It’s been a long, long time since I’ve posted. I’m still hoping to find an enthusiastic SLP to take over this website and spread news about word finding therapy and research. Watch for my updated word finding observation scales. After that I am retiring from posting.
ISHA’s annual convention was held February 9-10 in Rosemont, IL. At the honors breakfast, Karen Schur and I were pleased to witness Dr. Diane German receive the Award for Distinguished Contribution. I wrote her nominating letter, and have reproduced it below:
Dr. German is a professor emerita at National Louis University, Chicago, Illinois and holder of the Ryan Endowed Chair in Special Education. She is a Fellow in the International Academy for Research in Learning Disabilities. She has authored numerous journal articles, book chapters, newsletter articles, technical reports, conference papers, research posters and presentations focused on her work in child word finding. As one of the world’s leading scholars in the study of Child Word Finding, she is frequently asked to conduct seminars in Child Word Finding at state, regional, national, and international conferences. Dr. German’s influence has extended beyond the profession.
Dr. German’s exceptional work in the field of word finding is unique. Dr. German’s name is widely known as the expert in the field of word finding difficulties. Not only has she taught decades of speech-language pathologists and published countless peer-reviewed journal articles, but she has enlightened classroom teachers and individuals about the impact word finding difficulties have on reading and writing. Dr. German has presented her research to professional organizations around the world.
Dr. German has developed assessments and treatment protocols for individuals experiencing word finding difficulties. She developed the Test of Word Finding and the Test of Adolescent/Adult Word Finding and their updated versions. Her Word Finding Intervention Program is a standard treatment program widely used by professionals.
She was a pioneer in teaching her course on Word Finding online years before COVID made the practice commonplace. Dr. German brought word finding difficulties to the general public by publishing, It’s on the Tip of My Tongue, Word-Finding Strategies to Remember Names and Words You Often Forget. This book is a vital resource for many individuals and professionals.
Perhaps the most important characteristic of Dr. German’s professional life is her passion for her work. She has made herself available to consult with a new generation of SLPs and teachers. She has mentored others to carry on her work. She is generous with her time and expertise, consulting with those both inside and outside the world of special education.
ASHA’s Honors of the Association recognizes ASHA members for their distinguished contributions to the discipline of communication sciences and disorders and is the highest honor the Association bestows. Dr. German received this high honor from ASHA in 2019.
It is clear that Dr. German has made a significant impact on the lives of many professionals and individuals. She is renowned for her work in research, evaluation and treatment development for individuals with word finding difficulties.
In recognition of her life’s work, to recognize her contribution to professionals in the assessment and treatment of word finding issues, and to individuals with word finding difficulties throughout the world ISHA is honored to present Dr. Diane German with the Award for Distinguished Contributions