Work Plan for 2005

Strategic Plan

Developing the Work Plan for 2005

Because implementation of the strategic plan is to focus the work of the Association, funds to implement strategies necessary to achieve the Outcomes in the plan are to be included in the program budgets for National Office entities. Because the strategic plan was approved during the Spring 2004 Legislative Council meeting and National Office staff had already initiated development of their program budgets for 2005, there was not sufficient time to identify unique strategies related to each Issue and Outcome. Staff was asked to identify those activities/strategies that had already been planned and budgeted for in 2005 that related to the Outcomes in the strategic plan. The strategic plan work plan for 2005 includes a listing of those activities.

Note: Because staff was including activities that had already been planned for 2005, some Outcomes do not have any strategies listed for 2005. However, in the 2006 work plan all Outcomes will have specific strategies.

Developing the Work Plan for 2006

Currently staff are in the process of developing the work plan for 2006. Unique strategies for each Outcome are begin developed. To assist in the process, staff are using the recommednations developed by the Speech-Language Pathology/Speech, Language Science Assembly related to scope of practice, evidence-based practices, and health care reimbursement to identify strategies to achieve the desired Outcomes. Any additioal recommendations provided by the Legislative Council also will be used to develop the final work plan for 2006.

Note: The Focused Iniatives related to Doctoral (Ph.D.) Shortage and Evidence-Based Practice will be continued in 2006. These relate specically to Issues A and B in the strategic plan and will be included as part of the 2006 work plan. In addition, the Focused Initiative on Health Care Reimbursement is scheduled to end in 2005. However, Issue C, Outcome 3: "Increased advocacy for and use of public and private reimbursement systems that enhance the ability of consumers to receive quality programs and services in all education and health practice settings," will allow for continued planning and implementation of activities related to reimbursement.

For additional information related to ASHA's Strategic Plan and the associated work plans, please contact Stan Dublinske, Senior Advisor for Planning at: sdublnske@asha.org or 301-897-0124.

Vision

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is recognized as the premier national organization representing experts in communication sciences and disorders.

Envisioned Future Vivid Description

It is 2025 and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is a leading organization for communication sciences and disorders, including speech, language, hearing, dysphagia, and related functions. Because of ASHA's prestige, diversity, extensive information, and outreach; policymakers, personnel in federal and state agencies, the media, other professionals, and consumers communicate with ASHA and its expert members when they need guidance, knowledge, and advice on standards, credentials, scope of practice, and clinical information related to communication sciences and disorders. All states in the United States mirror ASHA's standards in their licensure, certification, and accreditation programs. There is mutual recognition by health and education organizations worldwide of each nation's certification standards, including the ASHA Certificates of Clinical Competence (CCC) in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. ASHA and speech-language pathology, audiology, and speech, language, and hearing science organizations worldwide have developed systems to enhance the interchange of professional knowledge and education that has allowed international recognition of the professions and international collaboration on Issues related to communication sciences and disorders. Evidence-based practice as well as basic, applied, and efficacy research has added volumes of research supporting current practices and developing new procedures. Basic, applied, and efficacy research activity has identified the causes and evidence for best practice for the prevention and treatment of communication disorders. Advances in medicine and rehabilitation research have reduced the number of persons with communication disorders related to genetic and neurological disorders. There is national and international recognition of all areas of practice in communication sciences and disorders, including literacy, communication wellness, and prevention. Communication Sciences and Disorders departments have no long term vacancies in doctoral-level faculty positions. There is a sufficient supply of qualified doctoral faculty to meet the teaching and research goals of higher education or academic programs. The membership of the association and those practicing the professions represent the diversity of persons in this country and those served by the professions. All members of the Association are culturally competent and have acquired the knowledge and skills to become specialists/experts in one or more areas of communication sciences and disorders. Because of their expertise, member's services are provided in a culturally competent manner, are valued, and are in high demand. Because of the high quality services provided, consumers have optimum communication abilities across their lifespan. As a result of its success in providing value-added expert services, ASHA is viewed as the premier organization providing programs and services for audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists and is the association of choice for professionals in communication sciences and disorders.

Issues/Outcomes for the ASHA Strategic Plan: 2005-2007

Issue A: A limited basic, applied, and efficacy research base in communication sciences and disorders, related fields of study, and related functions for the discipline and professions is not sufficient to provide evidence-based clinical practice and quality clinical services.

Note: The work plan for the Focused Initiative on Evidence-Based Practice has been developed to achieve the Outcomes for this Issue in the Strategic Plan. Following are additional strategies that have been identified by individual units within the National Office that relate to this Issue. Some of the indicated strategies may overlap with those included in the Focused Initiative work plan.

Outcome 1: Increased knowledge of the availability and use of treatment efficacy research and evidence-based practices to provide clinical services in communication sciences and disorders in the United States.

Strategies 2005

1. The Professional Practices Clusters [Speech-Language Pathology (SLP), Audiology (AUD), Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA)] and the National Center for Evidence-Based Practice will have collaborated  in development and dissemination of technical assistance information and practice policy documents based on current evidence (e.g. apraxia, autism, dementia, early intervention, memory disorders, severe disabilities, supervision and telepractice) to educate members about evidence-based practice.
2. The School Services Program and the National Center for Evidence-Based Practice Serve will have served as the content coordinator for sessions on evidence-based practice at the 2005, Schools Conference.
3. The Publications unit and the National Center for Evidence-Based Practice will have published articles highlighting the availability and use of treatment efficacy research and evidence-based practices in Issues of The ASHA Leader.
4. The National Center for Evidence-Based Practice and the Surveys and Information Team will have surveyed ASHA members about their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) relative to evidence-based practice, so as to provide direction for educational efforts and baseline data for goal-setting and evaluation of these activities/strategies.
5. The National Center for Evidence-Based Practice will have established a clearinghouse for member access to scientific evidence, information about ongoing research projects in the field of communication sciences and disorders, and ongoing technical assistance in literature searching, evidence assessment, etc.
6. The Publications unit will have transitioned to using structured abstracts in all four journals, helping readers more easily assess the evidence level of the article.
7. The Publications unit will have initiated a dialogue with the Publications Board as to how changes in format or content of the journals might best serve the readership re: evidence.
8. The Publications unit will have initiated a discussion with the Publications Board as to what supplemental materials might be appropriate to invite or commission to educate members on evidence-based practice.
9. The Publications unit and the Web Team will have included all ASHA journal articles back to 1980 in the journals' online archive so members can search for evidence-based practice information.
10. The Professional Education unit will have incorporated explicit evidence-based practice references into conferences, Web workshops, telephone seminars, and self-study programs developed by ASHA Professional Development.
11. The Office of Multicultural Affairs will have collaborated with other National Office staff responsible for implementing strategies to educate and disseminate information to ensure that CLD populations are addressed in evidence-based practice documents.
12. The Audiology Cluster will have disseminated policy documents and technical assistance materials based on current evidence, e.g. Web-based information, phone and e-mail contacts, Access Audiology, The ASHA Leader articles, presentations, professional development, other publications and products. Topics for these activities include all areas of hearing sciences and disorders, including prevention, EDHI, comprehensive audiologic assessment and rehabilitation
13. The Convention will have evidence-based practice as its theme and encourage presentations that focus on EBP.
14. The Special Interest Division and International Liaison unit will have worked with the Special Interest Divisions to provide information about evidence-based practice through a variety of mechanisms, including newsletters, Web Forums, Convention sessions, and other conferences.

Outcome 2: Increased funding for basic/applied/efficacy/evidence-based research.

Strategies 2005

1. The Professional Practice Clusters (SLP, AUD, OMA) and the National Center for Evidence-Based Practice and the Governmental Relations and Public Policy Cluster will have collaborated with internal (e.g., other national office units and Special Interest Divisions) and external groups (e.g., National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Education) to identify and address research gaps and needs for evidence resulting in national research agendas and federal funding initiatives.
2. The Special Interest Division and International Liaison unit will have worked with selected Special Interest Divisions to provide supplemental financial enhancements to the Foundation's New Investigator Research Grants program that includes funding for projects collecting data and information on evidence-based practice.
3. The Governmental Relations and Public Policy unit will have pursued increased availability of research funding opportunities through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Education (ED), and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), with emphasis on EHDI and early literacy programs, particularly for culturally and linguistically diverse populations.

Outcome 3: Increased applied/efficacy research and evidence-based clinical practice in all areas of communication sciences and disorders, including literacy, communication wellness, and prevention.

Strategies 2005

1. The National Center for Evidence-Based Practice will have adopted and disseminated an Association-wide standard, consistent with national and international standards, for the content of evidence-based practice guidelines.
2. The National Center for Evidence-Based Practice will have established a mechanism for the prioritization of clinical questions needing systematic evidence review and/or practice guidelines.
3. The Administrator of the Multicultural Field Initiated Grants Program will have added emphasis in the weighting for proposals that support the strategic plan, specifically the application of efficacy research or evidence-based clinical practice with multicultural populations.
4. The Audiology Cluster will have published an Access Audiology on "Evidence-based clinical practice".
5. The Audiology Cluster will have developed a literature review resource list of evidence­-based research sources in audiology and audiology related fields.
6. The Special Interest Division and International Liaison unit will have worked with selected Special Interest Divisions to provide support for research studies that promote evidence-based practice.

