We can’t believe another BHSM has almost come and gone! Take a peek at what NSSLHA’s amazing 2018-19 Chapter Honors awardees did to celebrate:
Hearing Protection
The University of Massachusetts, Amherst, chapter organized a Hearing Conservation program during the university’s spring concert. Through a university grant, they purchased and handed out hearing protection to concert attendees, while simultaneously educating them on the dangers noise exposure has on their hearing.
Led by one of their audiology professors, the Marquette University chapter held free hearing screenings for students, faculty, and staff in their campus library. CSD student volunteers were trained in basic hearing tests before the event, which was advertised through flyers throughout campus.
Members of the Seton Hall University chapter handed out free ear plugs to students on campus with a written note about hearing loss, held free hearing screenings, and put together goodie bags—with cough drops, water bottles, and tips-and-tricks to avoid vocal abuse—for teachers at their school placements.
The University of Northern Iowa chapter created and distributed “study buddies” for students on campus. Labeled, “Take a Brain Break,” water bottles provided a reminder to students to let their brains rest during study sessions and earplugs let them know they should protect their ears from loud noises.
CSD Awareness
During their “CSD Takes on Elmhurst” initiative, the Elmhurst College chapter raised awareness of the professions on campus and in their local community by posting flyers and posters about a range of CSD-related topics (healthy vocal techniques, minimizing preventable hearing loss, etc.). They hope the initiative continues throughout the years and builds a stronger community.
The San Diego State University chapter partnered with their department to host their 5th Annual Speech-Language-Hearing Awareness and Information Day. Their keynote speaker, Dr. Julius Fridriksson (a professor of speech, language, and hearing sciences at the University of South Carolina), discussed his research using electrical brain stimulation to help treat Aphasia; followed by an interactive discussion panel.
With a goal of reaching 200 students in a 4-hour period, The Pennsylvania State University, chapter set up an info booth at their main union building during the busiest time of day. They engaged students with speech and hearing trivia, and gave out BHSM pencils, highlighters, and earplugs as prizes.
Teaming up with the university’s SAA chapter, the University of Iowa chapter hosted a table on campus to promote safe hearing and vocal health to students and faculty. To reach an even larger audience, they did an Instagram takeover to show a day-in-the-life of an SLP grad student clinician.
During East Carolina University’s spring involvement fair, Barefoot on the Mall, the chapter set up a table to promote the CSD field, as well as provide BHSM resources, ear plugs for hearing protection, and giveaways. They also encouraged chapter members to use ASHA’s free BHSM social media profile pictures and cover photos during May to spread awareness to friends and family.
The University of North Carolina, Greensboro,chapter hosted a table—sharing informational flyers and videos—in their department’s building to bring awareness of vocal hygiene to students and faculty.
Getting Social
Along with the Mercy College CSD department, this chapter hosted their annual BHSM celebration. Clients of the speech and hearing clinic and their student clinicians created posters to show what therapy they’ve been addressing. Each client’s achievements were announced, and prizes were awarded. With more than 50 attendees annually, this celebration is an exciting way to acknowledge clients’ progress.
Since many students are out of session in May, the Vanderbilt University chapter took their BHSM initiatives country-wide! They encouraged members to post on Instagram about BHSM and the professions, posted promotional flyers around campus and in the Vanderbilt hospital, and sent letters to their legislators to advocate for the professions.
The University of the District of Columbia chapter shared info about CSD-related topics and the professions through their Instagram account, and provided activity bags—including expressive and reception communication activities and resources for parents—to children at local daycares and preschools.
Fundraising
The New York University chapter participated in a Virtual 5K to raise money for FRIENDS—a national support group for young people who stutter. Participants ran, walked, and swam the 5K in their local area, then posted photo proof to the chapter’s Facebook page. This event not only allowed them to raise money for FRIENDS, but provided an opportunity to raise CSD awareness in communities across the country.
The Portland State University chapter held a silent auction at the Helium Comedy Club; not only raising money for student scholarships, but also taking a breather from school to listen to great local comics.
The East Stroudsburg University chapter hosted student presenters who shared info about various topics related to this year’s BHSM theme, Communication Across the Lifespan. They also had a booth set up outside of their clinic to promote audiological awareness. Earplugs were sold for 50 cents to fundraise for Shriners Children’s Hospital to benefit cleft lip and palate surgeries.
How did you and your chapters participate in BHSM this year??