Advocacy in the field of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) is crucial for shaping policies that impact practitioners and clients alike. By understanding the importance of involvement, staying informed about key issues, and overcoming misconceptions, students can significantly contribute to ongoing advocacy efforts within the CSD community. National NSSLHA hosts two Student Advocacy Days each year, providing a platform for students to unite and voice their concerns on pressing issues.
This fall, National NSSLHA will advocate for lawmakers to support the Student Loan Interest Elimination Act (H.R. 4986/S. 2557) [PDF] on October 24. Be sure to get involved and learn more about how you can participate!
In this video, Chanel Hudson and Arynn Byrd share their insights on advocacy in the CSD field.
Chanel Hudson is an Audiology student at the University at Buffalo and serves as the National NSSLHA Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP).
Arynn Byrd is a school-based Speech-Language Pathologist and the Chair of the ASHA GAPP Board.
Their experiences and perspectives highlight the importance of advocacy and the impact students can have in shaping policies that affect their future careers. Watch and learn below:
Gain insights into advocacy in the field of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) and learn how you can get involved. Here are the top five takeaways that highlight the importance of involvement and awareness in advocacy efforts:
1. Personal Journeys Matter
Arynn Byrd shares her journey into advocacy, emphasizing how her experiences in Washington, D.C. illuminated the gap between policymakers and practitioners. Her story underscores the importance of having professionals with firsthand experience at the decision-making table, which ultimately shapes effective policies for the field.
2. Key Policy Issues
The discussion identifies critical policy challenges the ASHA GAPP board is currently focused on, including workforce issues, reimbursement for services, and collaboration with other healthcare professions. Understanding these issues helps practitioners grasp the landscape of advocacy and recognize where they can contribute.
3. Getting Involved is Essential
Both Chanel and Arynn stress that students and professionals can easily engage in advocacy. Starting with local and state associations can create a significant impact. Engaging with resources from organizations like ASHA allows individuals to stay informed and take action on important issues that affect their practice and clients.
4. Overcoming Misconceptions
A common misconception about advocacy is that it is a quick process. Arynn highlights that advocacy requires persistence and multiple touchpoints to see results. It is important for professionals to remain patient and committed, as lasting change often takes time. The federal legislation process can be complex and lengthy, and understanding its intricacies can help you to be a more effective advocate. Resources like this clear visual representation of how federal legislation works can be extremely helpful in navigating the process.
5. Advocacy is Already Part of the Profession
Advocacy is inherent in the roles of speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Whether advocating for clients or navigating policy issues, professionals already possess the skills needed to advocate effectively. Recognizing this can empower individuals to extend their advocacy efforts beyond their immediate environment to the broader field.