Outcome 4: Increased interaction and communication with researchers in communication sciences and disorders from other countries.

Strategies 2005

1. The Audiology Cluster will have continued use of Access Audiology as a vehicle for transmitting information and encouraging communication among national and international subscribers.
2. The Director, National Center for Evidence-Based Practice, will continue active involvement as a member of the Cochrane Collaboration, Campbell Collaboration, and the UK Evidence Network.
3. The National Center for Evidence-Based Practice will, in conjunction with national associations or other institutions in other countries, develop and maintain an in-depth, international, retrospective and prospective registry of clinical trials in communication disorders.
4. The Convention and Meetings team will provide international professionals with information on how to obtain visas to attend the ASHA Annual Convention and make sure all of the convention information is provided to the State Department for easy access.
5. The Special Interest Division and International Liaison unit will have worked with the Special Interest Divisions to foster interaction and communication with researchers from other countries through their newsletters, email lists, and conferences.

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Issue B: A critical shortage and continuing attrition of doctoral-level faculty in higher education is affecting the preparation of professionals as well as the conduct of research in communication sciences and disorders.

Note: The work plan for the Focused Initiative on Doctoral (Ph.D.) Shortage has been developed to achieve the Outcomes for this Issue in the Strategic Plan. Following are additional strategies that have been identified by individual units within the National Office that relate to this Issue. Some of the indicated strategies may overlap with those included in the Focused Initiative work plan.

Outcome 1: Increased number of potential doctoral-level faculty/researchers in personnel preparation programs to fill short- and long-term faculty vacancies in communication sciences and disorders.

Strategies 2005

1. The Publication Relations unit will continue to respond to media queries off of 2004 media pitches around careers including opportunities associated with earning a research doctoral degree in the professions.
2. The Governmental Relations and Public Policy unit will have pursued FY 2006 federal appropriations through the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) Comprehensive Program or line-item appropriations for academic programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) to help mitigate the doctoral shortage in the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology.
3. The Office of Multicultural Affairs will have provided technical assistance to academic programs seeking to recruit/retain racial/ethnic minority PhD candidates.
4. The Surveys and Information Team will have assisted other National Office cluster and teams with any data-gathering efforts designed to gather information in support of this Outcome, including the collection of baseline, benchmark, and/or evaluative data.

Outcome 2: Increased number of students recruited into the professions who continue their education to become faculty/researchers.

Strategies 2005

1. The Publications unit will have published articles that focus on the opportunities for students pursuing doctoral degrees, and highlighting new research in progress by doctoral students in The ASHA Leader.
2. The Public Relations unit will have used the 2004 marketing/promotion plan that supports NSSLHA Career Day programs on university campuses with other student-targeted career awareness programs.
3. The Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Membership Services unit will have monitored online mentoring programs for students from racial/ethnic minority populations and encourage pursuit of PhD's.
4. The Office of Multicultural Affairs, Academic Affairs, and Scientific Programs and Research Development will have disseminated via the ASHA Web-site and The ASHA Leader information to racial/ethnic minorities on opportunities in research and teaching.

Outcome 3: Increased retention of doctoral-level faculty.

Strategies 2005

1. The Office of Multicultural Affairs will have provided web-based faculty development materials on the recruitment and retention of a diverse student body and infusing multicultural Issues into all CSD curricula.
2. The Governmental Relations and Public Policy unit will have sought through federal legislation to have Communications Sciences and Disorders (CSD) graduates recognized as shortage specialties that have access to increased federal professional development and training funds, federal student financial aid, federal research funds and loan forgiveness policies that impact recruitment and retention of qualified school-based personnel, doctoral faculty and researchers.

Outcome 4: Increased funding for doctoral program fellowships.

Strategies 2005

1. The Governmental Relations and Public Policy unit will have sought through federal legislation and regulation to have increased federal professional development and training funds available for doctoral program fellowships in Communications Sciences and Disorders. 

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Issue C: Lack of a scope of practice that includes all of the major components and new areas of practice in communication sciences and disorders has an impact on the visibility of the professions by consumers and stakeholders and their perceived value of the role of audiologists and speech-language pathologists.

