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Dear Lorna,
I just want to thank you and all at LDS for everything! You all have been wonderful.
When my human resources department approached me about starting an accent reduction program for hospital employees with foreign dialects, I have to admit I was very apprehensive. I did not remember learning anything about accent reduction in graduate school! Thankfully, LDS was recommended by a former professor and my hospital sent me to the Basics course—it was invaluable. Lorna presented an excellent, hands-on course that provided me with a strong foundation on which to start my program. Thankfully, the aide from LDS did not stop there. Lorna was available via phone and email to answer questions and give advice. We used the wonderful materials from LDS throughout the course. I was able to choose from a variety of materials for the specific needs of each client. The materials were thorough and well organized—I would not have been able to teach as effectively without them.
I am thrilled to report that the program was a success. The clients made great progress and were so grateful. Prior to this opportunity, I did not realize the importance of offering such courses. But through teaching the course, I came to understand how persons with foreign dialects often struggle to communicate in the work-place and throughout their daily lives. All the people, with whom I worked, were highly motivated and eager to make gains because they saw the benefit that improved communication would make. In one particular case, a nurse reported that prior to the course she was prohibited from calling doctors secondary to her accent. By the end of the course, she was able to speak to doctors successfully over the phone! She was so happy and it was so rewarding to be able to help her make such an improvement in her career.
Because of the success of the pilot course, the hospital approved four more courses for the upcoming year. Once again, LDS has been there to provide assistance. I look forward to attending the “Beyond Basics” course, as I know it will further my knowledge and confidence.
Finally, it is exciting to report that the pilot course was recently awarded with a “Team Excellence” award from the hospital. The awards are given to recognize outstanding programs throughout the hospital system and only five were chosen for the last quarter. All involved with the course are happy for the recognition and success. None of it would have been possible without LDS and Associates. Thank you again.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Bell
Speech Pathologist
Speaking Effective English Instructor
INTEGRIS Hospital, Oklahoma City
Trainer
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