In the heart of Hartland, Michigan, a small speech and occupational therapy outpatient clinic has been making waves in the community, thanks to a transformative grant that has propelled its dedicated team towards new heights of expertise and compassion.
The Going PRO Grant, awarded by the Going Pro Talent Fund, arrived at a crucial moment for Leigh Harter Speech Services. It opened the doors for employees to pursue advanced education and training. The ripple effect of this support has been nothing short of remarkable, not only elevating the skills of the clinic’s staff but also significantly enhancing the quality of healthcare provided to the community and its cherished patients.
One of the key developments stemming from the Going PRO Grant was the introduction of Rock Steady Boxing, a specialized program catering to patients with neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease. This non-contact program was designed to slow the progression of both motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease through high-intensity physical exercise, motor skill learning, transitional movements, cognitive engagement, and community support. While originally created and primarily used with individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, Rock Steady Boxing may also benefit other members of the community, such as individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), stroke, spinal cord injury (SCI), Cerebral Palsy, and much more. Leigh Harter Speech Services now boasts a certified Rock Steady Boxing coach, providing a unique and effective avenue for individuals to improve their motor skills, balance, and overall well-being.
The occupational therapy department witnessed a remarkable transformation as well. An occupational therapist from the clinic attained certification as an LSVT BIG clinician, specializing in treating individuals with movement disorders. While we have multiple LSVT LOUD certified clinicians, adding LSVT BIG helped our patients and their family receive both services under one roof. LSVT BIG is the physical partner, so to speak, of the LSVT communication piece of the program. BIG is an effective, 1:1 treatment method to address walking, balance and other activities of daily living (e.g., writing, dressing, getting up and down from chairs), and even job-related tasks. This certification not only expanded the clinic’s capacity to serve a broader range of patients but also showcased a commitment to staying at the forefront of evidence-based practice.
Additionally, Leigh Harter Speech Services now proudly houses a Hanen Learning Language and Loving trained clinician, adept at addressing the communication needs of young children. The goal of the Hanen organization itself is to “empower the important adults in a young child’s life to build the child’s best possible social, language, and literacy skills in the context of enjoyable everyday interactions.” This specialized training equips the therapist to provide tailored interventions that enhance language development, ensuring that even the youngest members of the community receive top-notch care. Beyond the benefits to our patients, the caregiver’s involvement is now widely accepted as the most effective method of language intervention for infants and young children (The Hanen Program, 2021). We are excited to improve not only the direct treatment we provide to the patients, but the way our parents, caregivers, and educators understand and promote language in everyday conversation, play, and classroom routines.
Recognizing the importance of comprehensive care, the Going PRO Grant allowed the clinic to provide Beckman Oral Motor training for one of its therapists. In the past few years, we have heard and received patients from all over the state, looking for therapists trained in pediatric feeding disorders, as the wait lists at larger institutions are way too long for this vulnerable population. Specific training and practice in this area is vital in preventing our little ones from becoming picky eaters, as well as maintain nutrition and hydration. Beckman Oral Motor protocol is a research-based treatment method that addresses the muscle response, and thus this sensory response, of various oral motor musculature. After implementation of this treatment, we see improvements in control of secretions, coordination of eating, drinking and facial expressions, and control of movement for talking. This expertise is invaluable for patients with oral motor difficulties, such as those with speech and feeding challenges.
The commitment to excellence doesn’t stop there. With the Going PRO Talent Fund’s support, Leigh Harter Speech Services utilized the grant to obtain the training needed to provide Orton-Gillingham tutoring by a qualified therapist, enhancing its ability to assist individuals with dyslexia and related learning difficulties. The Orton-Gillingham program integrates a multi-sensory approach to prevent and alleviate reading difficulties. The program’s main goal is to make connections with students by using multi-sensory strategies in learning to read, write, and spell in one body. While it is most commonly used with children, this method has proven to be very effective in working with our adult population as well!
Furthermore, the acquisition of orofacial myofunctional training rounds out the clinic’s offerings, focusing on the assessment and treatment of disorders related to the muscles and functions of the face and mouth. This specialized training enables Leigh Harter Speech Services to comprehensively address issues such as thumb and finger sucking habits, routine open-mouth posture, tongue thrust, speech disorders, harmful oral habits, as well as feeding and swallowing concerns. Research has shown that orofacial myofunctional therapy is 80-90% effective in correcting rest posture, swallowing and other oral functions (Hahn & Hahn, 1992). Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) require a multidisciplinary approach to properly evaluate and treat, so we are proud to be able to connect with other local professionals, including dentists, orthodontists, and ENTs, to collaborate on these cases for best outcomes.
In summary, the Going PRO Grant, awarded by the Going PRO Talent Fund, has not only transformed Leigh Harter Speech Services qualifications but has improved the access to specialized care for the small community of Hartland. The enriched skills and expertise of the staff have created a centralized healthcare hub in Hartland, where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can receive personalized, state-of-the-art care. The impact story of this grant is one of empowerment, education, and a community united in its pursuit of better healthcare.
