Unified Clinics trick-or-treat event a success

PLIP Trick-or-Treat activity

In late October, faculty supervisors from Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences and Occupational Therapy collaborated on a trick or treating experience for children in the Preschool Language Intervention Program (PLIP). The event brought together staff and clients from three Western Michigan University Unified Clinics.

The intergenerational and interprofessional activity brought preschoolers, ages three to five, together with adults receiving occupational therapy and aphasia treatment to engage and communicate on all levels during this fun trick-or treat activity. All clients involved were able to participate in and practice real life situations. Many clinic staff also invited the children to visit their offices and work spaces to receive treats.

Some children in PLIP have not been able to enjoy trick or treating due to communication difficulties or life threatening food allergies. Students, faculty, and staff provided a safe space to have fun and learn at the same time. The preschoolers’ success can lead to them going out in the community for a positive trick-or-treating experience.

PLIP provides speech and language intervention programming for up to six three to five years olds each semester. Student clinicians, supervised by faculty, lead group and individual therapy sessions and use several kinds of speech and language therapy techniques with the children to best support their growth. Services are provided by graduate student clinicians from the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences and music therapy clinicians from WMU’s School of Music, leading to a high-quality interprofessional service delivery. For more information, please contact Cary K. Cekola, M.A., CCC-SLP, PLIP Coordinator and Supervisor by emaill  or at (269) 387-7145.