaired; speech/language pathologists and audiologists; and to enable professionals to integrate these techniques into the areas of speech and language therapy, curricula development, and hearing aid fitting.

These strategies are designed for children and adults with communicative disorders and are used with normal hearing and hearing impaired individuals. Parent education, student internship opportunities, and on-site demonstration are integral parts of this program.

The Foundation’s Training Program is committed to providing training to professionals and parents whose goal is to help individuals with communication disorders succeed socially and educationally. The objectives of the program include providing the following services:

• Diagnostic program
• Self-contained demonstration/service center
• Training center for university students
• Resource center for aural/oral techniques
• Instructional training manuals and DVDs
• In-service training site for area teachers and clinicians
• Co-op program for surrounding counties without services
• Workshops for professionals and parents at The Hearing and Speech Foundation
• On-site national and international consultation services
• Ongoing exposure to professionals and parents via an active Web site

Presently, the Foundation’s Training Program uses the facilities of Blount Hearing and Speech Services in Maryville, Tenn., for demonstration and workshop purposes. The present consultative staff is available for on-site visits, local and out-of-state workshops, and in-service training for area Tennessee counties.

For more information, email or call (865) 977.0981.