The ISU Speech & Hearing Clinic, affiliated with the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD), offers an array of specialized services to address the communication needs of many individuals in our area. These services are provided at a reduced cost to those in need of care, as the clinic serves as an educational setting for graduate student clinicians-in-training. These students provide high-quality care under the direction of credentialed speech-language pathologists and audiologists.
The Gender-Affirming Communication Service (GACS) is an example of specialized care offered through the clinic. Individuals who need to find and establish communication patterns that correspond to their gender identity can benefit from this specialized care. The reduced costs and insurance networks available through the clinic make this service more accessible.
However, some individuals are unable to obtain insurance coverage for these services. Others cannot manage the costs of this service, given their economic challenges or other costs associated with their healthcare. The ISU Speech & Hearing Clinic has partnered with two community organizations to help address funding issues for these individuals.
Central IL Friends (CIF), with offices in Peoria and Normal, incorporated coverage of this healthcare service into their grant with the John M. Scott Healthcare Trust. These grant funds support McLean County residents in need of support for GACS healthcare. Similarly, Prairie Pride Coalition (PPC) has offered support for area residents with yearly financial support. Both organizations offer this support as part of their missions to serve members of the LGBTQ community. Community outreach through these organizations also accompanies these partnerships. Both CIF and PPC have provided public platforms for the clinic to describe GACS healthcare to community stakeholders. CIF and PPC have also provided GACS healthcare information for the clinic at area events they sponsor or attend.
CIF and PPC are invaluable partners for GACS healthcare at the ISU Speech & Hearing Clinic. Readers are invited to contact these organizations, and the clinic to obtain additional information about the resources each offer.
