Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida, Inc. held an event on Monday, May 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the CARES Crescent Center (3906 Fifth St. 33525) in Dade City to celebrate its new partnership with CARES. The visit also provided a showcase for its new mobile audiology services.

The mobile audiology van provides hearing screenings and evaluations, fitting and dispensing hearing aids, and placement of free amplified FTRI, Inc. phones. The Foundation’s focus is rural and under-served communities.

The Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation is a part of the Coalition for Spoken Language Options that makes available listening and spoken language intervention for the elderly in Dade City who are deaf or hard of hearing. Partnering with the Foundation is the Clarke School for Hearing & Speech and the University of Miami-The Debbie School that provides speech therapy and an educational component.

“This mobile audiology van project was made possible through the dedicated efforts of local legislators and Sertoma Club funders. Private matching funds cover one hundred percent of the cost of the van itself. The audiologist and other professional staffing is financially supported by Department of Health funding, Sertoma clubs throughout Florida and matching grants,” noted Sertoma Foundation Executive Director Debra Golinski.

The mission of the Sertoma Speech &  Hearing Foundation of Florida is to enhance individual potential and quality of life through better hearing.  Its headquarters are in New Port Richey.