Public Policy Agenda - 2021 - 3

The term watershed is defined as an event or period
that is important because it represents a big change
in how people do or think about something.

Without a doubt, the events of 2020 precipitated a watershed era. The global
pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) radically changed the way
we interact, communicate, and work-as well as how we think about public
health. The protests in the wake of George Floyd's murder radically changed
the way we collectively think about race, disparities, equity, and our nation's past.
A weakened economy coupled with hardened political polarization created a
period of notable uncertainty and difficulty for the foreseeable future.
Audiologists and speech-language pathologists have been profoundly impacted
in numerous ways during this watershed year. The pandemic rapidly boosted
the necessary utilization of telepractice in nearly all work settings. The highly
contagious nature of COVID-19 highlighted the critical need for adequate and
appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to continue in-person services
when required or necessary. A growing national shift to distance learning models
in schools presented an array of challenges to ensure that special education
services are continued as mandated under federal law. A contraction of the
economy precipitated furloughs, pay cuts, and job losses. And the renewed
national dialogue on racism and inequity raised difficult but necessary questions
about professional cultural responsiveness.
Advocacy by and for audiologists and speech-language pathologists remains
critical during this watershed era. The 2021 Public Policy Agenda establishes
a number of priorities aimed at ensuring that the value of the professions is
adequately reflected in rapidly evolving laws, regulations, and payment policies.
The Agenda also reflects ASHA's ongoing commitment to patients, clients,
and students; evidence-based practice and outcomes; public health;
the highest standards of professional ethics; a diverse professional workforce;
and nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, gender, sexual
orientation, age, or disability.
ASHA looks forward to working collaboratively with lawmakers, policymakers,
decision makers, and allied stakeholders to advance the public policy priorities
in the 2021 Public Policy Agenda.
CONTAC T
Jeffrey P. Regan, MA
Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy
jregan@asha.org

ASHA 2021 Public Policy Agenda | 3
Public Policy Agenda - 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Public Policy Agenda - 2021
