A high quality basic, applied, and efficacy research base in communication sciences and disorders, related fields of study, and related functions for the discipline and professions is essential to provide evidence-based clinical practice and quality clinical services.
A critical shortage and continuing attrition of doctoral-level faculty in higher education is affecting the preparation of professionals as well as the conduct of research in communication sciences and disorders.
A comprehensive scope of practice that includes all of the major components and new areas of practice in communication sciences and disorders enhances the visibility of the professions by consumers and stakeholders and their perceived value of the role of audiologists and speech-language pathologists.
Rapid increase in the knowledge and skill sets needed to provide quality professional services in a culturally competent manner across various practice settings will lead to specialization areas of clinical practice related to communication sciences and disorders.
Increased international exchange of professional knowledge, information, and education related to ethics, clinical practice, and supervision/clinical education in communication sciences and disorders will require a variety of dissemination, communication, educational, and professional practice delivery systems.
The expectation that people of all nations worldwide will have access to quality, culturally competent speech-language pathology and audiology programs and services to achieve optimum communication abilities across their lifespan, requires encouraging mutual international collaboration efforts to set standards for registration/credentialing for experts in communication sciences and disorders worldwide while respecting each nation's models of education and professional practice.
Understanding and recognition of cultural, linguistic, and political differences worldwide will facilitate ASHA's ability to work collaboratively with other international associations.