About the OMI
The OMI has been established to publish monographs that demonstrate the scientific basis of oral sensory and motor techniques for articulation and feeding therapy. Its mission is to contribute to the field of speech-language-hearing science by expanding our knowledge about the sensory and motor components of articulation and feeding development, disorders, assessment and treatment.
Why the OMI?
Oral sensory and motor treatment - and its foundations in neurodevelopmental treatment, sensorimotor integration, motor speech disorders and other methods - has been under attack. Attempts have been made by some researchers in the field of speech-language-hearing science to reduce the practice down to "non-speech oral-motor exercises." Those of us who have been active in teaching and writing about the methods of oral sensory and motor evaluation and treatment are eager to see that the scientific underpinning of the practice is not lost. The OMI is poised to meet this challenge.
Online Scientific Papers
The OMI will publish professional publications online and free to all visitors to the website. The adopted format for articles published in the OMI is the "monograph." A monograph is an expository essay on one subject or aspect of it. A printable version of all monographs will be available for readers who wish to compile them into a file of their own. Posting monographs online instead of publishing them in journal format allows monographs of any length to be printed at no cost to the OMI. Online posting also allows researchers access to the monographs without hunting for obscure journals. View the full list of monographs here.
Topics
The OMI will publish monographs on a wide variety of topics designed to provide information to individuals seeking "proof" of the validity of the sensory and motor aspects of respiration, phonation, resonation and oral motor control in speech and feeding therapy. The central focus for every article will be movement as it relates to speech and feeding. Monographs on a wide variety of subjects will be considered. Potential writers should contact either of the co-chairs for help in shaping their ideas into potential monographs.
Blind Peer Review
Monographs submitted to the OMI will be peer reviewed by board members and other professional peers outside the institute and posted as they become available. Monographs will be written in historical context with references to previously published scientific papers and textbooks. Publishing these monographs online will allow any student or professional to access the information without subscription.
As of May, 2008, monographs are reviewed blindly by board members and by outside reviewers. During the review process, only the co-chairs of the board will know the identity of the monograph author. This blind review process has been adopted to encourage unbiased reviews of all monographs before publication.
Board Membership
Board membership in the OMI is by invitation only and is extended to persons who have been actively involved in teaching and/or writing about oral sensory and motor techniques for speech and feeding. Board membership responsibilities: (1) Board members are invited to write original monographs of their own design. (2) Board members are asked to review monographs written by other members in addition to the external peer review. (3) Board members are asked to suggest other professionals for membership. View the current membership list here.
Funding
The Oral Motor Institute is a non-profit organization. No membership dues are required. The goal is to continue to operate at no cost for the foreseeable future. Because this is an academic pursuit, we may seek corporate sponsorship at some point to support our growing interests. Marshalla Speech and Language funded the set-up and currently funds on-going costs to the OMI website and mailing list.