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Lynn Flahive
Co-Chair
Speech-Language
Pathology
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Welcome to the 2006 ASHA Convention scheduled for November 16th-18th in sunny Miami Beach. This year's theme "Building Bridges Through Communication" acknowledges the many contributions from the numerous disciplines that directly impact the professions of speech-language and hearing and the manner in which those services are delivered. Several of the selected topics highlighting this year's meeting, which will be presented by nationally and internationally known scholars, are identified in the Audiology and Speech-Language Programs described below. As in the past, this year's meeting promises to provide an enriching educational experience that audiologists and speech-language pathologists should find exciting and rewarding, regardless of their practice setting.
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Al De Chicchis
Co-Chair
Audiology
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The Audiology Program committee includes Robert Burkard, Newell Decker, Frank Musiek, Jay Hall, Jody Newman-Ryan, and Ann Marie Tharpe. All have been working diligently to put together an assortment of educational sessions that will appeal to both the research scientist and the practicing clinician. Distinguished researchers, such as Bechara Kachar, William Kimberling, Bronya Keats, Thierry Morlet, and Christopher Shera, have agreed to serve as our keynote speakers and will discuss a range of topics that include growth, maintenance, and genetics of stereocilia; genetics of Usher syndrome; genetics of auditory neuropathy; and otoacoustic emissions. In the spirit of tradition, these keynote addresses will continue to be presented in a non-competing format. In addition, following last year's successful integration of the NIH Research Symposium into ASHA Convention atmosphere, it was agreed that this year the Saturday morning's keynote presentations would be delivered by Lynne Werner and Kelly Tremblay, two invited participants for the Symposium. Numerous other invited, instructional, technical, and poster sessions will highlight this year's Convention program.
The Speech-Language Pathology topic area coordinators and their committee members worked hard to invite a variety of speakers and present programming that covers numerous areas of interest. They selected sessions that will expand your knowledge for use in the clinical arena, the academy, and the research laboratory. There are sessions that highlight how evidence-based practice is being used to make sound clinical decisions. Current research as well as innovative therapeutic strategies will be presented. Many of the topic areas will feature panels of international speakers. Numerous strands have brought in speakers from related and allied fields, such as physicians and engineers, to allow you to hear about shared concerns from a variety of perspectives. There will be sessions that will help students to bridge their skills as they become professionals. Whether you have been in practice for many years or are just starting your career, there are sessions for all.
Be sure to visit the Exhibits Hall to see the latest products in our fields. New books, therapy materials, equipment, and other items will be there for you to preview. Join the ASHFoundation in celebrating its 60th Anniversary by taking part in the auction of fabulous vacations and other treasures.
Also, be sure to enjoy Miami! There are fantastic shops, restaurants, and places of interest to visit. Have a great meal at one of the outstanding restaurants, or join your friends for "people watching" along Ocean Drive. As you end your time in Miami, please join us after sessions close for the Closing Sunset Party at Nikki Beach.
We hope this Convention will allow you to continue to grow professionally, mingle with friends, view the latest materials for our professions, and enjoy a beautiful, diverse city.
Lynn Flahive, Co-Chair, Speech-Language Pathology
Al De Chicchis, Co-Chair, Audiology
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