About Special Interest Group 5, Speech Science and Orofacial Disorders
Mission Statement
The mission of SIG on Speech Science and Orofacial Disorders is to promote the development of knowledge and skills among affiliates through research and the exchange of information in the areas of: normal speech production, normal and abnormal orofacial/craniofacial development and function, and language, speech, and resonance disorders associated with congenital or acquired orofacial/craniofacial disorders such as cleft palate, velopharyngeal dysfunction, oral cancer, and trauma.
Study and Professional Issues
Study Issues
- Normal speech anatomy and physiology
- Craniofacial anomalies and related structural disorders
- Respiratory physiology
- Developmental disorders
- Swallowing disorders
- Cancer and related disorders; ablative surgery; prostheses
- Speech disorders related to trauma
- Instrumentation and technology; computer applications
- Vocal tract acoustics
- Speech perception
Professional Issues
- Identifying high priority clinical and research needs
- Multidisciplinary interaction among care providers
- Assessment of treatment strategies; clinical trials
- Improving preparation of clinicians and researchers
- Effective dissemination of information
Affiliate Benefits and SIG Programs
Perspectives on Speech Science and Orofacial Disorders
Perspectives on Speech Science and Orofacial Disorders is the SIG's online publication, published by ASHA with HighWire Press. Perspectives is published twice annually in July and October. SIG 5's Perspectives issues are offered for self-study to earn CEUs. Perspectives on Speech Science and Orofacial Disorders features:
- News of SIG activities
- The latest on research and clinical topics
- Coverage of current professional, practice, and legislative and regulatory issues
Access Perspectives Indexes (2006) [PDF]
Online Chats
SIGs sponsor live online chats. These events feature topic experts who answer questions from the audience. All ASHA and NSSLHA members may attend. Live online chats are not eligible for CEUs. Archived chats can be accessed online.
Continuing Education
- The SIG sponsors a Short Course and a seminar at the annual ASHA Convention.
- Perspectives contains continuing education articles. Readers may earn ASHA continuing education credit by completing self-study questions related to those articles. SIG affiliates may complete the self-study for a $5 processing fee.
- Short Course: SIG affiliates are eligible for a 50% discount on select Short Courses at the ASHA Convention.
Networking
SIG affiliates have the opportunity to identify others with interest in speech science and orofacial disorders:
- SIG 5 has an online community where affiliates can discuss topics related to speech science and orofacial disorders.
- SIG 5 holds an annual affiliate meeting at the ASHA Convention.
Representation Within ASHA
- The SIG 5 Coordinator represents the Speech Science Special Interest Group within the ASHA Board of Special Interest Group Coordinators.
- The Coordinating Committee responds to ASHA requests for input regarding policy, guidelines, committees, and other issues.
- Affiliates have the opportunity to provide input to the SIG leadership and ASHA.
Coordinating Committee
Members
SIG Coordinator: Judith E. Trost-Cardamone, California State University–Northridge
Associate Coordinator: Scott A. Dailey, University of Iowa
Perspectives Editor: Stephen M. Tasko, Western Michigan University
Anne Bedwinek, Mercy Children's Hospital and University of Missouri–Columbia
Kristina Wilson, Texas Children's Hospital
Ex Officio: Leigh Deussing, Associate Director, Clinical Issues in Speech-Language Pathology, ASHA
Additional SIG Volunteers
CE Content Manager: Kerry Callahan Mandulak, Pacific University
Editorial Review Board
Staff Liaison for Communications
Frank Wisswell, Editorial Assistant, ASHA
Board Liaisons
Donna Fisher Smiley, Vice President for Audiology Practice
Gail J. Richard, Vice President for Speech-Language Pathology Practice