Institute for Rehabilitation Research & Recreation, Inc.

The intent of Meadowood Springs Speech and Hearing Camp is to provide a program wherein children can receive speech management services directed to their specific needs in a setting that will provide a unique opportunity for growth in independence and self-reliance. Speech is an assertive act requiring confidence in one’s own ability to perform. Children with speech, hearing and language difficulties can be said to have relatively few opportunities for successful
communicative experiences, which does not always foster confidence or self-reliance. When children are given the opportunity to succeed and to increase their independence in areas afforded by the camp experience, the effect can enhance their communicative abilities allowing them to become more receptive to speech management procedures. There are many children who require speech services beyond what is available during the school year. Therapy in a recreational setting encourages children and motivates them to accept challenges and risks they may avoid in a conventional setting.

Another primary advantage of the camp program is the 24-hour opportunity for transferring new skills to a residential setting. The transfer of language skills, newly learned from the clinical setting, to the greater environment and the maintenance of these skills has long been a matter of concern to practicing clinicians. It is in this area that many clinicians consider the process to break down. The camp provides a community wherein the children can use and be encouraged to use their newly acquired skills and still be under the therapeutic surveillance of their clinician. In short, the child’s clinical environment is extended throughout all of their waking hours.