Leading with Technology: Kendall Napuda '23
Founded in 1923, the West Chester University Speech and Hearing Clinic was one of the first in the United States.
Today, it provides free, full diagnostic evaluations for children and adults suspected of having speech, language, or hearing disorders.
Graduate student clinicians like Kendall Napuda ’23 have access to the latest technology used to perform advanced diagnostic procedures. “Having this equipment available in the clinic gives us hands-on experience to get acquainted with their use and calibration,” she says.
To help people who have difficulty with verbal output, Kendall uses augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. Similar to iPhones, they have icons that patients can touch and are fully programmable. Buttons can be made larger for those who have had a stroke, and patients lacking fine motor skills can select a button through eye gaze and head tracking.
“Providing people with the tools and confidence to live a quality life and communicate effectively with the world around them is a positive progression,” she adds.
“With the best equipment, we can provide the best ethical care.”
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