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ASHA Strategic Plan

2007 Work Plan

Issue A: Facilitating Team Leader: Margaret Rogers, Chief Staff Officer for Research and Technology

Issue A—A high quality basic, applied, and efficacy research base in communication sciences and disorders, related fields of study, and related functions for the discipline and professions is essential to provide evidence-based clinical practice and quality clinical services.

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

Strategies

  1. By December 31, 2007, the Director of the National Center for Evidence-Based Practice (N-CEP) will have participated in two face-to-face meetings of the Advisory Committee on Evidence-Based Practice. The meetings will address development of levels-of-evidence systems for diagnostic and for qualitative studies, as well as development of curriculum resources for the teaching of evidence-based practice in communication sciences and disorders (CSD) graduate programs.
  2. By December 31, 2007, the Director of N-CEP in collaboration with the Academic Affairs team will have developed the first draft of a set of curriculum resources related to evidence-based practice for dissemination to academic programs in CSD.
  3. By December 31, 2007, the Director of N-CEP will have promoted the availability of evidence-based practice information on the ASHA Web site and in other documents via ASHA communication vehicles.
  4. By December 31, 2007, the Clinical Issues in Speech-Language Pathology team and the National Joint Committee on the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities will plan a conference related to evidence-based practices related to serving individuals with severe communication disabilities, pending NIH funding.
  5. By December 31, 2007, the ASHA Professional Development unit and the Scientific and Professional Education Board (SPEB) will have developed continuing education/professional development activities related to evidence-based practices and the evidence base for clinical interventions discussed.

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

Strategies

  1. By October 1, 2007, the Director of N-CEP and N-CEP's Clinical Trials Project Manager in collaboration with the Communication Sciences and Disorders Research Group, the Research and Scientific Affairs Committee, and SPEB, will have convened a meeting to support the development of applications for funding of research in clinical areas identified as ASHA priorities.
  2. By December 31, 2007, the Governmental Relations and Public Policy (GRPP) staff, pending the availability of identified ASHA research priorities, will have developed a plan to secure funding for high-priority research needs in the area of CSD.

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

  1. By December 31, 2007, the Director of N-CEP will have updated and maintained a Web forum for connecting researchers and clinicians interested in collaborative research projects.
  2. By December 31, 2007, the Director of N-CEP will have updated, maintained, and promoted the ASHA Web site's searchable registry of evidence-based practice guidelines and systematic reviews related to CSD.
  3. By December 31, 2007, the Director and staff of N-CEP will have completed six Evidence-Based Systematic Reviews.

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

Strategy

  1. By December 31, 2007, the Director of N-CEP will have participated in the colloquia of the Campbell Collaboration and Cochrane Collaboration. The Campbell Colloquium is the major global evidence-based practice meeting related to schools issues, while the Cochrane Colloquium is the major evidence-based practice meeting related to health care issues.

Issue B: Facilitating Team Leader: Vic Gladstone, Chief Staff Officer for Audiology

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.

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

Strategies

  1. By December 31, 2007, the Academic Affairs, Scientific Programs and Research Development, and the Professional Practices units (Audiology [AUD], Office of Multicultural Affairs [OMA], and Speech-Language Pathology [SLP]) will have developed and disseminated informational resources that support 1) current practicing professionals who want to obtain a research doctoral degree, or 2) current practicing professionals who already hold a research doctoral degree and want to transition to a career as a teacher-researcher in higher education.
  2. By December 31, 2007, the Academic Affairs, Scientific Programs and Research Development, and Membership and Information Systems units will have managed a mentoring portal in CSD and related disciplines to assist current PhD students in the discipline in the pursuit of teaching-research careers.
  3. By December 31, 2007, the Membership team and OMA will have implemented a PhD student track as part of ASHA's Minority Student Leadership Program. Up to ten PhD students who are members of a racial/ethnic minority will be selected to participate in activities and an educational forum to enhance their leadership skills within the discipline.

