Callier Gives Grad Students Hands-On Lessons

UT Dallas graduate students pursuing degrees in speech-language pathology and audiology gain hands-on experience working with patients at the UT Dallas Callier Center for Communication Disorders.

The Callier Center, which supports the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences’ nationally ranked academic programs in communication disorders, provides two locations where students can attend class, engage in research, assist with speech-language therapy for children and adults and provide clinical care under the direct supervision of a licensed clinician.

“The Callier Center is a unique educational tool that enables students to learn in a comfortable environment with close proximity to classes,” said Stuart Tomlin, first-year doctor of audiology (Au.D.) student. “Working with a diverse group of patients in the clinic also allows the students to experience different learning opportunities outside of the classroom.”

Students like Erica Short attend classes at both the Richardson and downtown Dallas locations.

With over 170 students, the graduate training program is the largest one of its kind in the United States.

“I chose UT Dallas because it has one of the top-ranked programs in speech-language pathology,” said Erica Short, graduate student in communication disorders. “Also, the curriculum, staff and warm welcome I received during my initial visit made the decision to come to UT Dallas and the Callier Center very easy for me.”

During the first year of the Au.D. program, students gain clinical experience through a clinical practicum. Students are assigned to a patient, and under the direct supervision of a licensed audiologist, they learn to perform specific tests.

Speech-language pathology students gain hands-on experience through special group programs, such as the Early CLASS Preschool for children on the autism spectrum. Each year, eight children are paired with UT Dallas graduate students, who provide one-on-one speech, language and communication therapy

With more than 25,000 patient visits at its locations on the UT Dallas campus in Richardson and in downtown Dallas, the Callier Center provides plenty of opportunities for students to work directly with patients.

“The Callier Center allows me to have direct contact with clients of all ages and backgrounds,” said Short. “It enhances my education with the hands-on experience I need to be fully prepared to work as a speech-language pathologist.”

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