HSDC is a provider for Kentucky and Ohio Bureaus of Disability Determination and conducts evaluations for BDD. HSDC is aprovider for the State of Ohio, Autism Scholarship Program.

HSDC serves patients of all economic abilities. We provide private pay services, services to Medicaid and other Insurance recipients and utilize a sliding scale for those who may need discounted services. Eligibility is based on proof of finances and an application. The Center also obtains grants from various foundations that help us to provide free or subsidized services.

Speech therapy is available at all of our offices. Currently therapy is either 30 or 60 minutes in length and may be individual or group. Parents or caregivers are encouraged to either participate in the session or observe through our integrated video camera and TV stations. You may bring a blank videotape to record the session for review at a later time. Clinicians usually reserve 5 or 10 minutes at the end of each session to talk with parents and suggest activities that should be worked on between sessions to facilitate the goals they are working on in treatment.

It is critically important that you consistently attend speech therapy. When there are gaps of time in between sessions, many times a great deal of ground is lost. We have an attendance policy that we enforce because of our very strong belief in the need for ongoing, consistent and timely work to achieve the most optimal outcomes. Your clinician will review this with you at the beginning of therapy.

The SpeechEasy is a small advanced technology device used for persons who are dysfluent (stutter). HSDC is the only provider of the SpeechEasy device and therapy in the Greater Cincinnati area. The device is based on the naturally occurring phenomenon called the "choral effect". This happens when a person who stutters speaks or sings in unison and notes that their stutter is dramatically reduced. This choral effect is recreated in a small, wearable device and uses altered auditory feedback. When the person speaks, the words are digitally replayed with a slight delay and frequency modification. As a result, the brain perceives that it is speaking in unison with another person…creating the choral effect.

HSDC believes very strongly that the SpeechEasy device must be paired with ongoing speech therapy for optimal outcomes. This device may be covered by the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation for those whose stutter is impacting their ability to gain or maintain employment.

In addition, staff were able to purchase tests, software, therapy toys and other necessary supplies to begin working with children who are at risk for having literacy problems or who currently exhibit literacy deficits.

Anyone desiring a speaker on this topic should call 221-0527 and ask for the Speech Pathology Department. We will send a clinician to your group at no charge.