ASHA 2017 Convention Program - 7

Welcome From the ASHA President

Anita Vereb and Mary Casper, the Audiology and Speech‑Language Pathology
Convention Program Co‑Chairs, have been engaged in efforts with ASHA staff
and their committees to make sure you have a wonderful experience at the
Convention. Their goal is to make ASHA part of your big picture. The Convention
activities planned are to help you personally focus on areas that will meet your
needs. We hope-through the program sessions, social events, special activities,
and interaction with colleagues-that you find a focus and network that energize
and refresh you.

WELCOME FROM THE ASHA PRESIDENT

Welcome to the 2017 ASHA Convention! On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am
pleased that you have joined us in Los Angeles to "Focus on the Big Picture." After
40 years in the discipline, I still get excited in anticipation of the November ASHA
Convention. It is such a wonderful opportunity to visit with professional colleagues
and friends, be inspired by the contributions of award recipients, learn about new
ideas, reaffirm some of what you are already doing, and fill a bag with all the
goodies as you browse the exhibits!

Gail J. Richard, PhD, CCC-SLP
2017 ASHA President

As the Convention Program Committee settled on the theme of "Focus on the Big Picture" over a year ago,
we loved the possibilities that it offered. There were several aspects we wanted to highlight while designing a
productive and fulfilling Convention experience for you. One was the importance of an interdisciplinary focus-to
widen the lens beyond our own discipline and explore content from other related professional areas of expertise.
The various topic chairs have focused on offering sessions that challenge us with new knowledge beyond our
typical focus. Be on the lookout for "Big Picture" sessions that flip your perspective on a given topic, such as
research for clinicians, audiology for the SLP, and speech-language pathology for the audiologist-sessions that
delve into what we need to know beyond our typical scope to be better at what we do. These sessions will open
your mind to the big picture of our related work and will challenge you to think differently.
Another aspect was the importance of always seeing a bigger picture with the individuals we serve. A
communication disorder can have a dramatic impact on an individual's everyday life beyond our treatment walls.
That concept has also been incorporated into a number of sessions in the program this year, including a series of
Grand Rounds sessions.
ASHA's many partnerships and affiliations with organizations and groups around the globe also help bring a
focus to the big picture. The collaborations and interactions with professionals worldwide shine a spotlight on
emerging issues and trends in communication sciences and disorders in other countries and bring stimulating
new ideas to our members. We welcome and thank those of you joining us from other countries, and we value
your participation and interaction with us at the Convention.
Another critical part of focusing on the big picture is you-achieving a balance in your life so you can be effective.
I hope some of you were able to participate in the pre‑convention activities on Wednesday to pursue your
personal passions. I encourage you to visit the Empowerment Zone to bolster your confidence in advocating for
yourself, your clients, and your profession. Walk the Wellness Loop and recharge in one of the many lounges.
Stop and tell us some of your stories-in particular, share your inspiring examples of how audiology and speech‑
language pathology make a difference!
I hope, as you arrive in Los Angeles and get ready to begin your Convention experience, you share the same
excitement that I will be feeling. Take advantage of the many events and offerings over the next few days.
Push yourself a bit to explore new opportunities and to achieve a fulfilling "focus on the big picture." Enjoy!

2017 ASHA Convention Program Book

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ASHA 2017 Convention Program