Outcome 1: Revised ASHA scope of practice that includes all major component areas of communication sciences and disorders and new areas of practice.

Strategies 2005

1. The State Advocacy unit will have revised ASHA's model licensure bill based on revision of the scopes of practice for Audiology and Speech-language Pathology and promoted their use by state licensing boards.
2. The National Center for Evidence-Based Practice will have reviewed the available scientific evidence on the efficacy and effectiveness of SLP/audiology interventions in areas which are not necessarily firmly established with ASHA's scope of practice.
3. The Professional Practice Clusters (SLP, AUD, and OMA) will have assisted in the development and revision of practice policy documents to ensure that all major component areas of communication sciences and disorders are addressed along with new areas of practice.

Outcome 2: Increased number of practitioners who are involved in such areas as literacy, wellness, prevention, and other underserved areas of practice.

Strategies 2005

1. The Professional Practice Clusters (SLP, AUD, and OMA) will have assisted in the development of practice policy documents to enhance knowledge and skills of areas within the scope of practice (e.g. apraxia, autism, dementia, early intervention, memory disorders, severe disabilities, supervision, and telepractice).
2. The Speech-Language Pathology Cluster will have published an Access SLP Health Care and developed an online information packet on Health Literacy.
3. The Speech-Language Pathology Cluster will have published Access Schools Issues highlighting information on literacy, prevention, and other underserved areas of practice.
4. The Speech-Language Pathology Cluster will have engaged in liaison activities with key national and state associations to promote the role of speech-language pathologists in areas such as literacy, wellness, and prevention.
5. The Publications unit will have published articles exploring the increased numbers of practitioners involved in literacy, wellness, prevention and other underserved practice areas in The ASHA Leader.
6. The Office of Multicultural Affairs will have disseminated resources available for increasing cultural competency to all members.
7. The Office of Multicultural Affairs will have assisted in the revision of policy on the Clinical Management of Communicatively Handicapped Linguistic Minority Populations.
8. The Office of Multicultural Affairs will have assisted in the development of a policy document on multicultural Issues in audiology.
9. The Audiology Cluster will have published an Access Audiology on Health Literacy.
10. The Audiology Cluster will have published an Access Audiology on the underserved area of practice Pediatric Assessment and Intervention.
11. The Audiology Cluster will have conducted an Audiology Conference to address the underserved practice area of Audiologic Rehabilitation by Audiologists.

Outcome 3: Increased advocacy for and use of public and private reimbursement systems that enhance the ability of consumers to receive quality programs and services in all education and health practice settings.

Note: The work plan for the Focused Initiative on Health Care Reimbursement has been developed to achieve the Outcomes for this Issue in the Strategic Plan. Following are additional strategies that have been identified by individual units within the National Office that relate to this Issue. Some of the indicated strategies may overlap with those included in the Focused Initiative work plan.

Strategies 2005

1. The Governmental Relations and Public Policy unit will have updated, planned and conducted half-day specialized conferences to provide information on how to advocate/ negotiate for private health plan coverage for speech-language pathology and audiology services. The conferences will be held at the ASHA Convention and at up to six state association meetings.
2. The Professional Practice Clusters (SLP, AUD, and OMA) will have collaborated with other national office units to contribute to advocacy regarding reimbursement (e.g., professional education, resource materials, liaison contacts by disseminating a Medicare checklist for funding speech generating devices, developing a mentoring program to assist SLPs with funding for speech generating devices, coordinating the development, dissemination, and promotion of practice policy documents on supervision for Medicaid reimbursement in schools, and participating on staff teams to develop information and tools to expand reimbursement for SLP services.
3. The Governmental Relations and Public Policy unit will provide support for the State Advocates for Reimbursement (STARs) Network interactions via bimonthly conference calls and interactive messages on the STAR forum and email listserv; and will provide grants to four states associations represented on the STAR Network who want to advocate for comprehensive coverage of speech-language pathology and audiology services. 
4. The Publications unit will have collaborated with the Governmental Relations and Public Policy unit to continue regular publication of "The Bottom Line" reimbursement column and other articles and columns related to reimbursement advocacy in The ASHA Leader.
5. The Governmental Relations and Public Policy unit will work with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on providing hearing benefit information and the key role audiologists play in hearing health care for a comprehensive study requested by Congress in an effort to provide broader coverage of hearing services and devices for federal employees and their families under the Federal Employee Health Benefit Plan (FEHPB). 
6. The Public Relations unit will have developed media relations/promotional strategies that promote ASHA's "Checklist" and the "Report Card."
7. The Audiology Cluster will have liaison with the ARA to assure that the reimbursement concerns of rehabilitative audiologists are addressed.
8. The Governmental Relations and Public Policy unit will review and update the current ASHA model benefits and advocacy materials (e.g. NOMS, Employer Insurance Packet, Employer and Consumer Checklists) for use by ASHA members to promote inclusion of comprehensive coverage of speech-language pathology and audiology programs and services in their own health benefits package.
9. The Governmental Relations and Public Policy unit will have provided information to and contacted targeted professional associations, consumer organizations, state and local public health agencies, as well as the manufacturers, suppliers, and vendors that exhibit at the ASHA convention, to encourage them to enhance and promote coverage of speech-language pathology and audiology programs and services in their employee health benefits packages. 
10. The Audiology Cluster and Surveys and Information Team will have assisted the Health Care Economics and Advocacy Team and Health Care Economics Committee in the development of new audiology reimbursement codes by providing definitions and vignettes, as well as helping facilitate the collecting survey data to present to the AMA coding processes and CMS.
11. The Special Interest Division and International Liaison unit will have worked with selected Special Interest Divisions to contribute to the development of new reimbursement codes and will have disseminated information about reimbursement codes to affiliates.

