MOULTRIE — Colquitt Regional Medical Center’s Speech Pathology Services recently announced the launch of a new educational-based program for children called Fast ForWord.



The web-based educational software will serve as a resource for struggling readers and is a scientific program backed with over 30 years of brain research. The Fast ForWord program accelerates learning for students across a wide spectrum of ages and abilities which includes those working at, above, or below grade level by applying proven research on how the brain learns.



Language and reading are among the most difficult learning skills a child faces. When a child listens, talks, or reads, he or she must use multiple functions of the brain. Over time and experience, these brain functions become more developed organized. Visuals used in the Fast ForWord products keep children engaged in the multi-sensory exercises.



Fast ForWord products develop cognitive skills essential for learning and reading success. By building cognitive skills in the areas of memory, attention, processing and sequencing, learners can realize achievement gains of up to two years in as little as three months and maintain an accelerated rate of learning even after the program ends. The strengthening of these skills results in improved critical language skills.



There are some signs to watch for when determining if your child struggles with cognitive learning, including slow and delayed responses, confusion in noisy situations, misunderstanding of verbal communication, mispronouncing typical word sounds, short attention span, and difficulty reading or learning to read. Neuroscience research has confirmed that difficulties with language and auditory processing may have adverse consequences on cognitive and academic performance.  Scientific Learning software actively helps children improve their quality of life by strengthening and enhancing their language and auditory processing.



Scientific Learning Reading Assistant Software combines advanced speech verification technology with scientifically-based interventions to help students strengthen their readying fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. The software ‘listens’ as the child reads aloud. If the child is challenged by a word, the software gives an example of correct pronunciation.  Guided oral reading is a technique that is proven effective for reading fluency.



“We are committed to improving children’s lives one at a time,” says Renee Crosby, Director of Speech Pathology Services at Colquitt Regional Medical Center. “Colquitt Regional is the third hospital nationwide and the second on the east coast to provide the Fast ForWord program.”



The Fast ForWord program is lasting and life-changing for the children who struggle with cognitive learning. This educational best practice will benefit those struggling in many areas of academic performance.



“Our Speech Pathology Department is among the best in the state of Georgia,” says Jim Matney, President and CEO of Colquitt Regional Medical Center. “We are pleased to be able to provide this educational program to the children of our community.”



Parents interested in learning more about the Fast ForWord program, please register for our upcoming seminar on Tues., Dec. 11 by calling Renee Crosby at 891-9323. The seminar will be held at 6 p.m. in the Educational Services building at Colquitt Regional Medical Center.