Hekma students from the Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) Program presented and attended the recent American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) Annual Convention 2016 in Philadelphia. The convention is an annual event for professionals in the fields of speech language pathology and audiology. It includes seminars, poster presentations, short courses, research presentations and exhibition by professionals of all ranks from students to experts. Over 15,000 individuals attended the convention from all over the world. Dar Al-Hekma University SLHS seniors presented poster presentations on the topics of stuttering and alternative augmentative communication (AAC). AAC encompasses communication methods (pictures and devices) that supplement or replace spoken or written language for individuals who have communication difficulties, known as complex communication needs (CCN). The convention review committees reviewed and accepted 6 proposals submitted by 21 senior SLHS students. These students were: Selma Belkacem, Nawal Kabbani, Nour Issa, Nour Altorjoman, Afraa Almurad, Siba Barry, Bayan Alshehri, Sara Jad, Jumana Bathabit, Rahma Alhafeez, Nebras Banjar, Ghaida Gari, Daniya Alkhawaji, Mashael AlRaies, Maram Balbaid, Sara AlAkel, Mai Alzaidi, Rahma Bukhary, Weaam Alameer, Maram Alali, and Nada Naghi. Ten student attended and presented their proposals at the conference on behalf of the entire senior group. Dr. Sameera Dehaithem, assistant professor in the Hekma School of Health and Sciences, who traveled with the students said, "Dar Al-Hekma University pays great attention to the applied and practical side of the academic process. It always encourages its students to participate in conferences related to the students' field of study. This comes in accordance to the university's vision of linking theoretical with the practical knowledge through conferences that serve as a window to what the students will expect after graduation. Accordingly, the SLHS students were encouraged to take part in the annual ASHA conference which is considered an important scientific event in the field. It was with great pride and gratitude that SLHS students were able to participate and share their exceptional work!" Dar Al-Hekma University's newly revised curriculum, which is aligned with the Saudi Vision 2030, requires that the students present and work closely with professionals from the field as it develops the students' presentation skills and exposes them to what they will experience after they graduate. "At Dar Al-Hekma University we focus on education as a holistic approach and not only academic. "This helps our students excel academically as well as enhance their confidence and improve their presentation skills. I am very much pleased with our SLHS seniors who attended this year's ASHA convention and positively represented Dar Al-Hekma University and Saudi Arabia," said Dr. Suhair Al-Qurashi, president of Dar Al-Hekma University.