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

Strategies

  1. By December 31, 2007, the Academic Affairs and Scientific Programs and Research Development units will have funded an ASHA award program, the Students Preparing for Academic and Research Careers (SPARC) award, to promote PhD career development for CSD undergraduate/graduate students through enhanced educational mentorship experiences that prepare students for successful PhD education and academic/research careers.
  2. By December 31, 2007, the Academic Affairs, Surveys and Information, and Credentialing units will have launched and marketed EdFind, a Web-based search engine that is part of the Higher Education Data System (HES), to support students' searches for PhD education programs based upon academic program data such as faculty research interests and availability of funding.
  3. By December 31, 2007, the Scientific Programs and Research Development unit will have expanded ASHA's efforts to showcase student research and academic success at the ASHA Convention and other ASHA Continuing Education and research training venues.
  4. By December 31, 2007, the Membership team and OMA will have continued the administration of an online portal and mentoring program, The ASHA Gathering Place – S.T.E.P. program, to encourage the continued recruitment and retention of racial/ethnic minority students through meaningful, one-to-one mentoring relationships and online resources.
  5. By December 31, 2007, the Academic Affairs, Scientific Programs and Research Development, and Professional Practices units will have developed and disseminated informational resources that identify the philosophy, attributes and methods of successful integration of clinical and research interests as applied to all levels of education.

Outcome 3: Increased retention of doctoral-level faculty.

Strategies

  1. By December 31, 2007, the Academic Affairs and Scientific Programs and Research Development units will have funded an ASHA award program, the Advancing Academic and Research Careers (AARC) award, for new faculty who are in the beginning stages of their academic/research careers for the purpose of promoting retention in higher education by providing financial incentives to mentor research in their own students, conduct research, and/or improve teaching knowledge and skills.
  2. By December 31, 2007, the Chief Staff Officer for Science and Research in conjunction with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation (ASHF) will have funded a study-section meeting for consideration of the 2007 New Century Scholars' and Young Investigators' applications to the ASHF that would bring together a panel of senior investigators (with funded research and study-section experience) and junior investigators (those who are faculty members in a CSD program with 2-3 years experience that have not received substantial funding) for the purpose of fostering knowledge of the grant review process in order to generalize this knowledge to future grant applications.
  3. By December 31, 2007, the Academic Affairs, Scientific Programs and Research Development, and Membership and Information Systems units will have managed a mentoring portal in CSD and related disciplines to assist new faculty-researchers in the discipline in the pursuit of their teaching-research careers.
  4. By December 31, 2007, the Academic Affairs and Scientific Programs and Research Development units in conjunction with the Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs and Science and Technology will have planned and held a Researcher-Academic Town Meeting at the ASHA Convention to foster a coordinated academic and research culture, to address current issues in the preparation of future teachers-researchers in higher education, and to provide a networking experience for student and new faculty research award recipients to interact with seasoned researchers.
  5. By December 31, 2007, the Academic Affairs and Surveys and Information units will have collected data through HES to prepare, disseminate, and market the availability and use of reports on doctoral program characteristics to support the retention of doctoral-level faculty in CSD.

Outcome 4: Increased federal funding for doctoral program fellowships.

Strategies

  1. By December 31, 2007, the GRPP unit will have sought through federal legislation to have CSD graduates recognized as shortage specialists 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.
  2. By December 31, 2007, the GRPP unit will have pursued appropriations for academic programs in CSD to help mitigate the doctoral shortage in the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology.

Issue C: Facilitating Team Leader: Lemmie McNeilly, Chief Staff Officer for Speech-Language Pathology and Vic Gladstone, Chief Staff Officer for Audiology

Issue C: A comprehensive scope of practice that includes all of the major components and new areas of practice in communication sciences and disorders enhances 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 scopes of practice that includes all major component areas of communication sciences and disorders and new areas of practice.

Strategy

  1. By April 1, 2007, the Professional Practices units will have peer reviewed the new scope of practice in speech-language pathology.

