NSSLHA National Programs and Activities
NSSLHA has implemented the following programs and activities to enhance the academic, pre-professional development, and networking experiences for students in communication sciences and disorders:
Student Advocacy
Students can learn how to advocate for issues relevant to CSD and clients living with communication disorders.
CSD Career Awareness Events
We know how rewarding a career in communication science can be and we want to share our passion for this profession with other students. NSSLHA and ASHA are working together to promote the professions to students. During the month of October high school students, undergraduate students undecided about a major, and students enrolled in community colleges will be invited to meet with students enrolled in CSD programs and professionals working in the field, tour a speech and hearing clinic, and to participate in a hearing screening.
NSSLHA CSD Student Survival Guide
Getting through a CSD program just got easier! The NSSLHA CSD Student Survival Guide, published by Delmar Cengage, helps students at any stage of interest in the professions learn what it takes to survive their academic study.
In the Loop
Getting information is easy for members of NSSLHA. NSSLHA's electronic announcement service, "In the Loop," is a benefit of membership in national NSSLHA. As a NSSLHA member, you will receive the monthly NSSLHA news and updates right in your e-mail inbox.
NSSLHA Activities at the ASHA Convention
The American Speech-Language-Hearing-Association (ASHA) Annual Convention is a great opportunity for students and professionals to meet for discussions, workshops, and the presentation of papers and informal talks.
In addition to the formal ASHA program, students can participate in NSSLHA-sponsored activities during the Convention. These events are specifically for students and were developed by the student leaders serving on the NSSLHA Executive Council.
NSSLHA Honors Program
The NSSLHA Executive Council annually recognizes individuals or NSSLHA chapters who make a significant contribution to furthering the Association's mission. NSSLHA awards the Honors of NSSLHA, Chapter Advisor of the Year Honors, Chapter of the Year Honors, Member Honors, and the Editor's Award to promote the good work of students and professionals in the professions.
NSSLHA Loves Campaign
Annually, the NSSLHA Executive Council selects a national organization working on behalf of individuals living with communication disorders and facilitates a fundraising campaign through its 319 local chapters and 12,000 members.
Since the inception of the NSSLHA Loves program in 1990, NSSLHA has raised over $200,000 in support of national organizations improving the quality of life for individuals with communication disorders.
McKinley Regional Project Grants
NSSLHA chapters in good standing are eligible to receive grants up to $1,000 to support educational, clinical, and professional development activities for students in communication science and disorders programs. Regional Project Funds should be used to enable NSSLHA members to expand their knowledge of the profession through the development of materials, conferences, workshops, and sessions.
Community Service Grants
The NSSLHA Executive Council established a new grant award program to fund local chapters that wish to provide resources to nonprofit organizations that assist others living with a communication disorder. NSSLHA chapters in good standing are eligible to receive matching funds assistance up to $1,000 to purchase equipment (e.g., AAC devices, computers and/or peripheral computer devices) or other materials (e.g., clinical tests, software) to donate to a nonprofit organization.
Representation at State Association Conventions and CSD-related Activities
The national association is committed to promoting the association to all students interested in the study of communication science and disorders. To that end, NSSLHA Regional Council representatives or national office staff are available to exhibit at state association conventions, the National Black Association for Speech Language and Hearing (NBASLH), the American Academy of Audiology (AAA), or any other CSD-related events.
To request a national representative at an event:
CICSD Mentoring Program
Could you use some support getting your research published? Any individual who has never published in a journal is eligible to participate in the CICSD Mentor Program. Inclusion in this program does not guarantee acceptance and publication of your manuscript in CICSD. For information about the CICSD Mentor Program, contact Julie Stierwalt, PhD, CCC-SLP, Editor CICSD, Department of Communicative Disorders, Florida State University, P.O. Box 3061200, Tallahassee, Florida 32306-1200, or e-mail at jstierwalt@fsu.edu.
A $100 honorarium is awarded to student manuscripts accepted for publication.