Thursday, August 21, 2008

We're Not Done Yet. . .

The following is a press release by Larry Silverstein, who has been working very hard to save the UT Department of Audiology & Speech Pathology. His father, Bernie Silverstein, is the one that started the program in the 1950's when he saw a need for services for the deaf and hard of hearing in Tennessee.
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PRESS RELEASE - August 19, 2008

Supporters of the UT Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology have learned some progress is being made to find an alternative to the University Administration’s original proposal to eliminate the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology and all clinical services.

We currently do not have answers to very important questions and therefore, cannot fully evaluate today’s announcement by the University Administration.

It is unclear from the University Administration’s ambiguously worded press release whether it intends to keep all clinical programs intact and operational. The word “clinic,” in the singular, is used in the press release. We need to know if this means all clinical programs currently part of the Hearing & Speech Center and all academic degree programs will continue to be offered to students.

We must have immediate and complete answers to these and other questions even as additional details are being worked out, in order to determine if this apparent progress is a true resolution.

The University Administration has been under great pressure from the concerned community of the UT Faculty, professionals, clients, students, and governmental officials to find a solution to the situation it created. The announcement in early June proposed to eliminate the academic program and the entire clinical program that was established in l953. We are cautiously optimistic that a satisfactory solution can be achieved. We will continue to insist that the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology and its entire clinical program be maintained and adequately funded.

The public meeting of Supporters of the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, scheduled for Thursday, August 21, at 5:30 pm at the Scottish Rite Temple, l6th St. and White Ave. will be held as scheduled to discuss the latest developments.

Larry Silverstein

5 comments:

Shari said...

Good luck. I am sure there are many people who need this center to stay open. Why drive farther out to the next nearest hearing center?

Anonymous said...

Wow, I had no idea about Larry's background with this! No wonder he has such a passion for the late-deafened and OHL folks!

Keep us posted! I appreciate it Laurie!

Laurie said...

I've been working closely with Larry Silverstein for the last two months. He called me after my first article was posted in the local newspaper and we spoke for almost an hour about this issue. And have been in contact ever since.

The department will be saved but the question is will it remain in the same capacity as before? We will see. . .

Laurie

Anonymous said...

Oops! The Larry I know is Sivertson, not Silverstein! Either way, I'm still glad that folks are still working hard at making sure the department is not only "saved", but continues to operate as it has!

Mom said...

Hi Laurie!
I've lost track of your blog...I found you again!
Congrats on the baby and the new daughter in law!