The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), U.S. Department of Education (ED), has clarified a number of issues of importance to ASHA members who work in school settings. This will further aid members in the interpretation of the 2006 IDEA Part B final regulations that implement changes in the newly reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004). This is in response to ASHA's November 2, 2006 letter to the U.S. Department of Education seeking clarification on the following topics:

The Maryland legislature unanimously approved SB340 and HB326 which require Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists to hold state licensure regardless of practice setting. The bills have not yet been signed by Governor O’Malley. ASHA strongly supports efforts by states to update their practice acts to reflect this emerging trend.  Currently, 12 states require school practitioners to comply with state licensure requirements and other states are pursuing similar legislation during the 2007 legislative sessions.  

The ASHA Legislative Council (LC) just finished their successful spring meeting held March 23-25, 2007 in Bethesda, MD. A special thank you goes to Julie Noel, Speaker of the Council and the Legislative Council Governing Board (LCGB) who planned the meeting. During its meeting, the Legislative Council adopted a new ASHA governance structure and process. The new governance model provides designated representation for audiologists and speech-language pathologists on a new Board of Directors and establishes an Audiology Advisory Council and a Speech-Language Pathology Advisory Council that will include 53 members in each Council. You will be hearing more about this change that will have an impact on ASHA’s future and how you can get involved. After the LC meeting, the Executive Board (EB) held a meeting. Following is a summary of the meeting.  Please let me know if you have any comments or questions. Have a great spring!!

Interested in raising money for a good cause?  Then mark your calendars for this important event!  This is a Sertoma Fundraiser.  The Sertoma Club raises money to support speech and hearing clinics with a special interest in children.  The Ear Foundation is one of our main contributors.

The Minority Student Leadership Program (http://www.asha.org/students/mslp.htm)  is open to students who wish to enhance their leadership skills, interact with leaders in the professions, and learn how their association works. Now in its 9th year, this program has given over 250 students from racial/ethnic minority backgrounds insight into their leadership abilities, a better understanding of how leaders affect change within ASHA, and has empowered these students to take risks and meet their own challenges. All students are eligible to apply; however, preference will be given to students from racial/ethnic minority backgrounds that have historically been under-represented in the Association. Visit MSLP FAQ’s  for more information and to download an application packet.

President’s Message

On behalf of the ArSHA Executive Board, I extend hearty greetings for the New Year!  May this year overflow with fulfilling experiences for you.

The 2007 ArSHA Convention Committee is currently accepting nominations for Child of the Year.  The role of the Arizona Child of the Year is to heighten Arizona’s awareness of communication disorders and the work that is being done to improve the lives of those who live with these problems.  The submission deadline is March 15, 2007.  We look forward to receiving your nominations.

Click here to download the contest instructions.
Click here to download the contest entry form.