Outcome 4: Increased perceived value by consumers, stakeholders, and colleagues in related professions of the services provided by audiologists and speech-language pathologists.

Strategies 2005

1. The Public Relations unit will have produced media pitches, a new national public service campaign, (which includes broadcast, print, and billboard ads), and other activities based on 2004 consumer research and the strategies outlined in the Consumer Team recommendations.
2. The Public Relations unit will have produced "free" Better Hearing and Speech Month awareness materials for use by ASHA members before a variety of consumer audiences.
3. The Public Relations unit will have developed monthly media pitches and other specialized media (e.g. ASHA convention, Native American audiences, Hispanic audiences, school based associations/groups, etc.) pitches about communication disorders and the professions.
4. The Public Relations unit will have coordinated the ASHA exhibit at a variety of national conferences/conventions (e.g., AARP, Council on Aging, National Association on Home Care).
5. The Public Relations unit, in collaboration with the Audiology and Clinical Issues in Speech-Language Pathology units, will have developed a CD of typical communication development from birth to age five years, to serve as a companion marketing tool with the How Does Your Child Hear and Talk and Getting Ready for Reading and Writing brochures.
6. The Public Relations unit will have created marketing strategies (member forums, articles, updates to Marketing Web site, etc.) that support member efforts to reach consumer audiences.
7. The Audiology Cluster will have developed products and engaged in liaison activities to increase perceived value of audiology practice (Let's Talk for Audiology) (NIH Early ID Ad Hoc Committee).
8. The Audiology Cluster will have participated in screening and public relations opportunities to increase awareness of the practice of audiology and awareness of CCC/A in the title as qualifying information (Senate Health Fair, local health care screening events, film fest).
9. The Audiology Cluster will have improved and developed consumer information packets to facilitate easy reproduction of important information about hearing, hearing loss, hearing aids, etc.
10. The Audiology Cluster will have attended consumer conferences in order to increase visibility of the profession (SHHH, AGBELL, and AARP).
11. The Speech-Language Pathology Cluster will have participated in public relations opportunities to increase awareness of the practice of speech-language pathology (local health fairs, film fest).
12. The Speech-Language Pathology Cluster will have continued to disseminate consumer information (Let's Talks) to facilitate easy reproduction of important information about speech, language, swallowing development and disorders.
13. The Professional Practice Clusters (SLP, AUD, and OMA) will have engaged in liaison activities with key national professional and consumer groups to enhance the value of services provided by speech-language pathologists and audiologists.
14.   The Special Interest Division and International Liaison unit will have worked with Special Interest Divisions to develop Power Point presentations for their affiliates to use when speaking to consumers, stakeholders, and colleagues in related professions.

Outcome 5: Increased knowledge of the scope of practice in communication sciences and disorders in other countries.

Strategies 2005

1. The Publication unit will have scheduled editorial coverage of international scopes of practice in communication sciences and disorders in The ASHA Leader.
2. ASHA will continue to be active in the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics.  

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Issue D: Rapid increase in the knowledge and skill sets needed to provide quality professional services in a culturally competent manner across various practice settings will lead to specialization areas of clinical practice related to communication sciences and disorders.

Outcome 1: Increased awareness and knowledge by ASHA members of how linguistic and cultural differences (e.g., religion, disability, sexual orientation, age, second language learners) impact on research, service delivery, administration, and professional education in the United States.

