Partnering humans with animals in therapeutic settings is an evidence-based mental and physical healthcare practice, with positive patient outcomes for all ages.
The Kali’s Klubhouse: iTalk with Horses program is a community partnership through Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Binghamton University. Tina Caswell, director of clinical education and clinical associate professor in the Division of Speech and Language Pathology, began the program about 10 years ago as a graduate externship during her time at Ithaca College.
Most of the horses at Kali’s Klubhouse are donated and in what is considered their “second careers.” Volunteers work with the horses to ensure they are comfortable in their new roles. The program incorporates augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies to help clients develop speech, language, and cognitive skills. AAC devices range from “low-tech” picture communication boards to “high-tech” iPads or tablets programmed with speech-assisting software.
Backed by clinical evidence, the human-horse connection in the iTalk with Horses program and other therapeutic settings have shown to be innovative and effective. Caswell has been collecting data and presenting at national and state conferences promoting the efficacy of alternative therapies in speech-language pathology.
Read the full story about the iTalk with Horses program at BingUNews.
