The Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences program (SLHS) is dedicated to speech-language pathology and audiology research and teaching. Though the department is relatively small in size, it's big on research, outreach, nationally recognized programs and hands-on learning for students.

"Both undergraduate and graduate students are actively involved in our research and outreach programs," said Susan Moore, director of clinical education and services.

With a host of outreach and service learning programs from which to choose, students assist faculty in research labs and take part in honors and graduate thesis/dissertation research projects. They also help provide speech-language pathology and audiology services to the public.

The Child Learning Center is one such program. CU-Boulder Photographer Casey Cass' three-year-old son, Cameron, has shown remarkable progress in the toddler program. Cameron was previously diagnosed with epilepsy, which affects his coordination and speech. He began the program last fall and has made rapid progression from communicating with one or two words to speaking in full sentences.

"Cameron has excelled like crazy," said Cass. "He receives one-on-one attention from his graduate student instructor and also gets to interact with kids his own age. My wife and I frequently comment on how fortunate we are to have such a prestigious program right in our own backyard. It's a win/win situation for both the children and the students."

According to the SLHS web site, 50 percent of all Americans will experience a disability within in their lifetime. SLHS programs impact the lives of many people from infancy through geriatrics in every community throughout the state, including newborns; all state school districts; individuals with challenges affecting speech and communication such as Parkinson's Disease, multiple sclerosis, stuttering, learning disabilities and hearing loss; and those who are bilingual or have language problems.

Research within SLHS focuses on comprehensive aspects of human communication including the sociological, emotional, cultural, educational, cognitive, physical and physiological.

"We receive support from state, federal and community grants to fund our research and outreach programs," said Moore. "The funding assists in our ability to provide a wide variety of services."

Moore noted that SLHS received many kudos for their innovative programs during their recent reaccredidation process.

For more information visit the SLHS web site at http://www.colorado.edu/CDSS/slhs/mission.html.