Misericordia University received a $50,000 First Federal Charitable Foundation grant to purchase audio-tracking camera equipment for its Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Department.
The SLP Department is using the equipment to provide a better virtual experience for some of the more than 5,000 client sessions annually as well as for classroom instruction. Although Zoom and other digital learning platforms help the department deliver its services, a disconnect occurs between faculty members and larger groups of students due to only having one camera that is focused on the instructor.
The new camera equipment helps the department deliver a more personalized classroom experience and provides more effective services in the on-campus Speech-Language and Hearing Center. By using the camera equipment while it’s attached to a computer, the student-clinician can assess clients who have a variety of communicative disorders and provide immediate verbal feedback. It also provides a simple, hands-free solution for students and educators and enables students and clients who are not physically present to experience what is transpiring and feel engaged.
Larry Pellegrini, Associate Vice President of University Advancement, said, “The 1 Beyond equipment and software advances the capabilities of the university's Speech-Language Pathology Department, yielding greater understanding of many communication disorders, and provides an avenue for cutting-edge teaching and knowledge acquisition and retention to occur. The acquisition of equipment made possible by the First Federal Charitable Foundation moves the program a significant step forward in its efforts to provide unparalleled levels of treatment regimens to children, their families and adults dealing with communication disorders. It ushers innovative faculty instruction and advances student learning to exciting new levels of effectiveness.”
Misericordia University is a Catholic liberal arts institution located in Dallas, Pennsylvania, that was established in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy. It fosters intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and respect for persons in an environment where all are welcome. The university serves a total headcount of more than 2,300 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral-level students.
The First Federal Charitable Foundation was established to support worthwhile community causes. It strives to nurture nonprofit institutions and programs that will effectively serve those in need from the community, empower nonprofit institutions and programs that will expand their presence in and services to the area, and promote opportunities for new nonprofit institutions and programs that will serve the unserved.
Nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) IRS designation that are located in Luzerne, Schuylkill, Carbon and Columbia counties are eligible to apply. Any organization whose headquarters is in another county but services either Luzerne, Schuylkill, Carbon or Columbia counties may apply for a grant to be used in one of those counties.
For more information on the foundation or to obtain a grant application, email