The University of Montana's proposed Masters in Speech Pathology program has been given the go-ahead by the State Board of Regents. Now all that's keeping the program from getting off the ground is the passage of a state budget by the Montana legislature.
An email from Lynn Hamilton, Regents Chair, stated "the board approved the proposal at our meeting (on March 2d)." But the program is still dependant on one-time start-up funds from the legislature, said Chris Merriman, a Speech and Language Pathologist the University's Rural Institute. The funding is necessary to hire a department chair, set up the program, update the current facilities and upgrade equipment and technology, she said. However, Merriman added, that funding is included in all six budget variations being contemplated by the legislature.
After the initial influx of state money, faculty and staff positions will be funded by the university, said Lucy Hart-Paulson, a Research Assistant Professor in the Division of Educational Research and Service.
"President Dennison said there is money in the budget to sustain the program once the state legislature approves the start-up funds," Hart-Paulson said, adding they were told "this program will not take money away from other departments."
"What's missing is the one-time start up funds," said Merriman.
Still out of town, Dennison was unavailable for comment.
But Merriman said the program has the advantage of already existing facilities. Until 1990, the university housed a Communications Science and Disorders department in the basement of the Curry Health Center and the new Speech Pathology program would utilize those same facilities, she said. "This facility is available for the program to come to, so there's no need to build a building," Merriman said. The Rural Institute is located there now, so some support staff are already in place as well.
Both Hart-Paulson and Merriman agreed that Speech Pathology is a financially-intensive program.
Merriman, who specializes in alternative and augmentative communication, works under a Rural Institute grant to provide Montanans who need them with electronic communicative devices, which often cost thousands of dollars apiece. Most insurance will cover the costs of the devices if deemed medically necessary, she said.
Merriman relayed that people familiar with the former program still call seeking speech and language assistance. "We have a lot of need out there," she said, "so it's exciting to have this opportunity (to begin a new program)."
According to information from the Montana Speech, Language and Hearing Association, over 25 percent of the available speech pathology and audiology jobs within the state are vacant, and 40 percent of those currently holding those positions will retire within the next ten years.
Currently, individuals with language development delays receive free counseling and treatment through the Scottish Rite-supported RiteCare Language Clinic, housed in the Rural Institute.
Hart-Paulson, who works as a Speech and Language Pathologist at the clinic, said it will be used as a training facility for the masters candidates in the new program. "Each student will need 400 hours of supervised clinic time with different age groups and disabilities," she said.
The Scottish Rite, a philanthropic arm of the Freemasons, currently funds the clinic through donations and fundraisers.
One fundraiser, a "meet and greet" dance and auction with award-winning Montana painters, will be held this Friday at the Joker's Wild. Tickets are available at the door, Hart-Paulson said. Next month, a "four-person scramble" golf tournament will be held at King Ranch. Information about both events can be had by calling the clinic at 243-5261.
"The outpouring of support has been tremendous," said Merriman of interest in the new program. "Now we just need to convince the legislature."
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