History of Establishment

Origin and Founding Background

In response to the establishment and development of academic programs in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, the government began to place greater emphasis on related legislation in Taiwan. The Speech-Language Pathologists Act was enacted on July 2, 2008, followed by the Hearing Specialists Act on January 23, 2009. The passage of these two professional laws marked an important milestone in safeguarding the healthy development of audiology and speech-language pathology in Taiwan.

In addition, due to rapid population aging and changes in lifestyle patterns, the proportion of individuals with communication disorders has been steadily increasing, leading to a growing demand for professionals in hearing and speech-language services.

In response to these needs, the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology was approved for establishment in 2012. The founding of the Department was driven by the development of academic programs in hearing and speech sciences, as well as national industry demands and clinical workforce needs. Guided by the spirit of Dr. George Leslie Mackay—“Rather burn out than rust out”—the Department upholds the values of respecting life, caring for vulnerable populations, and fulfilling social responsibility. Its mission is to cultivate high-quality, compassionate audiologists and speech-language pathologists.

Later, in 2019, the Master’s Program in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology was approved, further strengthening foundational academic development, enhancing clinical supervision and teaching management expertise, and promoting integrated service models. This development has enabled the Department to evolve into a fully integrated academic unit that balances both education and clinical practice, as well as research and service.

Preparatory Committee Members for the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology