Course # 5459
Supporting Communication as ALS Progresses: The Role of SLPs

Barbara B. Shadden, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BC-ANCDS

Barbara B. Shadden is a University Professor Emeritus in Communication Disorders and Co-Director of the Office for Studies on Aging at the University of Arkansas. She joined the faculty at the U of A in 1979. Previously, she served as Clinical Services Coordinator at United Cerebral Palsy in Bridgeport, CT, Co-Coordinator of Neuropathology Services, University of Tennessee, and speech-language consultant to two hospitals in Fayetteville, AR. She is ANCDS Board Certified in Adult Neurologic Communication Disorders. Dr. Shadden received her Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee. She is an ASHA Fellow, has been active in the ASHA Gerontology SID and accreditation initiatives, as well as past president of ArkSHA and the CAPCSD. Dr Shadden has published and presented on topics in aging, neurogenics, discourse, and augmentative communication, including five textbooks and editorship of five journal issues. Most recent research and service interests focus on the health of seniors, caregiver needs and issues, communication support for persons with ALS (PALS), and the impact of neurogenic communication disorders on sense of self or identity. Over 10 years ago, she assisted in creating the first chapter of the ALS Association in northwest Arkansas, set up the first AAC loan closet, and served as Patient Services Coordinator for four  years. She continues to provide AAC services to PALS and ongoing support for PALS and their famlies. She serves on the Board of the ALS Family Foundation.