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ASHA Executive Director updates are provided throughout the year to give ASHA members a more in-depth view of various National Office units. We also include regularly information about staff changes and ASHA National Office recognitions/awards.
Many thanks to those of you who have provided feedback regarding the previous updates or suggestions for future ED updates.
This update focuses on State Policy Unit Reorganization.
The State Advocacy Team is one of four units which comprise the Government Relations and Public Policy Cluster. Through the new state outreach model, designed to increase communication and collaboration between recognized State Speech-Language-Hearing Associations (SSLHAs) and ASHA, team members serve as liaisons to state affiliates in one of four regions, Northeast, South, Central/Midwest and West. State liaisons serve as the primary point of contact for leaders on state legislative, regulatory and association management issues providing onsite support, resources and guidance. They also serve as links to other National Office teams. The team's additional resources and activities include the following:
National Coalition Building Efforts
The state team serves on the National Coalition on Personnel Shortages in Special Education and Related Services, an organization of 30+ national organizations whose mission is to sustain dialogue among all stakeholders on the need for and value of special education and related services; to identify and disseminate information via the newly designed Web site; and to develop and promote strategies to remedy personnel shortages in educational settings. The team also serves on the advisory council of the Coalition of Patient Rights (CPR), a group of 25+ healthcare specialties whose mission is to oppose the American Medical Association's effort to limit the scope of practice of healthcare professionals through its Scope of Practice Partnership.
State Leaders Web Resource Page
The state leaders Web resource page has been redesigned as a comprehensive site for state association leaders titled: Building Blocks for Leadership.
State Licensure – State Certification – State Trends Web Resources
During the past year the state advocacy team revised the requirements for licensure and state teacher certification for all 50 states. State licensing trends have also been updated on the Web site. Go to ASHA's state by state listing in the member drop-down box on the home page and click on a state to access the requirements.
Advocacy Resources for Members
The team develops advocacy resources for members. Some of the most popular include the State Guidebook for the Salary Supplement Initiative which was recently revised as a Web-based document. In addition, the state action toolkit, was developed to help members build a case for advocacy. Finally, the local advocacy Web guide provides members with actual detailed stories from successful efforts by ASHA members.
State Association Grants
The state team has provided grants to state associations engaged in a variety of legislative and advocacy activities. This year grants were awarded to state associations for reimbursement advocacy efforts and to alleviate personnel shortages in education and health totaling $74,139. Nine additional supplemental grants were awarded to the states receiving the highest marks from the internal review team for a total of $16,700.
2008 State Association Workshop
The state team regularly plans and coordinates the State Association Workshop, formerly known as the State Policy Workshop. This year approximately 50 leaders from recognized state associations gathered for the 24th annual State Association Workshop in Saratoga Springs, New York. Emphasizing the theme of increased communication and collaboration, sessions ranged from discussion of the 2009 Public Policy Agenda and updates on EHDI and telepractice regulation to association management issues such as developing and maintaining an effective Web site and utilizing online resources to manage grassroots advocacy.
Model Language for Telepractice/TeleSLP and Audiology Licensure
The state advocacy team in conjunction with the healthcare practices unit is drafting model telepractice/teleSLP and teleaudiology language for state associations and state licensing agencies to use in drafting legislative language. In addition, the Board of Directors has authorized the creation of a telepractice/teleSLP and teleaudiology standards committee to develop guidance on minimum standards for the delivery of SLP and audiology services remotely.
EHDI – Phase Two
The state team and audiology practices developed a state model bill and talking points for EHDI Phase II legislation. The model language and talking points will be distributed to state associations interested in pursuing phase two legislation that would extend EHDI provisions for referral, evaluation, communication and other support for infants identified with hearing loss. Phase two also provides for effective tracking and monitoring of services and emphasizes culturally competent support and information to families regarding access to early intervention programs.
Access Schools
With the School Practices unit, state advocacy team members produce the bimonthly electronic newsletter, Access Schools which provides relevant information and updates on issues affecting members in school settings. ASHA members can opt in to receive Access Schools.
Collaboration with Other ASHA Units
The State Advocacy team works closely with a number of units including the SLP practices units (Schools, Clinical Issues, Health Care and Audiology), the Public Relations unit and the Leader staff.
Technical Assistance
Technical assistance is provided to ASHA leaders on state legislative, regulatory and management issues and to members on topics as diverse as foreign educated individual licensure questions to effective advocacy strategies in local school districts.
State Advocacy Team:
National Office Staff Updates
The following individuals are new to the ASHA staff since October 1, 2008:
- Kerry Chmielenski, Associate Director, Special Interest Division
- Susan Heflin, Manager, CE Registry
The following staff has changed positions within ASHA:
- Araceli Blancaflor, Administrative Assistant (formerly Accreditation Systems Coordinator)\
The following individuals have left ASHA to pursue other opportunities:
- Sharon Beamer, Associate Director, Audiology Professional Practices
- Kate Thaxton, Brand Marketing Manager
The Next Executive Director Update: 2008 National Office Operational Efficiencies and Cost Savings
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