Samford University’s School of Health Professions Listening and Spoken Language Focused Study Initiative (LSL-FSI) is one of three universities in the world to have been approved by the AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language to participate in an innovative pilot initiative program.
The LSLS LaunchPad program will transform how future professionals are prepared to support children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families through Listening and Spoken Language (LSL).
Launching in fall 2026, the initiative will include Samford’s program alongside those at Butler University and Idaho State University. Those institutions will pioneer a new model of graduate education that integrates Listening and Spoken Language Specialist certification requirements directly into university degree programs, addressing workforce needs and expanding access to specialized services.
The LSLS LaunchPad builds upon Samford’s commitment to LSL education, supported by a transformative gift from the Hill family. Their philanthropy expands access to evidence-based services for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Embedded within the Master of Speech Language Pathology program in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, the initiative will allow college students to complete certification-aligned experiences as part of their graduate education. Through this integrated approach, students will begin meeting LSLS requirements during graduate school, strengthening professional readiness and streamlining the pathway to certification.
The initiative is led by Samford assistant professor Kameron C. Carden, director of Clinical Education and director of the LSL-FSI in the School of Health Professions. A certified speech-language pathologist and LSL specialist, Carden brings expertise in spoken language development and evidence-based assessment practices at the early intervention to preschool transition for young children who are deaf or hard of hearing, informing evidence-based training in LSL practices. Her work advances equitable access and optimized outcomes for children who are deaf or hard of hearing using LSL to ensure academic and social success.
“Through the LSLS LaunchPad, our Samford students have a truly unique opportunity to build competence and confidence as future speech-language pathologists and Listening and Spoken Language Specialists,” said Carden. “They are developing skills across the full scope of practice in speech-language pathology while simultaneously cultivating highly specialized, and urgently needed, area of expertise in listening and spoken language. By creating a pathway for dual certification within our graduate training program, we are removing barriers not only for students, but also for families in Alabama and across the country who deserve access to well-prepared, high-quality providers.”
