The School of Communication Science and Disorders kicked the semester off with aiding in a Special Olympics Florida screening that took place in Tallahassee. 

Special Olympics Florida Healthy Hearing provides comprehensive hearing screenings and follow-up recommendations. The main goals of this program are to inform athletes, parents, coaches or caregivers about the detection of possible ear and hearing problems, recommend follow-up as needed, and to promote the necessity of regular ear and hearing screenings. (via resources.specialolympics.org)

Dr. Selena Snowden and Dr. Chelsea Alexander led the screenings along with seven graduate and undergraduate students. The group conducted a total of 62 hearing screenings on Special Olympics athletes from across Northwest Florida, and made 26 referrals for athletes that needed follow up medical or audiological care. These screenings were conducted during the Special Olympics Northwest Regional Basketball Competition.

“My favorite part of any Special Olympics event is always interacting with the athletes,” says Dr. Snowden. 

If you’re interested in volunteering with Special Olympics Florida, click here.