The ASHA Leader - April 2013 - (Page 65)

S TAT E S P O T L I G H T New York State Speech-LanguageHearing Association WEBSITE: www.nysslha.org ESTABLISHED: 1960 MEMBERS: 1,800 CONTACT: Kathy Febraio, executive director, kfebraio@nysslha.org TWITTER: NYSSLHA FACEBOOK: New York State Speech Language-Hearing Assoc How are you making a difference in your members’ professional lives? NYSSLHA’s mission is to empower members to serve individuals with hearing, communication and related disorders through best practices, professional development and advocacy. Our advocacy agenda, which represents the interests of more than 17,000 licensed speech-language pathologists and audiologists in New York state, is a critical component in achieving our mission. Our advocacy is guided by these principles: access to the highest qualified provider; access to care; a free, appropriate public education; and consumer protection. NYSSLHA members educate New York’s Department of Health, Education Department, licensure board and the Department of State, among others, on the impact of New York’s statutory and regulatory environments on our members and their ability to provide services to those with communication disorders. In addition, our annual convention provides a diverse opportunity for the professional development of New York’s SLPs, audiologists and students. Over three days, we offer more than 40 sessions on a wide variety of audiology and speechlanguage pathology topics. What is the most significant challenge, unique circumstance or pressing frustration facing communication sciences and disorder professionals in your state today? The fiscal pressures facing our state, city and local governments have put increasing pressure on our representatives to cut funding for critical programs that serve individuals with communication disorders, and it is happening across all sectors: early intervention, special education for preschool and school-age children, Medicaid and Medicare, and support for public universities training the next generation of professionals. At the same time, ever-increasing requirements for administrative functions result in less time to provide services and more outside control over how we perform our jobs. Besides the consistent legislative advocacy due to the dire state and national economic situations, we are constantly trying to find ways to increase membership. The majority of the nonmembers indicate that their state association is last on the priority list for professional affiliation, as ASHA, AAA and other associations come first, and personal budgets are an issue. We need to work together so audiologists and SLPs can join state associations— who represent them in many critical ways—by helping them realize the difference we make in protecting their professional salaries and employment sectors. plan that will serve our association for the next three to five years. It includes five goals to protect and advance the profession: • Membership service and satisfaction. • Advocacy and the voice of the professions. • Professional development. • Professional and public awareness. • Association strength and leadership. We believe it is critical for the organization to address the ongoing changes in health care and education that will affect the professions for many years to come. What is your association’s most recent proudest accomplishment? The NYSSLHA board of directors recently adopted a strategic Kim Tillery, PhD, CCC-A, NYSSLHA president What should every communication sciences and disorders professional in your state know about the association? NYSSLHA’s first president, Henry Youngerman, dedicated his time and leadership in the development of our association. When an audiologist or SLP would ask what he or she could do for the profession, Dr. Youngerman would respond, “Join your state association.” His prophetic statement about membership is the forefront of NYSSLHA’s existence. Today, the work of NYSSLHA affects the 17,000 professionals working in the state of New York and countless students preparing to enter the professions. We ask that you join us in our mission to empower members to serve individuals with hearing, communication and related disorders. Kathy Febraio, NYSSLHA executive director IT’S AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH I W W W. AUTISM-SOCIE T Y.ORG 65 http://www.nysslha.org http://WWW.AUTISM-SOCIETY.ORG

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The ASHA Leader - April 2013

The ASHA Leader - April 2013
Contents
Inbox
From the President
News in Brief
Blogjam
People
In the Limelight
Overheard
Policy Analysis
At a Glance
On the Job
Bottom Line: Who Pays for Autism and Communication Skills Services for Young Adults?
Make It Work: Dominate Your IEP Data
School Matters: Opt for Affordable, Low-Tech Intervention With Resonance Disorders
Academic Edge: Are New York State CSD Programs Ready for Autism? Is Anyone?
On the Pulse: No Teeth, No Dentures: Is a Regular Diet Possible?
App-titude: Apps for High Schoolers With Autism
From the Journals
Spectrum of Opportunities
Facing Up to ASDs
After Commencement, Clarity
ASHA Elections
Speaking of Associates
ASHA News
State Spotlight
American Speech-Language- Hearing Foundation
Careers/Classifieds
Posted
First Person on the Last Page

The ASHA Leader - April 2013