by Robert Turner
This year's convention theme is "Celebrating the Winds of Change." It may sound a little corny, but it is very appropriate. The audiology program, for example, will present many changes. Our objective was to make the program bigger, better, and more accessible, with "all things audiology" in one place with an outstanding group of speakers.
The audiology program will feature six workshop-like programs called "focused tracks." Invited and submitted presentations were used to create six highly structured programs on specific topics that encompass hearing science and clinical audiology.
There are four three-day programs: (central) auditory processing and its disorders; cochlear implants; hearing and balance issues in adults; and hearing loss in infants and children. There are two day-and-a-half programs: hearing science and hearing aids.
In each of the six tracks, presentations will occur continuously. These structured programs provide a more organized audiology convention with content that are easier to access. Structured programs are available for audiologists who want to focus on a particular area; audiologists with multiple interests will find it easy to identify relevant presentations in different tracks.
These focused tracks consist of invited sessions that have been designated "featured presentations." And additional submitted presentations (sessions) are planned, plus 15-minute technical sessions. .*The convention offers up to 2.5 ASHA CEUs and AAA CEUs. No separate registration beyond the convention registration is required.
Among the unique features of this year's audiology program are "updates" presentations by recognized experts on particular topics. They are easily identified with titles that begin "Update '08." Audiology Poster Sessions are also available each day.
The ASHA convention offers sessions on academics and education; business, management, and professional issues; research across the disciplines; and issues in culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Many of these presentations will be of interest to audiologists.
I know we will have reason to celebrate this year's audiology program. Please stop by the Audiology Information Booth to provide feedback about the program and the new features.
Please use the online program scheduler "My Planner" to arrange your Convention schedule. Abstracts for all sessions are included in the planner.
Robert Turner is chair of the 2008 Audiology Convention. Contact him at rturne@lsuhsc.edu.
*Correction: The article originally read "The three-day tracks offer attendees 18-27 hours of sessions with the potential to earn up to 1.8 CEUs. The day-and-a-half tracks provide nearly one CEU. "