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This obituary tribute was submitted by Jack Pickering, associate professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the College of Saint Rose Albany, New York, in honor of his colleague Mark Ylvisaker.
Dr. Ylvisaker's ability to weave philosophical ideals about treating human beings with neuropsychological constructs that guide human learning is unparalleled. Yet, there is a simple elegance to his ideas; a pragmatic appeal to applying the Ylvisaker approach. Much of the elegance comes from Dr. Ylvisaker's careful application of language—his powerful use of metaphor. He writes about people, not clients. He engages in experiments in order to improve communication. Mark encourages us to start from strength, not weakness. These are not arbitrary rules or criteria. They are integrated principles that support people we serve, their families, and ourselves. Dr. Ylvisaker's ideas are as alive to his students as they are in our clinical settings. They even appear in faculty meetings, when curriculum needs attention or people are faced with conflict.
Mark Ylvisaker made us think about thinking. He taught us to observe, understand, and respond to behavior, both positive and negative, as an act of communication, not something simply to be rewarded or punished. He instilled in those with whom he interacted a strong sense of humanity and dignity—he understood a cognition of hope for people often misunderstood by traditional intervention methods.
Mark Ylvisaker will be missed, even as his ideas and ideals are applied in broader and broader clinical and educational contexts. Yet, for all of his accomplishments, Mark would say that his most significant are connected to his family—just check out his Facebook page. He is one proud grandfather!
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