Strategies 2005

1. The Professional Practice Clusters (SLP, AUD, and OMA) will have served as content coordinators for sessions on culturally and linguistically diverse populations at the 2005, Schools Conference.
2. The Professional Practice Clusters (SLP, AUD, and OMA) and Professional Development unit will have infused information about culturally appropriate practice into 2005, educational programs (e.g., autism, mental retardation/development disabilities, infants/toddlers, assessment in the schools, auditory processing disorders, ethical Issues in end-of-life, eligibility for school services).
3. The Publications unit will have published articles in The ASHA Leader to help ASHA members increase their knowledge of how linguistic and cultural differences affect service delivery.
4. The Office of Multicultural Affairs will have updated resources provided in response to technical assistance requests regarding best practices with CLD populations.
5. The Office of Multicultural Affairs will have compiled and disseminated via the ASHA Web, The ASHA Leader, and other communication vehicles normative data on non-English languages for easy access by ASHA members.
6. The Office of Multicultural Affairs will have assisted in the revision of the position paper on the Clinical Management of Communicatively Handicapped Linguistic Minority Populations.
7. The Office of Multicultural Affairs will have assisted in the development of a policy document on multicultural Issues in audiology. 
8. The Office of Multicultural Affairs will have assisted the Multicultural Issues Board (MIB) in the infusion of multicultural Issues throughout Association governance.
9. The Office of Multicultural Affairs staff will have served as Content Coordinator for the telephone seminar: Ethical Issues and Solutions: Working with English Language Learner Students.
10. The Office of Multicultural Affairs will have collated and analyzed data from the cultural competence self-assessment tools.
11. The Office of Multicultural Affairs will have consulted with National Office teams to infuse Issues related to culturally and linguistically diverse populations into all e-newsletters and practice policy documents.
12. The Audiology Cluster will have provided a link to OMA's "Cultural Competence Self-Assessment Tools" from the Audiology and Audiologists ASHA Web page.
13. The Professional Practice Clusters (SLP, AUD, and OMA) will have infused information regarding cultural and linguistic differences throughout practice policy documents, professional education programs, and other products and resources.
14. The Special Interest Division and International Liaison unit will have worked with the Special Interest Divisions, especially Division 14, Communication Disorders and Sciences in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations, to provide  information related to cultural diversity to affiliates and ASHA members through newsletters and Convention sessions.

Outcome 2: Increased number of knowledge and skill sets in the major component areas of communication sciences and disorders.

Strategies 2005

1. The Professional Practices in  Speech-Language Pathology Cluster will have assisted ASHA committees to develop knowledge and skill statements in the following areas:    Medicaid supervision in schools, telepractice for SLPs and audiologists, mental retardation/developmental disabilities, early intervention in speech-language pathology, and autism spectrum disorders.

Outcome 3: Identification of the specialization areas in communication sciences and disorders.

Strategies 2005

1. The Office of Multicultural Affairs will have provided technical assistance to Special Interest Division 14 in their consideration of the potential for specialty recognition for bilingual or culturally competent professionals.
2. The Special Interest Division and International Liaison unit will have worked with Division 14, Communication Disorders and Sciences in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations, to explore the feasibility of specialty recognition.  

Outcome 4: Increased number of opportunities for clinical specialization in communication sciences and disorders.

Strategies 2005

1. The Speech-Language Pathology Healthcare and School Services units will have disseminated and promoted information regarding clinical specialization (e.g., invite presentations and displays at Schools Conference and Health Care Conference by Specialty Boards)
2. The Publications unit will have covered developments in clinical specialty programs in The ASHA Leader .

Outcome 5: Increased awareness of the knowledge and skill sets related to communication sciences and disorders used in other countries to determine how their identified and verified practice patterns and skill sets can be used to enhance the ASHA knowledge base and skill sets to improve services to members and consumers.

Strategies 2005

1. The Office of Multicultural Affairs will have investigated the knowledge and skills required of bilingual speech-language pathologists and audiologists in other countries.
2. The Office of Multicultural Affairs will have investigated the knowledge and skills required in other countries for providing services to bilingual populations.
3. The Office of Multicultural Affairs will have compiled information on service delivery models being used in other countries that take into account cultural variables.
4. The Surveys and Information Team will have assisted other National Office cluster and teams with any data-gathering efforts designed to gather information in support of this Outcome, including the collection of baseline, benchmark, and/or evaluative data.  

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Issue E: Increased international interchange of professional knowledge, information, and education related to ethics, clinical practice, and supervision/clinical education in communication sciences and disorders will require a variety of dissemination, communication, educational, and professional practice delivery systems.

