About Special Interest Group 17, Global Issues in Communication Sciences and Related Disorders

Mission Statement

It is the mission of the SIG on Global Issues in Communication Sciences and Related Disorders to provide international leadership related to audiology and speech-language pathology services by promoting research, networking, collaboration, education, and mentoring for its affiliates, students, and other service providers in the global marketplace.

Affiliate Benefits and SIG Programs

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups is the online peer-reviewed scholarly review journal of the SIGs. SIG 17 offers new self-study CE activities through Perspectives each year.

Continuing Education

Earn ASHA continuing education units (CEUs) through

Self-study of Perspectives and pay the lowest processing fee to take the learning assessments
SIG sponsored Master Classes and one-hour sessions at the annual ASHA Convention.

Networking

SIG 17 Affiliates have access to exclusive discussion forums/groups, which provide the opportunity to interact with other SIG Affiliates who share interest in global issues in communication sciences and related disorders. Use ASHA's Member Directory to search for individuals by SIG affiliation. In addition, SIG 17 Affiliates can meet in person and online at an ASHA and SIG sponsored events; typically each SIG hosts an Affiliates meeting at Convention and sponsors a virtual open house.

Representation Within ASHA

The SIG 17 Coordinator represents the Special Interest Group within the ASHA Board of Special Interest Group Coordinators.
The Coordinating Committee responds to ASHA requests for input regarding policy, guidelines, committees, and other issues.
Affiliates have the opportunity to provide input to the SIG leadership and ASHA.

Coordinating Committee Members

2020–2025 Coordinator: Kimberly Chisomo Selemani, Baldwin Wallace University
2023–2025 Editor: Brenda E. Staley, Charles Darwin University
2024–2026 Professional Development Manager: Sulare Latoya Rose, University of the District of Columbia
2024–2026 Member-at-Large: Wael Al-Sayed Al-Dakroury, AL Faisal University College of Medicine
2024–2026 Member-at-Large: Mellissa A Bortz, St. John's University
Ex Officio: Lily Waterston, Director, International Programs, ASHA