08/01/2024
SUNY Cortland's Communication Disorders and Sciences Department is excited to announce a new partnership with Racker, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and their families. This collaboration is designed to give our students practical, hands-on experience while contributing to the vital work being done in the Cortland community.
The partnership centers around a pilot program that connects first-year graduate students in speech-language pathology with children enrolled in Racker’s Cortland Early Childhood Center. Under the guidance of Dr. Nimisha Muttiah, Professor of Speech and Language Pathology at SUNY Cortland, and Sue Raymond, Clinical Director at Racker, students are gaining real-world experience using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) technology.
AAC technology, which can be used on devices such as iPads, allows children with communication disabilities to express themselves by selecting images that the software then speaks aloud. This innovative approach not only helps the children communicate more effectively but also provides invaluable learning opportunities for our students.
The results of this program have been remarkable. Some children have made significant strides, including speaking for the first time using the AAC technology. This success has been both inspiring and educational for the SUNY Cortland students involved. Alison Bryan, MS CCC-SLP and Team Leader of Racker’s Speech Department, shared her enthusiasm: "It was especially exciting for me to see the thrill on the graduate students' faces when the child they were working with began to spontaneously communicate using the specific app that was being trialed."
This partnership enhances the learning experience for our students by allowing them to apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. The students bring fresh perspectives, along with the latest assessment protocols and technology recommendations, to Racker’s team. According to Alison Bryan, "The graduate students seamlessly engaged with our team and provided us with the most current software and technology recommendations, along with rationales based on the latest assessment protocols being used in our field."
SUNY Cortland is proud of this collaboration, which underscores our commitment to high-impact learning and community engagement. The partnership not only enriches our students' education but also supports Racker’s mission to create a more equitable world for individuals with disabilities.
As we look to the future, we are eager to expand this partnership and continue providing our students with opportunities that prepare them for successful careers while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.