Seneca County Public Health Director Scott King urged county leaders to hire one or two speech and physical therapists to address a growing shortage impacting preschoolers with disabilities, according to remarks at an April 22 board committee meeting.
King said only 3 of 38 eligible children are receiving full speech therapy, with many more lacking access to mandated services. He warned the program is out of compliance with state standards and emphasized the need for immediate action instead of waiting for the 2026 budget cycle.
Committee members responded favorably, with further discussion set for May.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].