Issue

By: Angela Kennedy, SLPD, CCC-SLP, Vice President for Educational and Scientific Affairs

The TSHA 2023 Convention was held in Austin, Texas, on February 23-25. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists from across the state came together to amplify their education, voices at the Capitol, and our professions as a whole. Learn more about all that happened in Austin and how it was all made possible.

The Call for Papers for the 2024 TSHA Annual Convention and Exhibition opens on June 5 and closes on July 17. 

By: Mendi Lancaster, MS, CCC-SLP, ASHA State Advocate of Medicare Policy

This is an introduction to our TSHA president-appointed ASHA advocacy networks. The ASHA State Advocate of Medicare Policy (StAMP) is described in depth as to the purpose, value, resources, and work that goes in at the StAMP member level and ASHA representative level. Finally, a brief description of how many Medicare beneficiaries we have in the state of Texas along with the importance of understanding the policies and regulations are discussed. 

By: Whitney Dittman, MS, CCC-SLP, TSHA SEAL

The Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) State Education Advocacy Leader (SEAL) is Whitney Dittman. The main purpose of the SEAL position is to support public school speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists in the areas of advocacy, leadership, and clinical management skills, with an end goal of influencing administrative and public policy decisions that affect SLP services in the school setting. This is accomplished by networking with other state SEALs at monthly meetings as well as with state leaders at the district and state levels. Additionally, the SEAL serves as a resource for fellow audiologists, SLPs, and other educational personnel on local, state, and national issues. 

By: Caitlin Perryman, MS, CCC-SLP, TSHA STAR

The current position of the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) State Advocate for Reimbursement (STAR) is held by Caitlin Perryman, MS, CCC-SLP. The STAR represents Texas SLPs in a group that consists of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)-member audiologists and speech-language pathologists who advocate locally with legislators, state insurance commissioners, health plans, unions, and employers on matters related to Medicaid and private health plan reimbursement.

By: TSHA State Office

The Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) is excited to announce the launch of our freshly updated website, a game-changer for members, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists across the state. The new txsha.org boasts a vibrant, modern design, user-friendly navigation, and a wealth of valuable resources organized to be more convenient to find.

By: Emily Gruver, BS, BA, TSHA Graduate Student Representative

Politics can be divisive, leading to disagreements and strained relationships. Students in speech-language pathology and audiology are in those fields because they want to help others, regardless of their clients’ and patients’ political views. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists, however, cannot help others without jobs, salaries, resources, and support from legislation. This is where politics comes in.

By: Naomi A. Hernandez, MA, CCC-SLP, and Casey L. Taliancich-Klinger, PhD, CCC-SLP, Scholarship Committee Co-Chairs

The Convention Scholarship Committee reviewed applications to award Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) members and student members with scholarships to attend the TSHA 2023 Convention. The member recipients were Lauren Greer, Myriah James, Heidi Hasfjord, Cesar Jaquez, and Lorraine Moreno. The student recipients were Vivian Stevens, Edith Martinez, Natalie Duque, Madison Olney, Hira Uddin, Jacob Cheek, Jackie Minyard, and Darcy Guerrero. Several recipients wrote about their experiences for the Communicologist. 

By: Gina Glover, MS, CCC-SLP, Honors and Awards Chair

At the recent Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) Convention, the 2023 Honors and Awards recipients were recognized at the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation (TSHF) annual breakfast event. This year’s recipients are an outstanding group of individuals who have volunteered their time and efforts to help TSHA, members of our professions, and the clients and families we serve.

By: Carmen Vitton, MS, CCC-SLP, TSHA Business Management Committee Member.

Do you know how hungry your organization is for identification of or tolerance for risk? “Appetite” refers to the level of risk an organization is willing to accept in pursuit of its business objectives before action is deemed necessary. “Tolerance” is the acceptable level of variation in performance related to achieving a company’s business objectives. Risk management is a structured process for identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing legal and regulatory risks that could negatively impact the organization. It allows the organization to focus essential resources on the most significant risks and areas lacking adequate compliance controls.