Adequate Workspace in Schools

Advocacy takes place in many ways, including self-advocacy, so thank you for raising your voice over the substantial challenges of maintaining adequate workspace and quality learning environments for audiologists and SLPs in schools. This is an issue that should not be an issue, as it reflects basic necessities for practicing in schools. We hear you, and we share your disappointment and frustration that these workspace condition issues persist in many schools.

While school administrators typically are the decisionmakers in allocating workspace, and we have no direct influence over them as we are not a union, we will continue to support efforts by members at the local level to advocate for change by updating resources and supports that will help administrators and principals understand the negative impact of inadequate working conditions on clinicians and students. When we engage locally, with partners and allies, sharing information, we greatly increase our chances of success.

Further, in the coming weeks, ASHA will work on the following activities to elevate support of members in advocating for adequate workspace in schools:

ASHA will develop a new advocacy resource with talking points for SLPs to engage school administrators on the importance of providing adequate workspace.
ASHA will share this resource with other relevant organizations, including the American Association of School Administrators, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the National Education Association, and the American Federation of Teachers. 
ASHA will also query volunteer leaders on relevant boards, committees, and advocacy networks, as well as affiliated state associations, about any potential violations of federal mandates that ensure a high-quality learning environment. This information will be used to determine any additional advocacy activities as warranted.

We will continue to share information on these new advocacy resources through ASHA Now and the ASHA website.