The presidential election is at the top of everyone’s minds today. But don’t forget that letting your voice be heard isn’t just a one-day affair.
As future audiologists and speech-language pathologists, you’re going to spend much of your time being an advocate—for you, for your clients, for their care, and for the treatments you propose. Because you’re entering a profession that can be affected by decisions made by your state and federal legislators, your voice is an important part of the future of the professions. Not just today . . . but every day.
Check out 3 of our top advocacy-related posts to keep the momentum going!
Why Taking a Healthcare Law and Policy Course Will Make Me a Stronger SLP
Natalie Sfeir, National NSSLHA’s 2019-2021 Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy, shares her experience going outside of the CSD-bubble to learn how to become a better advocate . . .
“I’m incredibly interested in how we, as future professionals, can advocate for our professions and impact future policy. I was thrilled—yet equally nervous—when I found a Healthcare Law and Policy course taught at my university’s business school. This was my chance to explore healthcare through a different lens, while simultaneously feeding my desire to learn more about becoming a better advocate—for me and my future clients.”
The Power of Student Advocacy
In 1962, Indiana required all children with a hearing loss greater than 80dB to be institutionalized. But one mother knew her child with hearing loss could succeed in mainstream education with the correct tools. Encouraged by a Purdue University professor, she collaborated with other parents to advocate for services for children with hearing impairments. In 1971, they created Hear Indiana—an organization whose goal is to empower and support families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
To this day, the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at Purdue University strives to make advocacy a way of life. Check out how they developed a Student Advocacy Council and engage students in advocating for the professions. Then read their tips to start your own Student Advocacy Council on campus.
How Will You Pay for Your Degree?
Do you receive assistance from federal loans, scholarships, Pell Grands, or Stafford loans to help with the costs of your CSD, audiology, or speech-language pathology degree? What if those opportunities disappeared? Legislators continue to talk about reducing or capping financial assistance to colleges and universities that provide financial assistance. Check out what this means and why you should “give a hoot!”