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

Strategies

  1. By December 31, 2007, the Health Care Services team in collaboration with the Survey and Information team will have developed questions for the Health Care survey to determine the number of practitioners who are involved in providing services related to wellness and prevention.
  2. By December 31, 2007, the Professional Practices units in collaboration with the ASHA Professional Development unit will have planned professional development activities related to the roles of speech-language pathologists and audiologists related to literacy, wellness, prevention, and other underserved areas of practice.
  3. By December 31, 2007, the Professional Practices units will have disseminated ASHA resources to consumers and other professionals on the scope of practice in audiology and speech-language pathology and the role of the audiologist and speech-language pathologist in literacy, wellness, prevention, and other underserved areas of practice.
  4. By December 31, 2007, the SLP unit in collaboration with OMA will have reviewed the literature and other sources of information to determine the requirements related to "corporate speech-language pathology" and the need for additional ASHA resources related to this area of practice.
  5. By December 31, 2007, the Professional Practices units will have continued development and dissemination of updated information to ASHA members on use of IDEA procedures for early intervening as it relates to literacy, wellness, prevention, and other underserved areas of practice.
  6. By December 31, 2007, the Professional Practices units will have made resources related to literacy, wellness, prevention, and other underserved areas of practice available to consumers and other professionals.
  7. By December 31, 2007, the Academic Affairs team will have promoted the availability of ASHA resources to all academic programs in CSD to foster acquisition of knowledge and skills in the areas of literacy, wellness, prevention, and other underserved areas of practice as identified by the Professional Practices units.

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.

Strategies

  1. By December 31, 2007, the School Services team will have disseminated ASHA documents related to "under the direction of" to school-based members, program administrators, and policy makers to increase their awareness of how school-based speech-language pathologists who are providing services under the state Medicaid program should comply with the "under the direction of" Medicaid provision.
  2. By December 31, 2007, the Health Care Economics Advocacy team in collaboration with the Health Care Services team will have made resources available to ASHA members on documentation and billing for public and private reimbursement systems.

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

Strategies

  1. By June 30, 2007, the Professional Practices units in collaboration with the ASHA Web team will have updated the ASHA Web pages related to consumers.
  2. By December 31, 2007, the AUD unit will have worked with other national professional organizations and consumer groups interested in hearing health care to identify barriers to access to hearing health care.
  3. By December 31, 2007, the Health Care Services team, Schools Services team, AUD unit, and the State Advocacy team will have disseminated information to other national and state organizations and professionals on the role of the speech-language pathologist and audiologist related to telehealth/telepractice.
  4. By December 31, 2007, the SLP and AUD units will have submitted articles promoting the practice of speech-language pathology and audiology for publication in a variety of media including professional and trade journals of associations/organizations that provide services for individuals with disabilities.

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

Strategies

  1. By June 30, 2007, the Professional Practices units will have subscribed to professional journals from international organizations related to the practice of speech-language pathology and audiology.
  2. By December 31, 2007, the Special Interest Division and International Liaison unit will review and share information from the International Survey with appropriate Association Committees and National Office units, including information on telepractice and scope of practice.
  3. By December 31, 2007, selected members of the Professional Practices and SIDIL units and volunteer leaders will have participated in international meetings related to speech-language pathology.
  4. By December 31, 2007, selected members of the Professional Practices, Academic, Accreditation, Certifications, and Ethical Issues (AACEI), and SIDIL units and volunteer leaders will have explored opportunities to participate on international committees of other organizations and non-governmental organizations related to speech-language pathology and audiology.

Issue D: Facilitating Team Leaders: Vicki Deal-Williams, Chief Staff Officer for Multicultural Affairs and Vic Gladstone, Chief Staff Officer for Audiology

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

  1. By September 1, 2007, the School Services team will have included the following at the schools conference: an overall theme of "cultures," a concurrent session on school-based services for culturally and linguistically diverse students and their families, and infusion of cultural issues throughout concurrent sessions.
  2. By December 31, 2007, OMA and the Professional Development unit will have made recommendations for the infusion of multicultural issues relative to research, service delivery, administration as appropriate for professional education conferences and workshops planned for 2007 and 2008.
  3. By December 31, 2007, the Professional Practices and SIDIL units and N-CEP, and all staff developing ASHA documents (e.g., policy documents, member resources, and products) will consider how to address diversity, as appropriate, as related to the specific area covered by the guideline.
  4. By December 31, 2007, the Academic Affairs team and OMA will have updated and promoted the availability of curriculum resources for use in academic programs related to linguistic and cultural differences.

