The purpose of this investigation was to determine if the performance-intensity function for spondees delivered via bone conduction (using the Radioear E-72 and Pracitronic KH-70) differed from the performance-intensity function for air conduction (using TDH-39 earphones). A secondary consideration addressed in this study was the comparison of the discrimination scores using the three transducers. Performance-intensity functions for spondee thresholds were calculated on 12 normal hearing subjects using two bone conduction vibrators, the Radioear B-72 and Pracitronic KH-70, and TDH-39 earphones. Results indicated that there was no significant difference between the performance-intensity function of speech via bone conduction as compared to speech via air conduction. Also, there was no difference between the Radioear b-72 and Pracitronic KH-70 bone conduction vibrators. Discrimination scores also gave similar results between transducers. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the use of speech tests, such as the speech reception threshold and discrimination tests, which were originally designed for use via air conduction can safely be used for bone conduction.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that may affect several aspects of communication, including social and pragmatic functioning. There is a paucity of research in general involving adults with ASD, especially in the United States. Moreover, the strand of research that is significantly lacking involves the quality of life among adults with ASD. While considering the increase in the prevalence of ASD, it is important to empirically investigate the Quality of Life (QoL) of adults with ASD. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines QoL as, “the individual’s perception of their position in life… ranging from the person’s physical health, psychological state, level of independence, social relationships, personal beliefs, and their relationship to salient features of their environment” (WHO; The WHOQoL Group, 1995). A review of the literature evaluating the QoL of individuals with ASD revealed that the main focus has been on the cognitive functioning and academic achievement; however, these measures alone do not predict QoL (Burgess & Gutstein, 2007). The purpose of this study is to empirically investigate those variables deemed to contribute most to QoL in a sample population of adults (18 years and older) with ASD using a cross-sectional descriptive research method. Participants were age and gender matched with neurotypically developing individuals. This study identified factors that significantly influenced QoL in a sample population of adults with ASD. Early intervention, including middle and high school transitioning of students with ASD should proactively address those variables that are deemed to yield positive QoL outcomes.

Augmentative-alternative communication (AAC) systems are used to give voice to individuals who are nonverbal. As AAC systems become more complex and prevalent in the classroom expectations of school-based professionals expand. However, the roles of those expected to support AAC systems, primarily teachers and speech-language pathologists (SLPs), are not clearly defined. Without clearly defined roles, professionals may not provide needed support to students who use AAC. Dewey's theory of community suggests that role confusion leads to insufficient and ineffective services. The purpose of this cross-sectional quantitative study was to determine how teachers and SLPs view their roles in supporting AAC. The key research question examined associations linking the instructional role of the individual to perceptions of who is responsible for implementing and supporting AAC in the classroom. An Internet-based survey, consisting of 21 questions set on a categorical scale, was sent to teachers and SLPs who are members of a technology advocacy and support center located in a mid Atlantic US state. Responses collected through the survey site were analyzed using a chi squared test. Overall findings indicated that the teacher was perceived as primarily responsible to provide support within the classroom; SLPs provided additional support outside of the classroom, such as creation of overlays and vocabulary selection. Assistive technology coordinators also provided support in terms of obtaining the AAC system. In general, leadership changed as support tasks changed. Results of the survey may aid in the development of guidance to support teachers and SLPs working with students who use AAC in the classroom. Improving services for students with AAC needs supports social change by enabling them to use their voice and become more independent.

This study was developed to investigate the readiness or willingness of providers, speech language therapists (SLPs), and patients to participate in telepractice for speech-language therapy services in rural areas of Nevada. Nevada has not ranked high in healthcare for several years and was noted to have low SLP to patient ratios, especially in rural areas of Nevada. A thorough literature review identified international and national studies that have shown resistance to telepractice expressed by patients and providers, but it has also shown an increase in interest post telepractice therapy. Nevada does not have current research on readiness to participate in telepractice medical settings of rural areas of Nevada, therefore a survey was developed to ask providers and patients for their opinions about participating in telepractice. Providers were selected using an online directory search, and patient participants were chosen at the discretion of the providers. A unique survey was presented to each type of participant (provider or patient) in order to compare opinions and readiness of each participant type. Specific questions related to voice and swallowing disorders were addressed. A large sample size was not obtained, but the researcher was able to make some associations to readiness to participate in telepractice and possible factors that may or may not have affected a participant’s opinion. Age of participants, type of internet used, availability of webcam, and area of the state did not appear to have an association with the readiness to participate in telepractice. A positive response rate to engaging in telepractice of 40% was noted across patients and providers. Though the participant sample size was small, there is still some indication that telepractice could be used to address the needs of patients who need speech-language therapy services in rural areas of Nevada.

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Anybody who has even a passing interest in auditory perception is familiar with the work and publications of Professor Andrzej Rakowski who is an internationally acclaimed authority on musical acoustics and psychoacoustics. This citation serves a symbolic tribute to Professor Rakowski on the 50th anniversary of his scientific career. Andrzej Rakowski was born in Warsaw, Poland, on 16 June 1931. In 1957, he received a Master of Science degree in electronic communication from the Warsaw University of Technology and a Master of Arts degree in music theory from then the State School of Music in Warsaw, now called The Fryderyk Chopin Academy of Music, in 1958. His contributions to acoustic research began during his postgraduate fellowship at Durham University, King's College, Newcastle upon Thyne, in England (1958/59), where he studied acoustics of musical instruments with E. G. Richardson. He received a doctoral degree in electronic communication from the Warsaw University of Technology in 1963, a second doctoral degree (habilitation) in art sciences (musicology) from the University of Warsaw in 1977, and became a full-professor in 1982, as conferred by the President of the Republic of Poland.

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