The Eckelmann-Taylor Speech and Hearing Clinic at Illinois State University received a much-needed facelift this summer with funds from the Provost Enhancement Project.
A new digital video observation system replaced 25-year-old antiquated equipment. Multiple features allow users to make digital recordings of sessions, view multiple rooms, and play back sessions. The new system complements the clinical education process between staff and students.
Graduate clinician Mary Smyers seated in front of Illinois State wall art in the Speech and Hearing Clinic
Changes to the observation system created an opportunity to move the student observation area to a secure space within a department computer lab. That move resulted in a new therapy space in the clinic. Fifteen therapy rooms are located in the clinic. Five rooms are designated as pediatric spaces, nine rooms are appropriate for school-age and adult patients, and one large room serves multiple clinic needs.
Additional benefits accompanied the observation system upgrade. New cameras and microphones network to new monitors in the observation room. Clear images and sound contribute to a quality experience for the caregivers of clinic patients.
Patients and visitors can easily see other changes that were part of this project. New tables and chairs replaced mismatched or outdated pieces. The gray and black tables with “ISU Red” chairs were selected to accommodate patients across the age span. Every room was updated with Illinois State University flare. The Illinois State Reggie Redbird themed artwork runs across 10 therapy rooms. The five pediatric rooms have individual themes that include a jungle, sea creatures, zoo animals, colorful polka dots, and hot air balloons. Clinic walls and doors received a fresh coat of paint.
Mary Smyers, a Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders graduate student, played an instrumental role in this project. Smyers located vendors for the furniture and art design in each treatment room. Her efforts, with the work of others, created an overall change in the clinic that looks amazing.