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

Strategies

  1. By December 31, 2007, the Surveys and Information and Credentialing teams will have worked with an external consultant on the conduct of a practice analysis for the profession of audiology and will have begun a practice analysis for the profession of speech-language pathology (to be completed in 2008) to identify and document the clinical activities and knowledge areas judged to be important for the competent performance of newly certified audiologists and speech-language pathologists.
  2. By December 31, 2007, the Professional Practices and SIDIL units will have identified current ASHA policy documents that relate to knowledge and skills available and will have recommended new areas of practice where ASHA policy documents, reports, and other resources are needed.
  3. By December 31, 2007, the Professional Practices and SIDIL units will have continued to promote in ASHA communication vehicles ASHA policy documents, reports, and other resources that facilitate obtaining knowledge and skill sets that are available for use by members and personnel preparation programs.

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

Strategies

  1. By December 31, 2007, the Academic Affairs team will have examined data available through HES on educational specialty tracks (e.g., bilingualism, augmentative and alternative communication, literacy, pediatric, adults) that academic programs self identify as offering.
  2. By December 31, 2007, the Academic Affairs team in collaboration with the Professional Practices and SIDIL units will have reviewed extant data from ASHA sources (e.g., HES, practice analyses) and report on emerging areas of practice.

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

Strategy

  1. By December 31, 2007, the Council for Clinical Specialty Recognition (CCSR) will have continued its study on the need to change the Clinical Specialty Recognition program from being a grassroots driven program to one where specialty areas are determined by ASHA/special interest divisions.

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.

Strategy

  1. By December 31, 2007, the Special Interest Division and International Liaison unit will review and share information from the International Survey with appropriate Association Committees and National Office units.

Issue E: Facilitating Team Leader: Lemmie McNeilly, Chief Staff Officer for Speech-Language Pathology

Issue E—Increased international exchange 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

  1. By December 31, 2007, the AUD and SLP units will have continued to promote and disseminate descriptions of ASHA programs, services, and resources to members and external audiences, including international members, via Web material, journal publications, media interviews, Access Audiology, Access SLP Health Care, Access Schools, Access Academics & Research, The ASHA Leader articles, presentations, etc
  2. By December 31, 2007, ASHA Professional Development in collaboration with the AUD and SLP units will have hosted the 2007 Audiology Conference, Schools Conference, Health Care conference, and other professional development events to disseminate information important to the services and resources that are available to ASHA members for treating patients and clients from different culturally and ethnically diverse populations.
  3. By December 31, 2007, the SIDIL unit will have worked with the special interest divisions to promote the value-added benefit of belonging to the special interest divisions to both ASHA members, who are not division affiliates, as well as international affiliate members.

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

Strategies

  1. By December 31, 2007, GRPP in collaboration with the Professional Practices units will have disseminated advocacy resources on telepractice (DVD, brochure, policy documents) to advocate with federal and state agencies and other national and state organizations to promote recognition of and reimbursement for the use of telepractice.
  2. By December 31, 2007, the State Advocacy team 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. By December 31, 2007, a staff member from GRPP will attend the 2007 Telehealth Leadership Conference and a staff member from the Professional Practices units will have disseminated materials at the 2007 American Telemedicine Association annual meeting.
  4. By December 31, 2007, the GRPP unit will have worked with Congress and federal and state agencies to have the speech-language pathology and audiology professions recognized as reimbursable specialties in the area of telehealth/telepractice.
  5. By December 31, 2007, the Academic Affairs team will have promoted the availability of ASHA resources to all academic programs in CSD to foster acquisition of knowledge and skills in the area of telehealth/telepractices.

