VIDBE-Q Volume 67 Issue 1
Nominated by Amy T. Parker
Dr. Susan Bruce is the 2022 Distinguished Service Award recipient. There
are few individuals who have made such a resounding impact on the field of
special education for students with sensory and additional disabilites, including
students who are deafblind. Dr. Bruce's imprint has been one of knowledge
generation especially in the areas of communication, participation, and literacy.
She has generously cultivated and shared this knowledge by applying her skills as
a researcher, observer, professor, mentor, author, colleague, and an administrator.
First and foremost, over many years, Dr. Bruce has listened to students with
complex communication needs and has amplified their voices through her keen
scholarship. For students with severe disabilities, she described and codified the
ways that they were communicating and under what conditions. She described the
processes in communication development that allows students with the most
complex needs to be recognized as communication partners. Through her
observation and thoughtful interactions with students, she not only found ways to
increase expressive communication heavior for children, she has influenced
educator practices to become more responsive and effective teachers. Dr. Bruce
Distinguished Service Award: Dr. Susan Bruce
