Each morning this summer, Ayah Ibrahim loaded her four children into the car and made
the drive from Botetourt County to Radford University.
Her daughter, Amelie Burpee, participates in Radford University's RiteCare Summer
Program through the Radford University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic. After seeing
significant growth during last year's program, returning this year was an easy decision.
Finding consistent speech-language services has not always been easy, Ibrahim said.
"Availability has to precede access and affordability," she said.
For families living in rural communities, specialized services can be difficult to
find close to home. Ibrahim learned about Radford's program through Amelie's school-based
speech-language pathologist, Brandi Holland ’11 — a graduate of Radford University's
Communication Sciences and Disorders program.
For 33 years, support from the Scottish Rite Masons of Virginia has helped connect
children seeking speech-language services, families searching for specialized care
and graduate students preparing to become the next generation of speech-language pathologists.
Through annual support of Radford University's Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic and
RiteCare Summer Program, the partnership expands access to care across Southwest Virginia
while providing students with valuable hands-on clinical experience.
"Families across rural Virginia often face challenges finding the healthcare services
they need close to home," said Ken Cox, dean of the Waldron College of Health and
Human Services. "Through programs like RiteCare, Radford University is helping meet
that need in two ways—by expanding access to speech-language services for children
and families today and by preparing the next generation of clinicians who will serve
communities across the Commonwealth."
According to a recent study, nearly half of Virginia's neighborhoods lack adequate
access to primary care, underscoring the healthcare challenges many rural families
face.
This year, the Scottish Rite continued its commitment with a $33,000 gift supporting
clinical programming and graduate student scholarships. The annual contribution helps
ensure children receive needed services while providing future clinicians with practical
experience working directly with children and families.
Since the partnership began, the Scottish Rite Masons of Virginia have contributed
more than $1.2 million to Radford University in support of scholarships, the Speech-Language-Hearing
Clinic and advanced clinical training opportunities for future speech-language pathologists.
In recognition of that enduring commitment and its impact on students, children and
families, the organization received Radford University's Founders Award in 2025.
"Our summer program provides students with opportunities to apply what they've learned
in the classroom while working directly with children in engaging, real-world settings,"
said Diane Millar, chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.
"At the same time, children have opportunities to practice communication skills throughout
the day while interacting with peers, creating benefits for both the students and
the families we serve."
For Ibrahim's family, that impact extends beyond the therapy sessions themselves.
While Amelie participates in therapy sessions, Ibrahim and her three other children
often spend the day exploring campus and the surrounding community. Visits to the
Radford Planetarium, the Radford Public Library and local museums have become part
of the family's summer routine. Bringing the entire family allows the siblings to
spend time together while also experiencing the university and surrounding community.
Ibrahim said she has appreciated the kindness shown by faculty, staff and community
members, noting that one museum has provided multiple tours for the family during
their visits.
The impact of the program extends beyond the children and families it serves.
Each summer, graduate students in Radford University's Communication Sciences and
Disorders program gain supervised clinical experience by working directly with children
participating in the clinic's programs. The experience allows students to apply classroom
learning in real-world settings while developing the skills and confidence needed
for professional practice.
Twenty-seven graduate students participated in this summer's program, serving children
and families under the guidance of faculty supervisors.
"Programs like RiteCare provide opportunities for students to gain meaningful clinical
experience while serving children and families who may not otherwise have access to
these services," said Taylor Adelman, a participating graduate student. "Being part
of that experience has strengthened my passion for the profession and reinforced the
impact speech-language pathologists can have in their communities."
The partnership was celebrated June 30 during the annual RiteCare Summer Program Reception
and Luncheon, which brought together children, families, students, faculty, university
leaders and representatives of the Scottish Rite to recognize another year of service,
learning and community impact.
As the partnership enters its 34th year, what began as an investment in speech-language
services continues to create opportunities for children to grow, families to find
support and students to gain meaningful clinical experience. Its impact continues
to be measured not only in dollars contributed or years of support, but in the lives
touched through services that help children communicate, connect and thrive.