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

Strategies

  1. By November 15, 2007, the Director, Convention and Meetings unit will have promoted the 2007 ASHA Convention to the international community.
  2. By December 31, 2007, the Professional Practices and SIDIL units will have prepared and posted on the ASHA Web site a list of international meetings related to CSD and related areas that will be held in North America.
  3. By December 31, 2007, the Publications team will have invited an international author to write a review of 'science' in that field from an international perspective for publication in The ASHA Leader.
  4. By December 31, 2007, the Chief Staff Officer for Speech-Language Pathology will have communicated with professionals from at least three different nations regarding professional information in CSD.
  5. By December 31, 2007, the AUD unit will contribute content for the 2007-2008 International Society of Audiology meeting.
  6. By December 31, 2007, the SIDIL unit will have worked with the special interest divisions to conduct and/or contribute to conferences and professional development programs and resources that are accessible to international audiences.
  7. By December 31, 2007, the Membership team will have worked with other National Office units and ASHA leadership to identify strategies aimed at restructuring the international membership category to include more regular membership benefits to ASHA's international colleagues.
  8. By December 31, 2007, the Publications team will have continued coverage of international experiences of ASHA members.

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

Strategies

  1. By April 1, 2007, the SIDIL, Convention and Meetings, Academic Affairs, and the Scientific and Research Development units will have planned special activities for the 2007 ASHA Convention related to international issues and for convention participants from other countries.
  2. By September 1, 2007, the Chief Staff Officer for Speech-Language Pathology in collaboration with the International Issues Board will have developed a plan for reviewing information related to CSD worldwide.
  3. By December 31, 2007, Chief Staff Officer for Speech-Language Pathology representing ASHA as a member of the international governance on terminology group will have developed a recommended strategic plan related to universal terminology for discussion with the Executive Board.
  4. By December 31, 2007, OMA and the SIDIL unit will update and maintain resources to provide technical assistance re: international service delivery, opportunities in other countries, etc.

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

Strategy

  1. By December 31, 2007, the Chief Staff Officer for Speech-Language Pathology in collaboration with the International Issues Board will have developed recommendations for joint international conferences.

Issue F: Facilitating Team Leader: Vic Gladstone, Chief Staff Officer for Audiology

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 certification and accreditation standards within the United States.

Strategies

  1. By December 31, 2007, the State Advocacy team will have disseminated information on states that have licensure/certification reciprocity for holders of ASHA's Certificates of Clinical Competence.
  2. By December 31, 2007, the State Advocacy team, AACEIU, and Health Care Advocacy team will have disseminated a list of state and federal programs and agencies that recognize or use the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence and/or accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) within the program or agency.
  3. By December 31, 2007, the State Advocacy team will have promoted use of salary supplements for speech-language pathologists and audiologists employed in education and health settings who have the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence.
  4. By December 31, 2007, AACEIU in collaboration with other National Office units will have initiated implementation of the credentialing communication plan to promote the ASHA credentials to appropriate target audiences.

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

Strategies

  1. By December 31, 2007, the Certification Administration team will have provided information on implementation of the quadrilateral mutual recognition agreement including the processes for meeting ASHA standards under the agreement.
  2. By December 31, 2007, the Certification Administration team will have disseminated information to promote the quadrilateral mutual recognition agreement among ASHA members.
  3. By December 31, 2007, the Certification Administration team will have developed an FAQ related to individuals applying for and meeting professional standards under the quadrilateral mutual recognition agreement.

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

Strategies

  1. By December 31, 2007, the Credentialing team will have collected from countries that request to participate in a recognition agreement related to registration/credentialing of professionals detailed information on the educational requirements, registration/credential standards, and related processes to determine the feasibility of establishing such an agreement.
  2. By December 31, 2007, the Special Interest Division and International Liaison unit will review and share information from the International Survey with appropriate Association Committees and National Office units.
  3. By December 31, 2007, the Credentialing team will have developed an FAQ related to other national organizations applying for and meeting professional standards for mutual recognition.

Issue G: Facilitating Team Leader: Arlene Pietranton, Executive Director

Issue G—Understanding and recognition of cultural, linguistic, and political differences worldwide will facilitate 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.

Strategy

  1. By December 31, 2007, the Special Interest Division and International Liaison unit will review and share information from the International Survey with appropriate Association committees and National Office units.

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.

Strategy

  1. By December 31, 2007, the Special Interest Division and International Liaison unit will review and share information from the International Survey with appropriate Association committees and National Office units.


This page was updated on: 3/16/2007.

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