The NIU Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic is committed to providing you with competent services that respect your rights and promote optimal progress toward accomplishment of your therapeutic goals. It is the policy of the Northern Illinois University Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic to treat all clients and not to discriminate with regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or disability.
There are exceptions to the confidentiality laws which include:
As a training facility, the NIU Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic regularly makes audio and/or video recordings of diagnostic and treatment sessions. You will be asked to sign a separate consent for recording. Tapes are used by your clinician/team and his or her supervisor in an effort to foster the development of clinical skills and ensure that optimum care is given to each client. Tapes are stored in locked areas. Only clinicians and their supervisors have access to them. The tapes will not be shown to classes or to professional meetings without your specific written permission.
Faculty members and students frequently observe sessions as part of the educational program of the department. All information obtained from clinic sessions, however, is strictly confidential. With prior client approval, some sessions are video recorded as a useful educational tool for students and faculty. Clients should feel free to speak with a clinician or faculty member regarding observers and confidentiality.
It is important to realize that there may be both benefits and risks to receiving treatment. Benefits include improvement or amelioration of an existing communicative disorder and/or problem that you are seeking help for. You may experience better hearing, speech, language or emotional health as a consequence of receiving treatment. This may improve your communication with family members and other significant people in your life.
The greatest risk to receiving treatment is that it may not be possible to resolve your complaint successfully. Some people experience heightened frustration, anger, loneliness or helplessness while addressing a communicative disorder.
Your clinician is committed to helping you. If they cannot help you, you may be referred to another professional or program. If your clinician feels you are no longer benefiting from services, they will discuss options with you. Please discuss any concerns you have about the risks of treatment with your clinician.
Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic
815-753-1481
Fax: 815-753-1664
slhc@niu.edu
3100 Sycamore Road
DeKalb, IL 60115