The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is celebrating its 40th anniversary of its Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA). In recognition, Congressmen G. K. Butterfield (D-NC) and Mike Rogers (R-MI) introduced a resolution commending the OMA for "bringing attention to the health disparities associated with communication disorders and in addressing minority educational disparities."
The resolution (H. Res. 913) was introduced in the United States House of Representatives on November 18, 2009.
In 1969 ASHA established its OMA to better address the cultural and linguistic diversity issues among its members – speech-language pathologists (SLPs), audiologists, and other speech, language, and hearing scientists.
"We’re honored to receive this resolution and bipartisan support of Congress," according to ASHA President Sue Hale. "For the past 40 years, our members have kept pace with the knowledge, skills, and technologies required for multicultural literacy in communication disorders and differences and we’re not slowing down anytime soon."
The resolution also recognizes the OMA for establishing the Minority Student Leadership Program in 1999 to create a pipeline for talented audiology and SLP graduate students from underrepresented groups into leadership positions.
About the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for more than 135,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists. Audiologists specialize in preventing and assessing hearing and balance disorders as well as providing audiologic treatment including hearing aids. Speech-language pathologists identify, assess, and treat speech and language problems including swallowing disorders.