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I read the article "How We Became Who We Are" in the March 2, 2004 issue of The ASHA leader, referring to the development and success of Buffalo Hearing and Speech Center. Congratulations for a job well done to the writer of the article, Ms. Janet Maher, also CEO of the Hearing and Speech Center since 1986.
Omitted in the discussion, were the names of the key founders of the Hearing and Speech Center: Dr. Elmo Knight, executive director; Mr. Mario DeBole, administrative director; and Dr. Daniel Fahey, medical director. Along with the staff, the above were largely responsible for the success of the Center from 1953 to the time Ms. Maher assumed the directorship in 1986. The founders worked tirelessly toward community acceptance and provided a basis for the fine, more recent, accomplishments described in the article. The Center was almost decimated by a fire the author refers to that had, "destroyed the Center's original home." A major financial crisis occurred during the internationally famous Buffalo blizzard of 1977, due to an inability to offer service during this weather catastrophe. Nevertheless, the staff and these individuals managed to keep the Center functioning. Community acceptance was, in large part, a function of the high ethical and clinical standards and devotion to excellence that the Center demonstrated throughout this 33-year period.
Dr. Knight, Mr. DeBole, and Dr. Fahey, exemplified their good judgment in hiring an administrative person of Ms. Maher's capability, to continue the outstanding reputation and success of the Center.
Allen M. Richmond
Cheektowaga, NY
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