Coronavirus Updates

Letter from the Executive Director

5/6/2020

Dear Callier family and community,

I hope that you, your family and friends are well. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Callier Center transitioned swiftly to offering telehealth services, as we paused in-person patient care. Our students and faculty transitioned to online training and will continue online classes throughout the summer. Our Child Development Program has remained open to provide childcare for UT Southwestern medical staff, as they provide medical services to the community.

The Callier Center remains committed to the health and safety of all. Now that Texas is allowed to reopen services, we are pleased to announce our plan for reopening the Callier clinic in Dallas and Richardson through a phased approach as follows.

Callier Clinic Reopens through Phased Approach

Audiology Services Resume on Monday, May 11 by appointment only:

• In-person audiology appointments for cochlear implant services and hearing and balance services will resume on Monday, May 11 by appointment only.
• Hearing aid walk-in clinic and drop off services are available by appointment only with our hearing aid technician. Hearing aid cleanings, services, and/or repairs may be scheduled by calling 214-905-3103. If necessary, a referral to your audiologist for an appointment will be made.

Speech-Language Pathology Services Resume on Monday, June 8 by appointment only:

In-person appointments for autism spectrum disorder services and speech-language pathology services will resume on Monday, June 8 by appointment only.

Telehealth Services Continue:

For our more vulnerable patients or patients who prefer to stay home, we will continue to provide care through telehealth appointments. Through these virtual visits, our speech-language pathologists can provide therapy services, and our audiologists can discuss symptoms and determine treatment options.

Request an In-Person or Telehealth Appointment:

Patients may request an appointment by calling the Dallas location at 214-905-3030 or the Richardson location at 972-883-3630.

Cancellations:

• All clinical group programs are canceled until further notice.
• All 2020 summer camps are canceled.

Health & Safety Protocols

Face Coverings: We ask that patients and staff wear face coverings (masks) as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC recommends that face coverings:

• fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• be secured with ties or ear loops
• include multiple layers of fabric
• allow for breathing without restriction
• be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

Physical Distancing:

• At this time, only patients and staff are allowed in the center. For children or patients that require a family member, one adult may accompany the patient to the appointment.
• We encourage physical distancing by limiting the number of patients in the building at one time. Patients may wait in their cars or outside the main entrance for their appointments. A staff member will contact the patient by phone call or text message when the provider is ready.

Temperature Screenings:

• Anyone who enters the building including patients and family members, clinicians and staff will complete a temperature screening with a noncontact infrared thermometer at reception.
• Those with a temperature over 99.6° F will need to return home and reschedule the appointment.

Cleaning and Sanitization:

• Between each patient encounter, the room, chairs, and instruments are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized with medical-grade disinfecting solutions.
• We maintain stringent hand-washing techniques before and after each patient.
• Providers and staff members will use protective gear including masks and gloves.

We appreciate your trust in the Callier Center and for your patience, as we navigate this crisis. We look forward to serving you face to face or through telehealth. Welcome back!

Sincerely,

Thomas F. Campbell, PhD

Ludwig A. Michael, MD Executive Director of the Callier Center

Sara T. Martineau Professor in Communication Disorders