Division 1, Language Learning and Education
This Special Interest Division is a vehicle for ASHA members to promote activities related to: (1) the linguistic knowledge and communicative interaction of infants, children, and youth from diverse cultures; (2) how knowledge, interactions, and culture affect language learning and literacy; (3) the ways in which contexts, such as school events, influence children's communication; and (4) assessment and intervention approaches for people with developmental disabilities or speech-language-hearing disorders.
Division 2, Neurophysiology and Neurogenic Speech and Language Disorders
To be the voice within ASHA that will promote, interpret, and disseminate information that is relevant to neurogenic communication disorders and to serve as a conduit for the exchange of information and ideas among Division affiliates.
Division 3, Voice and Voice Disorders
This Special Interest Division offers an opportunity for ASHA members to pursue a common interest related to voice production and voice disorders through continuing education, networking, demonstrations and study sessions. The potential of the Division is limited only by the imagination of those who join.
Division 4, Fluency and Fluency Disorders
This Special Interest Division focuses on the study of characteristics and processes related to normal fluency of speech; prevention, assessment, and treatment of fluency disorders, including neurophysiologic, cognitive, psychological, social, and cultural factors.
Division 5, Speech Science and Orofacial Disorders
This Special Interest Division provides an opportunity for interaction among colleagues concerning specific areas of mutual interest. Affiliate members have a direct voice in addressing issues that impact on their scholarly pursuits and delivery of service.
Division 6, Hearing and Hearing Disorders: Research and Diagnostics
This Special Interest Division offers the opportunity for basic and applied hearing researchers, who are members of ASHA, to pursue topics of mutual interest within the larger framework of the Association. In addition, we hope that clinical practitioners with an interest in hearing research will join so that they may interact directly with the hearing researchers. In addition to the obvious opportunity to hear first-hand of the latest in research results, this Special Interest Division will provide the forum in which the clinician can suggest areas in need of further research, and perhaps develop productive collaborations with the researchers.
Division 7, Aural Rehabilitation and Its Instrumentation
This special interest division is dedicated to creating and maintaining a forum allowing clinicians and researchers to affiliate formally with one another to focus on (a) the study, development and application of amplification systems and communication devices, (b) techniques for amelioration of expressive and receptive communication problems in children and adults with hearing impairments, and (c) technology for habilitation of deafened children and adults, such as cochlear implants and vibrotactile aids. The underlying purposes of this division are to foster an exchange of information among its affiliates sharing the common interest of aural rehabilitative methodologies and to disseminate this information to other professionals as well as consumers of audiological services.
Division 8, Hearing Conservation and Occupational Audiology
It is the mission of the Special Interest Division of Hearing Conservation and Occupational Audiology (Division 8) to prevent hearing impairment from exposure to noise and other toxic agents by (a)increasing understanding of the problem and knowledge of effective intervention strategies, (b) monitoring and promoting appropriate regulatory activity and legislation, (c) educating the public and related professionals, (d) facilitating communication within ASHA and among related professional organizations, (e)promoting excellence in hearing conservation, and (f) promoting needed research.
Division 9, Hearing and Hearing Disorders in Childhood
Special Interest Division 9 has as its main focus all areas related to childhood hearing. The mission is to provide a unified voice and advocacy for childhood hearing issues within ASHA. Other functions of the division are to permit interaction between members who share the same concerns; to provide for study sections within the division, with members of other divisions, and with members of allied health groups; to provide a forum for demonstration and sharing of new technologies, research, clinical developments, and treatment outcomes; and to provide a vehicle for input into education and training issues related to hearing in childhood.
Division 10, Issues in Higher Education
The mission of this division is to foster development of ever-expanding knowledge of instruction, learning strategies, and curriculum to provide the underpinnings of education and skills for practice of the profession. To foster collaboration among programs, faculty, research laboratories, and administration so that common concerns are addressed and resolved in the best interests of our academic members.
Division 11, Administration and Supervision
The mission of this division is to promote best practices in administration and supervision by serving as the primary resource for leaders, administrators, and supervisors at all levels of professional development, working in a variety of settings.
Division 12, Augmentative and Alternative Communication
It is the goal of the Special Interest Division for Augmentative and Alternative Communication to promote continuing education for ASHA members at introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels; advocate for ASHA membership regarding clinical service needs; and advocate for preservice and inservice personnel preparation in the area of augmentative and alternative communication.
Division 13, Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia)
The mission of the Division on Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders is to provide leadership and advocacy for issues in swallowing and swallowing disorders and to serve affiliates who evaluate and manage individuals with swallowing and feeding disorders across the lifespan by supporting professional development, research, education, and communication necessary for delivery of the highest quality services.
Division 14, Communication Disorders and Sciences in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Populations
The mission of the Division is to provide leadership and advocacy for best practices relating to speech-language pathology and audiology services to members of CLD populations, and research, networking and mentoring opportunities for its members.
Division 15, Gerontology
Special Interest Division 15, Gerontology is concerned with the interdisciplinary study and communication behaviors and disorders in older individuals. The mission of Division 15 is to provide an opportunity for members of the Association concerned with the communication problems associated with the aging process to: (a) affiliate with one another to promote specific professional and scientific interests, (b) develop communication and networking in diverse professional and scientific settings, (c) advocate for positive outcomes on issues concerning older individuals.
Division 16, School-Based Issues
The mission of this division is to provide leadership and advocacy through a forum for all speech-language pathologists and audiologists with interests in school-based issues, including clinicians and researchers from schools, universities, and all other settings and to promote the highest quality services within schools by addressing clinical, educational, administrative and legislative/regulatory concerns at local, state, and federal levels.