Attendees gathered into eight focus groups covering topics such as Au.D. Program Design, Clinical Experiences, the Role of Research in Professional Doctoral Education, and Accreditation and Certification Issues. Attendees shared their viewpoints and came to consensus on topics that will help define the future of Au.D. education. Specific conference outcomes will be discussed in a presentation at the upcoming ADA Convention by AFA Chair Deborah Price, Au.D.
Sponsorship of the Conference on Professional Education II was provided through a $50,000 grant from ReSound, $10,000 from Widex, and additional support from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the Council on Academic Accreditation, CounselEAR, the Academy of Doctors of Audiology, A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences, the Educational Audiology Association, Ball State University, Central Michigan University, the Northeast Ohio Au.D. Consortium, and Salus University.
"We really accomplished what we set out to do with this 20-year Au.D. anniversary conference," said conference chair Coral Jud, Au.D. "Participation in the breakout sessions was excellent as attendees discussed issues of concern for the future of audiology and then talked about finding possible solutions for resolution. We now have a committee working with the Institute for Alternative Futures to develop the proceedings from this conference so that it can be used and expanded upon by the profession. Attendees also agreed that we should definitely meet more than every 20 years.
"We couldn't have put on this conference without the collaborative help from our sponsors to pay for the facilitator, meeting expenses, hotel rooms, and travel grants for many of the participants."
The AFA is a non-profit foundation whose mission is to empower audiologists to be independent and autonomous practitioners by supporting their educational preparation, professional practice and leadership development.
