ASHA 2020: Stronger Together

2020 was a year unlike anything we’ve seen before. From quickly pivoting to telehealth services, to serving on the frontlines of the pandemic, to reflecting on, and working to address racial inequities and their impact on our professions, ASHA members have stepped up to meet incredible challenges.

Throughout this year we have been reminded time and again that we are truly stronger together. Here are just some of the ways ASHA has worked to support members this year.

COVID-Related Supports

Created an ASHA website in response to COVID-19, helping members quickly gather critical information, including the quick shift to telepractice.
Developed comprehensive state-by state COVID-19 tracking resources for laws and regulations for telepractice.
Provided the ASHA Learning Pass free to all ASHA members this past spring in order to provide access to desperately needed information as the landscape of service delivery rapidly changed.
Produced a topic-based collection of Leader articles on COVID content and resources and an article series on COVID effects across members’ work settings.
Hosted member townhall events focused on service delivery in Schools and Health Care during the pandemic.

COVID-Related Advocacy

Achieved temporary coverage of many services provided via telehealth via Medicaid, Medicare, and private health plans. 
Engaged state Medicaid programs and private health plans on the issue of telehealth coverage.
Continued to engage Congress around permanent telehealth coverage under Medicare.
Engaged the Department of Education’s Office of Special Education to ensure that telepractice, access to distance learning, and proper use of PPE are fully reflected in policies and guidelines.
Advocated for priority access to approved COVID-19 vaccines for ASHA members in direct contact with patients.

Ongoing Supports

Launched the ASHA Learning Pass, a CE subscription with access to more than 1,000 hours of educational content.
Created the SIGnature Series, a new collection of 35 live and on demand CE courses brought to members by the passionate experts from ASHA’s 19 Special Interest Groups.
Launched a new Career Portal job board offering members a state-of-the-art job search experience.
Contributed to funding and support for more than 2,300 innovators through ASHFoundation’s lifetime investment in the communication sciences.

Ongoing Advocacy

Grew the Interstate Compact, working with state associations in 6 states to support the enactment of the Audiology & Speech-Language Hearing Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC).
Launched a “Fight the Cut” campaign, engaging ASHA members, collaborating with external stakeholders, and participating in over 100 meetings with Members of Congress and staff to fight Medicare cuts. 
Partnered with ASHA volunteer leaders in successfully created 7 new audiology CPT codes, as well as a new code specifically for PPE acquisition.
Engaged in executive level meetings with leaders of the skilled nursing and home health industry to address employment and policy concerns related to PDPM and PDGM.
Redesigned the ASHA Advocacy Take Action microsite to help ASHA members and NSSLHA students contact their elected officials on issues impacting audiology and speech-language pathology.

Increasing Cultural Competency and Diversity in the Professions

Launched That's Unheard Of, a website of information, materials and resources designed to increase members’ cultural competence.
Facilitated two Listening Sessions for over 2,000 registrants to help identify needs and opportunities for systemic change within the association and professions.
Transitioned ASHA’s election process to a hybrid election to better enhance diversity representation along all demographic areas on the Board of Directors as well as continue to position qualified and experienced individuals.
Expanded Minority Student Leadership Program virtual offerings to all applicants to increase access to leadership training for historically underrepresented populations.

Strengthening Awareness of the Professions

Promoted ASHA certification and the work of ASHA-certified members though the Value of the CCCs campaign, continuing to draw interest at levels significantly above industry standards.
Grew the Speaking Up For Communication digital campaign during Better Hearing and Speech month to more than 5,300 participating members; combined, they reached an audience of 3.6 million.
Attracted extensive media coverage with audience reach of millions around timely topics, including clear mask use, stuttering, and hearing protection.

Growing Our Community

Hosted the ASHA Connect 2020 Conferences online, our largest-ever online conference.
Created the Committee of Ambassadors to continue ASHA’s commitment to maintain a representative body of audiologists and speech-language pathologists with a new charge focused on advocacy and outreach.
Recognized ASHA’s Early Career Professionals by relaunching the Distinguished Early Career Professional Certificate.
Graduated 60 future leaders through ASHA’s Leadership Development Program.

How to Get Involved:

As a membership organization, ASHA is shaped by our volunteer leaders and participants. There are many ways to make a difference and make your voice heard.

VOTE! ASHA Board members are selected by the membership at large. 2021 elections are open April 14 through June 2, 2021.
Get involved—join a committee, join a Special Interest Group, volunteer for the ASHFoundation, participate in the ASHA Community discussions, or join your state association.
Spark innovation in the communication sciences and change people's lives through a donation to the ASHFoundation.
Support the ASHA-PAC.
Learn more—go to the Value of ASHA.