At Abington Speech Pathology and RemoteSpeech.com, Fall is one of our favorite times of the year! For Educators and Service Providers in Speech-Language Pathology, the Fall season kicks off with various demands, from getting our kids back to school and settled in for the new school year, to developing treatment plans and beyond.
In our role, this time comes with prioritizing the needs of others, as the foundation of everything that we do. At times, this can result in limited time to focus on our personal needs, in our role as professionals.
It is for this reason that we have developed this handy guide with resources for Educators to stay on-track this season. After all, in serving others, we must always ensure that we are in the best place to do just that!
1. ADVOCACY
Whether you are an SLP, service provider, professor, school administrator or in any other role… We are ALL ADVOCATES. Each one of us in our day-to-day interactions advocates on behalf of our loved ones, associates, the industry as a whole and beyond. Further, we serve this role in myriad ways. Nothing makes us better at advocating for others, than being empowered to ensure that our voices are heard.
We have drafted a few links to help get you started, with resources to ensure that your voice is heard on a Federal Level:
Workforce Diversity: Supporting individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, including racial and ethnic minorities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, in entering and completing educational programs will expand the growth of a diverse workforce in the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology.
Access to Educations Services and Supports: Increased federal funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is needed to provide children with disabilities a free appropriate public education.
Older Adult Access to Telehealth Services: Did you know that Medicare does not cover audiology and speech-language pathology services delivered via telehealth?
State Hot Topics: Information and resources for advocating on important issues in the states.
2. INDUSTRY POLICIES:
It is imperative for Educators and service providers to stay abreast of the latest trends pertaining to both Federal and State Policies for compliance and best practices.
Find information on your state related to licensure, regulations, and important contacts. Stay up-to-date on leading subjects, such as:
State Trends- Information on licensing trends, legislative, and regulatory updates across the states.
State Model Bills and Mandates – Language that can be used to craft legislation and links to current state requirements.
Interstate Compact- Information on efforts to develop an interstate compact for audiologists and speech-language pathologists who wish to practice in multiple states.
3. STAY SOCIAL:
Among the leading resources for inspiration and support are our colleagues. Amongst the great diversity in roles within the industry of Speech-Language Pathology, we find a genuine desire to inspire and provide supports to each other behind the common goal of helping others. As such, leading resources and systems for support include online groups, blogs, newsletters, and beyond to gain perspective, pose questions, and gain assurance.
With this in mind, we found a great example of this sentiment illustrated in the “Back-to-School Speech Therapalooza.” The event featured a collaborative Video hosted by representatives from the leading online resources, passing along Free Therapy Ideas and Resources.
A summary of this event, including presenters with links to leading “hot” topics, include:
Carrie Clark of Speech and Language Kids
- How to Declutter and Organize your Speech Therapy Space
- Productivity (Computer) Tools for Speech Therapists
- Free Speech Therapy Games and Materials
- Become a Member of The Speech Therapy Solution Membership Site for Speech Therapists
Jenn Alcorn of Crazy Speech World
Jenna Rayburn of The Speech Room News
- Data Sheet
- Communication Log
- Attendance Sheet
- Learning Targets
- Road Map
- Get to Know You Worksheets
- Preschool SLP Eval Forms
Lauren LaCour of Busy Bee Speech
Luke Barber of Home Speech Home
- 70 Speech Therapy Word Lists
- Free Speech and Language Screeners
- Speech Therapy Test Descriptions
- Google Drive Student Doc (Save a copy of this document, don’t edit directly into Google Docs)
- Articulation Tracking Form
- Bell Curve Chart
- Phonological Process Chart
- Speech Development Chart
- Printable Flashcards for Therapy Practice
- Speech Therapy Apps (Word Vault Pro)
4. EVENTS:
ASHA CONVENTION 2019:
The realm of Speech Pathology is complete with regional events and online communities to foster growth and development. These groups are invaluable for keeping up-to-date with industry trends, requirements for certification, best practices, case studies and beyond. The importance of these efforts are summarized perfectly in the Annual ASHA Convention.
The ASHA Convention is the premier annual professional education event for speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists. Bringing together approximately 15,000 attendees, the Convention provides unparalleled opportunities to hear the latest research and gain new skills and resources to advance your career.
This year’s event is titled “Imagine More”, and will offer a wide array of sessions which draw on our theme, “Imagine More” promising “an innovative, imaginative, and inspiring program” to meet the continuing education needs of communication sciences and disorders professionals. Learn more about this year’s event at the link above, and stay tuned for a comprehensive guide for this year’s convention!
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If you believe that you or your child would benefit from a formal screening from licensed, Speech-Language Pathologist, click here to schedule a complimentary assessment by one of our licensed partners.
