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concern because of two new degree programs at HSU anticipated beginning in the fall of 2018. Applied Behavior Analysis, a specialization track within the Human Services Administration program, will be at the undergraduate level, while a new program in Special Education will be offered at the graduate level. These programs were coauthored by Dr. Trube Miller, Assistant Professor of Educational Studies at HSU, who will also begin applied behavior and analytic services with children with ASD through the HLC as soon as the new facility is completed. Highly qualified, Dr. Miller earned her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Business and her M.Ed. in School Counseling from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, her M.Ed. and Ph.D. in Special Education with an Autism Emphasis from the University of North Texas. She recently added the credential of Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to her post graduate certifications which include Licensed Professional Counselor, Texas Certification in School Counseling (Early Childhood – Grade 12), and Autism Intervention Certificate. While the number of children with dyslexia is surprising, those diagnosed with ASD is staggering. The latest study by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in 2014 indicates that one in 68 children in the U.S. has ASD. Based on a more recent survey of parents, some researchers estimate the number is closer to one in 45. No matter which number is more accurate, the reality is that millions of American children have ASD and need special therapy. To meet multiple needs – more space to train teachers and current students; adequate waiting areas; separate areas for children with dyslexia and children with ASD; a more secure building; and a space designed specifically to treat these special needs children – plans are being finalized for a new facility. A team comprised of faculty, staff, architects, construction experts and volunteer consultants combined forces over a period of several months in 2017 to determine how best to meet these needs. They made road trips to view comparable facilities, held numerous conference calls, and spent countless hours reading and studying to ensure that our new building will meet the current needs, and to the best extent possible future needs, of the Houston-Lantrip Center for Literacy and Learning, according to Andrew Briscoe, HSU Construction Manager. Because of the complex methodology of services provided through the HLC, and the ever increasing number of children needing help, every square foot of the space in the new facility must have a distinct and planned purpose. To be as effective as possible and provide assistance to the most children, the new facility will: • Enable more teachers and HSU graduate students to be trained to help children with dyslexia and ASD. • Provide learning environments that can adapt through the integration of embedded technology, flooring and wall finishes, audio and video enhancements because multi- sensory experiences are a vital part of effective therapy for both children with dyslexia and children with ASD. • Contain multiple soundproof rooms to accommodate individualized programming for children with dyslexia and children with ASD. • Create appropriate and separate welcome/waiting areas for children with dyslexia and children with ASD. • Provide permanent office space for full-time faculty and staff, as well as flexible offices for part-time faculty and staff, while maintaining a secure and private work environment for all. • Accommodate consultations with families in a secure manner, while also being able to service the training needs of the faculty, staff, and students. • Utilize technology to provide a secure and managed flow for clients as they visit the facility and transition through the spaces, while also managing the secure collection of data and its reporting. Because of a generous bequest from Mae Houston-Lantrip, a 1947 Hardin- Simmons graduate whose daughter is dyslexic, and other major donors, HSU has received gifts or commitments of approximately $2.3 million of the $3.2 million in funding needed to construct and furnish this new facility. Funds committed include a $600,000 challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation. We must raise an additional $900,000 by October 10, 2018. You can help make this building a reality, thereby enabling us to change the future for generations of children to come. 8 RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2017