Expanding Access to Speech Services Across Oregon

The Oregon Scottish Rite’s $120,000 investment in UO’s HEDCO Clinic fully subsidizes pediatric speech therapy and supports local families in need.

This past summer, while many children were enjoying a well-earned break from school, students and faculty at the University of Oregon’s College of Education were hard at work at the HEDCO Clinic providing critical speech and language services to families across Lane County. Thanks to a generous $120,000 award from the Oregon Speech & Language Charity of the Oregon Scottish Rite in 2024, the clinic is helping ensure children who need help finding their voice can receive it, regardless of financial circumstance. 

The HEDCO Speech-Language-Hearing Center serves as both a lifeline for the community and a training ground for future clinicians. In FY25, more than 62 graduate students gained hands-on experience providing evidence-based treatment in speech, language, and hearing, preparing them to become the next generation of skilled practitioners. In the past year alone, the center served 241 pediatric clients and delivered 1,739 sessions, supporting children with communication challenges including autism, stuttering, aphasia, and other speech and language disorders. 

The Oregon Scottish Rite’s gift fully subsidized all pediatric assessment and intervention speech sessions for children ages birth to eighteen within the HEDCO Clinic’s Speech-Language-Hearing Center. The award also successfully supported summer speech camps that gave children additional opportunities to grow their communication skills in fun, engaging environments. As a result of the partnership, 100% of the clinic’s pediatric client costs were covered by subsidies—an unprecedented level of access for local families. 

“The opportunity to ensure that all pediatric clients face no financial barriers to speech services is a true milestone,” said Esther Harclerode, director of development for the College of Education. “We are proud to partner with the Oregon Scottish Rite to help young Oregon children develop the communication skills they need to be successful at home, in school, and in life.” 

Founded in 1980, the Oregon Speech & Language Charity is the Oregon Scottish Rite’s primary philanthropic initiative. The charity’s support stays in Oregon, helping more than 3,000 children each year experience the joy of being clearly understood. 

Want to support Ducks in the College of Education? Donate to the Speech-Language-Hearing Center today.