University of Arkansas - Communication Sciences and Disorders

11/13/2025

Thank you Veterans!

11/13/2025

11/10/2025

⭐️You are invited to participate in a research study on the perceptions of speech-language pathologists’ perception on bilingual/multilingual AAC intervention and quality of care.⭐️

What is involved?
• Complete a 15–25-minute anonymous online survey
• Share your experiences
• Help improve understanding of current barriers in AAC service provision

Win a $50 gift card!
• Participants can enter a raffle for a $50 gift card.

To participate, email Lillian Griffith at lilliang@uark.edu

11/08/2025

Thank you, Dr. Loyd, for hosting such an amazing Fall Festival tonight! 🍂🔥

We enjoyed a cozy bonfire, the BEST fire pit, and an incredible spread—hotdogs, crêpes, chili, cookies, and of course, s’mores! 🎃✨

A big shout-out to all the graduate students who came out and made the evening so special. Your presence truly made it a night to remember!

Here’s to community, good food, and great company! 🍁

11/06/2025

Kindred Pediatric Therapy in Fayetteville is excited to announce an opening for a Speech Therapist!

They'd love to connect with talented U of A graduates and SLPs who are passionate about helping children thrive.

📢Check out the flyer for details and feel free to share!

11/06/2025

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉

We’re thrilled to spotlight Dr. Miguel Garcia‑Salas's latest publication:
“Exploring Shared Book Reading Perspectives and Practices in Migratory and Unhoused Families: A Strengths-Based Analysis” published in Communication Disorders Quarterly.

In this qualitative study, Dr. Garcia-Salas and colleagues interviewed 13 caregivers to explore how shared book reading functions in these often-underserved communities.

They identified themes like Shared Book Reading as Protection, Shared Book Reading as a Bridge, Reading to Teach, Making Reading Interesting, and Following the Child’s Lead.

Why this matters:

⭐️It takes a strengths-based lens, shifting away from deficit narratives to highlight how families already use rich literacy practices in their own contexts.

⭐️It opens new pathways for designing inclusive, culturally responsive literacy supports that respect and build on family knowledge and experiences.

⭐️It aligns with our program’s commitment to equity, community-centered care, and meaningful research in communication sciences.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Garcia-Salas for this impactful contribution — advancing our understanding of family literacy practices and reinforcing our mission to uplift voices in the field.

11/06/2025

Congratulations to Madeleine Bourgeois!

We are thrilled to celebrate Madeleine, a senior honors student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program, for successfully defending her honors thesis titled:

“Masking the Mimic: The Importance of Genetic Testing for Identifying Non-Syndromic Sensorineural Hearing Loss Mimics in Pediatric Patients.”

Her work shines a light on the critical role of genetic testing in differentiating complex hearing loss presentations in children — a topic that will undoubtedly impact clinical practice and future research.

A heartfelt thank you to her committee chair, Dr. Kim Highfill, and committee member Lexi Woods, for their guidance and support throughout this journey.

Way to go, Madeleine! Your dedication and insight are truly inspiring. 🌟👏

11/06/2025

As part of our celebration of the joy of reading, students in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program are sharing monthly book picks at the University of Arkansas Speech and Hearing Clinic.

This month’s selections are The Little Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey! and The Little Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell! by Lucille Colandro, illustrated by Jared Lee. These playful tales follow the famously hungry heroine as she swallows everything from a whole turkey to a jingling bell—sparking laughter, curiosity, and conversation.

Through these stories, we celebrate our love of books while highlighting how reading connects us, builds language, and inspires learning for all ages.

What can families do together to make this book even more interactive? Play a game as shown in the attachment!

11/03/2025

🌟 Congratulations to our October CSDI Undergraduate Student of the Month — Montana Jenkins! 🌟

Montana stands out for her dedication, positivity, and passion for learning. She shared that her favorite class so far has been Clinical Practicum with Mrs. Hicks, where she’s grown tremendously as both a student and an individual. Montana credits Mrs. Hicks for helping her become her “best, most confident self” as she’s learned to lead therapy sessions and apply classroom knowledge in real clinical settings. 💬✨

One of her most memorable experiences in the program was traveling to Sweden for the Health Teams Abroad trip with Dr. Glade — an opportunity she describes as life-changing. 🌍 She encourages anyone who has the chance to go for it!

When asked what makes the CDIS program special, Montana said it’s the professors and hands-on opportunities that set it apart: "Between our amazing professors and our on-campus clinic, we have so many opportunities to become the best-prepared future professionals. Our professors go above and beyond — each one brings something unique, and I feel so lucky to learn from the best.” 💙

We’re so proud to highlight Montana’s hard work, leadership, and love for the field — she truly embodies what it means to be part of the CSDI family! 👏

10/31/2025

🎃 Wishing everyone a safe and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!🎃

10/31/2025

🎃 recently spotlighted a truly heartwarming tool: the Trick or Treat 3-Button Sound Halloween Board Book! With three easy-to-press buttons 1) “Trick or Treat,” 2)“Happy Halloween,” and 3)“Thank You," this inclusive book empowers children with diverse communication needs to confidently participate in the Halloween fun and connect with others.

Moments like these remind us that communication isn’t one-size-fits-all and every child deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

🧡 Curious to learn more? Explore the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Trick-Treat-Halloween-Button-Little/dp/1680521977

10/30/2025

🎨 We had so many fun and creative entries! Thank you to everyone who participated in our UA Speech and Hearing Clinic pumpkin decorating contest!

🥁We are pleased to announce the winners are:

🏆 Best in Show: The We CARE Hog!
Submitted by Dr. Rachel Glade

🏆 Spook-tacular Pumpkin Prize: PLS-5 Bear!
Submitted by graduate students Abby Olmstead, Lydia Rickard and Elizabeth Hewett

Congratulations winners!

🎃 Also, a special thank you to Dean Kate and Dr. Wheeler for assisting in our voting efforts. Happy fall season to all!