Valdosta State University students from the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders were invited to present research at the 2017 Georgia Speech-Language-Hearing Association Annual Convention in Athens. The theme was "Joining Together for Success."

April Ward of Richmond Hill presented original research titled "A Comparison of Healthcare Professionals and Non-Healthcare Professionals’ Performance on the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults."

Hollee Eastwood of Richmond Hill presented original research titled "The Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Dysphagia Secondary to Head and Neck Cancer."

During the three-day conference, the VSU students heard experts from the speech-language pathology, audiology, occupational therapy and assistive technology fields. They also talked with educators and professionals in their chosen career field and about research conducted by students at colleges and universities around the state.

The association is a professional group of individuals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of communication, swallowing and hearing disorders. It advocates for the professional interests of its members and the individuals they serve.