Effective communication is essential for the function of modern society.
While science and technology have greatly improved our capacity for communication, many aspects of contemporary life remain profoundly difficult for those with communication disorders. Such disorders often compromise social, emotional, educational and vocational aspects of an individual's life. The cost of these disorders in terms of quality of life and unfulfilled potential is substantial. As the population ages and survival rates improve for medically-fragile infants and individuals who have sustained injury, the number of individuals with communication disorders will continue to increase. Basic and clinical research focused on understanding the normal processes and disorders of human communication are motivated both by intrinsic scientific interest and importance to the health of the Nation.