To raise awareness about disorders related to hearing, voice, speech, or language, the Fairfax County Health Department joins the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and other organizations in observing National Speech-Language-Hearing Month in May.
This observance provides an opportunity to learn about the importance of human communication and what we can all do to prevent and address communication disorders, and to encourage people to think about their own hearing and get their hearing checked. In the United States, at least 46 million people have a hearing or other communication disorder. An estimated 17.9 million adults report having a voice problem.
Throughout the month, the Health Department's Speech and Hearing program will offer free speech screenings (testing) for children ages 3 – 7 years at several county libraries. No appointments are necessary, screening is first-come, first-served at the following locations and times.
|
Location |
Screening Dates and Times |
|
Burke Centre Library 5935 Freds Oak Rd. Burke, VA 22015 |
Thursday, May 23 10:00am – 2:00pm |
|
Centreville Regional Library 14200 St. Germain Dr. Centreville, VA 20121 |
Friday, May 24 1:00 – 4:30pm |
|
Chantilly Regional Library 4000 Stringfellow Rd. Chantilly, VA 20151 |
Friday, May 3 12:30 – 4:30pm |
|
City of Fairfax Regional Library 10360 North St. Fairfax, VA 22030 |
Monday, May 20 Thursday, May 23 10:00 am – 12:00pm |
|
Herndon Fortnightly Library 768 Center St, Herndon, VA 20170 |
Saturday, May 11 12:15 – 4:00 pm |
|
Reston Regional Library 11925 Bowman Towne Dr, Reston, VA 20190 |
Tuesday, May 30 10:15 am – 2:00pm |
|
Richard Byrd Library 7250 Commerce St. Springfield VA 22120 |
Monday, May 20 1:00 – 4:00pm |
|
Sherwood Regional Library 2501 Sherwood Hall Ln, Alexandria VA 22306 |
Wednesday, May 29 1:00 – 4:00pm |
Early identification and intervention for speech and hearing disorders is important. Often, speech and hearing disorders go unnoticed due to fear of being singled out or a lack of knowledge. The key to better management includes being able to identify problems at an early stage, allowing for remedial therapy, particularly where such issues may affect the quality of life.
Jessica Kollaros, the Rehabilitation Services Manager at the Health Department's Speech and Hearing Clinic, advocates for greater awareness of speech and language disorders. “We urge community members to engage with their local health department to access speech, language, and hearing services. The clinic stands as a valuable asset within Fairfax County's public health program.”
The Fairfax County Health Department Speech and Hearing Services Program helps children and adults communicate more clearly with speech, hearing, and reading services. Services include screening and evaluation, group and individual speech therapy, teletherapy, a club for stroke survivors, and a reading program for children. These services are usually provided at clinics in Reston, Alexandria, and Fairfax.
To schedule an appointment at a Speech and Hearing clinic, call 703-246-7120.