The excitement was high when Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, a former NBA player, stopped by Peake to visit our children and learn about Peake’s programs. Having stuttered his whole life, Kidd-Gilchrist founded Change and Impact, Inc, with the mission to expand services and resources for those who stutter. He came to Peake to learn more about the partnership Peake has with Hampton University’s (HU) Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders.
Through this partnership, HU students get real-world experience as they assess the children’s speech and language skills and provide therapy for those who need a little help. The services our children access come at no cost, which enables our families to save, and stay at work because the services are provided during the school day.
This unique partnership ensures that very young children who may stutter receive important services before entering kindergarten. After touring the school, Kidd-Gilchrist sat down with one of Peake’s teachers to learn about children in her classroom who are directly benefiting from the partnership. Ms. Lewandowski shared how a young boy in her class experienced improvements in his speech after working with the students from HU. As the child’s language improved, so did his social-emotional skills and his engagement in learning activities. Everyone enjoyed the visit, especially when Kidd-Gilchrist played a little basketball with some children before he left.
