Author
Roberta DePompei, PhD
Roberta DePompei, PhD, is a recently retired Distinguished Professor, Interim Dean of the College of Health Professions, and Director of the School of Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Akron Her major areas of research and interest are in cognitive- communicative challenges to the individual with brain injury and the impact of brain injury on the family system. An advocate for the needs of youths with brain injuries and their families, she is on numerous national and international task forces and committees. Widely published and a national and international presenter, Dr. DePompei is recognized for her unique and innovative approaches for functional community inclusion. Her specialty is the impact of brain injury on speech, language, communication, and learning. She is especially interested in developing educational programs and transitional opportunities for students as they progress through school and prepare for adulthood. She was awarded the Sheldon Berrol, MD Clinical Service award from the Brain Injury Association of America; the Robert L. Moody Prize for Distinguished Initiatives in Brain Injury Research and Rehabilitation; Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association; the Legends Award from the North American Brain Injury Society , award for lifetime achievements in TBI from the National Task Force on Childrens Issues after ABI and was honored with the Mark Ylvisaker Distinguished Lecturer award from the Ontario Speech and Hearing Association. Although she has completed research about individuals and their families after TBI, she says she has learned the most from families who have shared their lives with her over the years.