University of Iowa News Release

March 26, 2007

Scottish RiteCare Summer Program Helps Children With Speech, Reading

A summer program can help children with speech, language or reading problems maintain progress they have made during the school year. Parents may now enroll their children in a one-on-one skills assistance program at the University of Iowa Wendell Johnson Speech and Hearing Center in Iowa City.

The six-week Eastern Iowa Scottish RiteCare Program, which will be held from June 11 to July 19, helps children with problems ranging from mild to severe. The program is directed by Betty Merrifield, Ph.D., UI adjunct instructor of speech pathology and audiology in the UI College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Children must be enrolled for a minimum of one 60-minute session per week or two 30-minute sessions per week. However, parents may sign their children up for more therapy.

All therapy sessions will be conducted by certified speech pathologists. Parents may observe sessions.

The fee for six one-hour sessions is $400. Some health insurance benefits may be applicable, and scholarships are available for eligible children. The scholarship support is provided by Eastern Iowa Scottish Rite Masons.

For more information, contact the Wendell Johnson Center at 319-335-8736, contact Betty Merrifield by e-mail at elizabeth-merrifield@uiowa.edu or visit online at http://www.shc.uiowa.edu/wjshc/clinical/index.html (click on "Scottish RiteCare").

The Wendell Johnson Speech and Hearing Center is located in the UI Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology.

STORY SOURCE: University of Iowa Health Science Relations, 5137 Westlawn, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1178

PROGRAM CONTACT: University of Iowa Wendell Johnson Speech and Hearing Center at 319-335-8736 or Betty Merrifield at elizabeth-merrifield@uiowa.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Becky Soglin, 319-335-6660, becky-soglin@uiowa.edu