Outcome 1: Increased awareness by ASHA members of the Association's value-added programs, services, and resources available to assist them in serving clients.

Strategies 2005

1. The Speech-Language Pathology Health Care and School Services units will have published the Access SLP Health Care and Access Schools bimonthly.
2. The Office of Multicultural Affairs will have disseminated information to ASHA members and others on tools/resources available for providing culturally competent services.
3. The Office of Multicultural Affairs will have translated consumer materials into other languages (e.g., Spanish and Chinese).
4. The Audiology Cluster and Speech-Language Pathology Clusters will have promoted and disseminated ASHA programs, services and resources to ASHA members and external audiences (e.g., via web, publications, media interviews, Access Audiology, Access SLP Health Care, Access Schools, THE ASHA Leader articles, presentations).
5. The Audiology Cluster will have created and disseminated advertisement promoting services, benefits and resources for members who connect with ASHA and to encourage membership by non-member audiologists.
6. The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Clusters will have continued to update Web-based resource guides to provide easy access to information by audiologists and speech-language pathologists.
7. The Audiology Cluster will have created a CD with ASHA resources on the topic of Hearing aids, Assistive Listening Devices, Practice Management, Clinical Issues, and Classroom Acoustics.
8. The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Clusters will have hosted the Audiology Conference 2005 the Schools Conference, the Health Care conference and other professional development events.
9. The Audiology Cluster will have attended/exhibited at professional meetings (e.g., AAA, EAA, ARA, NHCA, and National Association for the Education of Young Children).
10. The Special Interest Division and International Liaison unit will have worked with the Special Interest Divisions to promote the value-added benefit of belonging to the Special Interest Divisions to ASHA members who are not Division affiliates.

Outcome 2: Increased use of telehealth/telepractices to provide clinical services within the United States.

Strategies 2005

1. The Professional Practice Clusters (SLP, AUD, and OMA) will have assisted in the development of practice policy documents, professional development programs, and advocacy with other national agencies to promote recognition and reimbursement of telepractice.
2. The State Advocacy unit will have monitored opportunities to promote access to audiology and speech-language pathology by means of telepractice to remote-site health and education settings in state legislation and regulation.
3. The Audiology Cluster will have published an Access Audiology on Telepractice Issues in Audiology.
4. An Audiology Cluster staff member will have attended the Telehealth Leadership Conference.
5. The Audiology Cluster will have disseminated new telepractice policy documents.

Outcome 3: Increased interchange of professional knowledge and information among communication sciences and disorders professionals from different nations.

Strategies 2005

1. The Professional Practice Clusters (SLP, AUD, and OMA) will have contributed to conferences (e.g., Health Care Conference, Schools Conference) and professional development programs and resources that are accessible to international audiences.
2. The Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Issues unit will have disseminated information about ASHA clinical assessment tools appropriate for international audiences (e.g., ASHA Functional Assessment of Communication Skills in Adults, Quality of Communication Life Scale)
3. The National Center Evidence-Based Practice will have provided consultation to national or other large SLP associations in other countries interested in establishing data collection systems such as ASHA's National Outcomes Measurement System (NOMS).
4. The Publications unit will have continued coverage of international experiences of ASHA members and any news relevant to the quadrilateral international agreement signed in 2004 in The ASHA Leader.
5. The Publications unit will have continued use of Manuscript Central for online submission and tracking of manuscripts for the journals to facilitate having a positive impact on the number of foreign submissions and publications in our journals.
6. The Publications unit and the Web-Team will have expanded the online journals archive to 1980.
7. The Publications unit and Web Team will have initiated access to the ASHA journals archive (pay per view) to a world-wide audience.
8. OMA will update and maintain resources to provide technical assistance re: international service delivery, opportunities in other countries, etc.
9. The Office of Multicultural Affairs will have assisted in the identification of ASHA members with expertise in international arenas to serve as authors for Leader articles, resources to be included in e-zines, faculty for professional development programs, mentors, etc.
10. The Office of Multicultural Affairs will have monitored use of online mentoring portal to determine application for cohorts of professionals to exchange information and resources across international lines.
11. An Audiology Cluster staff member will have attended the international pediatric meeting to disseminate information to international attendees and to collaborate with audiologists from other nations about current Issues and concerns.
12. The Director of Brand Management-Marketing will have determined the feasibility of marketing ASHA on-line professional seminars and other CE products to the International community.
13. The Director, Membership Services will have studied the feasibility of establishing a Web-based membership for professionals in speech-language pathology and audiology in other countries.
14. The Director, Convention and Meetings will have promoted to the 2005 ASHA Convention to the international community including Mexico and Asia.
15. The School Services unit will seek speakers for the 2006 schools conference from the international community.
16. The Special Interest Division and International Liaison, Convention and Meetings, Academic Affairs and the Scientific and Research Development unit will plan special activities for the 2005 ASHA Convention related to international Issues and for convention participants from other countries including special sessions and a scholar exchange program.
17. The Special Interest Divisions and International Liaison and the Professional Practice Clusters (SLP, AUD, and OMA) will have prepared and disseminated a list of international meetings related to communication sciences and disorders and related areas will be held in North America.
18. The Audiology cluster will have initiated publicizing the International Congress of Biological Effects of Noise to be held in 2008.
19. The Audiology Cluster will contribute content for the 2006 International Society of Audiology meeting.
20. The Ethics Program will ensure that its ethics materials and resources are available to the international community in a format that is readily assessable. 
21. The Special Interest Division and International Liaison unit will have worked with Special Interest Divisions to conduct and/or contribute to conferences and professional development programs and resources that are accessible to international audiences.

