The Benefits of Membership

by Denise Stats-Caldwell | Posted on

Decorative image with callouts indicating benefits of membership The Benefits of ArSHA Membership

ArSHA is the Arizona Speech-Language-Hearing Association. It is the professional association of more than 500 audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech-language pathology assistants in Arizona. We advocate at the state level and are involved at the national level, too, through our STAR and StAMP representatives.

Our goal is for Arizona to be a state where everyone can communicate to their full potential. We empower Arizona’s speech, language, and hearing professionals through advocacy, leadership, and professional development to best serve those with communication and related disorders. However, we can’t do this without you. Our goals must be supported by the volunteer hours provided by ArSHA members, including those of our executive board. ArSHA’s executive board members are not paid. Most of them hold their own full-time jobs in addition to their ArSHA involvement. ArSHA also requires financial resources to meet our goals. We are exceptionally budget-minded, but require funding for such things as a state lobbyist. Did you know: in 2021, ArSHA played a pivotal role with involved others in the passing of two Arizona state bills – SB 1458 (expanded definition of direct supervision of SLPAs to include telesupervision) and HB 2425 (telehealth is now legally a permanent part of our state licensure). Those are just a couple of examples of your ArSHA dollars at work! Here are some other benefits of membership:

Advocacy:

  • Strength in numbers – The more members, the louder our voice will be!
    • Audiology + SLP + SLPA members together = stronger impact at legislative level
  • Lobbyists to advocate and monitor at the state legislature and licensing board
  • Committee and task forces to work with state organizations to promote our professions
  • Website, email communication, and social media presence with alerts and information
  • ArSHA has been directly involved in the following at a legislative level:
    • ability to provide teletherapy services with equitable reimbursement in our licensure
    • streamlining of licensure process to make it easier for SLPs and AuDs to move into the state and begin working quickly to meet our huge need for providers
    • supporting and educating DDD members and their families on AAC evaluations and access to devices during the recent funding changes
    • Advocacy effort with support from ASHA that resulted in AHCCCS not allowing or paying for communication evaluations by BCBAs

Professional Development:

  • Annual CE opportunities – discounted and free!
    • Discounts to annual convention
    • Free seminars, town halls, and webinars

But wait!  There’s more:

  • Liaison with ASHA
  • Forum for ethical concerns to be addressed
  • Awards and Honors given to nominated members
  • Vote for the ArSHA board
  • Networking and employment opportunities
  • Social opportunities
  • Opportunities to participate in leadership and Association governance
  • Opportunities to mentor students and other professionals

Join ArSHA today!