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Since Dec. 1, 2005, I have been requesting Emeritus Membership status and my last effort has been to contact ASHA's Legislative Council. The following is a synopsis of my letter:
My Certificate of Clinical Competence is dated Jan. 1, 1975. I have been a consecutive certificate holder for 30 years and have worked in my profession since September 1972. I retired in June 2004 at age 55. Although I do have more than 25 consecutive years as a certificate holder, my problem is that I am not 65 years of age, so I do not fit neatly into ASHA's criteria.
I find the age requirement arbitrary, out of step with school retirees, and discriminatory. Why is someone 65 years of age with only 25 years of consecutively holding a certificate more entitled to Emeritus Status than someone 56 years of age with over 30 years of consecutively holding a certificate? ASHA's policy indicates a lack of knowledge and support for those of us who worked in the public schools, since we are able to retire with our pension at age 55. Other professional organizations from the New York State United Teachers Union to New York's state licensure board recognize the status of this situation.
Thank you for publishing this letter in The ASHA Leader. In closing, how would you feel after 30 years of consecutive membership?
Mary Payne McCarthy
Auburn, NY
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