Outcome 4: Increased knowledge of the systems available to provide education, clinical practices, and supervision related to communication sciences and disorders worldwide.

Strategies 2005

1. The National Center for Evidence-Based Practice will expand ASHA's National Outcomes Measurement System to participation from outside of the United States.

Outcome 5: Determined the feasibility of holding an ASHA initiated joint international conference on communication sciences and disorders outside of the United States.

Strategies will be planned for the 2006 work plan

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Issue F: The expectation that people of all nations worldwide will have access to quality, culturally competent speech-language pathology and audiology programs and services to achieve optimum communication abilities across their lifespan, requires encouraging mutual international collaboration efforts to set standards for registration/credentialing for experts in communication sciences and disorders worldwide while respecting each nation's models of education and professional practice.

Outcome 1: Increased recognition and adoption of ASHA credential and accreditation standards within the United States.

Strategies 2005

1. The Administration & Communications Academic, Accreditation, Certification, and Ethical Issues Unit in collaboration with other National Office units will have promoted the ASHA credential to external audiences (e.g., U.S. Department of Education, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, state education agencies).
2. The Publications unit will have continued coverage of news related to recognition of the CCCs and publishing articles in The ASHA Leader which reflect the value of the CCCs in the eyes of external audiences, such as "Newsmaker" interviews with members of Congress that endorse the value of our services and credential standards.
3. The Clinical Issues in Speech-Language Pathology and School Services units will have assisted in developing components required for ASHA certification (e.g., serve on panel to develop and review questions for SLP Praxis exam)
4. The State Advocacy unit will have promoted the adoption of standards in the CCC and other Association policies and programs in state and local laws and regulations.

Outcome 2: Increased understanding of registration/credential standards and their recognition among the United States/United Kingdom/Australia/Canada.

Strategies 2005

1. The Public Relations unit will have responded to queries from the distribution of a 2004 news release announcing the Quadrilateral Mutual Recognition Agreement.
2. The Certification Administration unit will have provided information as requested on the Quadrilateral Agreement related to credentialing.

Outcome 3: Increased knowledge of the educational and registration/credential standards in other countries.

Strategies 2005

1. The Director, Credentialing in collaboration with appointed volunteer leaders will have responded to inquiries from other countries to establish credentialing agreements with ASHA.

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Issue G: Limited understanding and recognition about cultural, linguistic, and political differences worldwide will impact on ASHA's ability to work collaboratively with other international associations.

Outcome 1: Increased awareness of the cultural, linguistic, and political differences that impact on the delivery of services for those with communication disorders worldwide.

Strategies 2005

1. The School Services unit will have participated in conferences that disseminate international perspectives on delivery of services (e.g., International Dyslexia Association).
2. The Publications unit will have published articles in The ASHA Leader that describe international perspectives on service delivery.
3. The Office of Multicultural Affairs will have assisted in the identification of ASHA members with expertise in international arenas to serve as authors for Leader articles, resources to be included in e-zines, faculty for professional development programs, mentors, etc.

Outcome 2: Increased understanding of the impact that languages and culture (religion, customs, mores, different educational systems) of other countries have on international collaboration efforts.

Strategies 2005

Note:  The Surveys and Information Team will have assisted other National Office clusters and teams with any data-gathering efforts designed to gather information in support of Outcomes in the strategic plan, including the collection of baseline, benchmark, and/or evaluative data.

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