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Grice Connect

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Above and Beyond Limitations: Georgia Southern’s RiteCare Center engages in innovative strategies to expand speech therapy access across communities

The RiteCare® Center for Communication Disorders , located on the Armstrong Campus of Georgia Southern University, continually implements innovative strategies to broaden its impact throughout the community. As the clinic’s reach continues to grow, Georgia Southern Communications Sciences and Disorders (CSDS) students are finding unique opportunities to connect with the people who need them. “Through continual reflection, we strive to expand our services, community support and student readiness,” said Tory Candea, Ph.D., SLP.D. , director of clinical education in the Department of Clinical Sciences at Georgia Southern . Over a three-week period, the RightCare Center partnered with local horse-therapy nonprofit Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center, a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) Premier Accredited center in Guyton, Georgia, for ‘Manes and Memories.’ “The graduate students went above and beyond to create a welcoming and supportive environment,” Candea added. “Their ability to combine evidence-based strategies, fun and compassion made the experience truly meaningful for everyone involved.” Together, the two organizations offered free speech therapy services to people living with speech-altering health conditions, alongside their caregivers, using evidence-based therapeutic techniques, sensory-friendly stations and the healing power of equine friendship. Along with providing services throughout South Georgia, the RiteCare Center has continued to