Welcome

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to PSHA’s 52^nd year as an association.  We have achieved many milestones over the years and hope to achieve some new one’s this year too.  As you will see, we already have a busy year planned for us.

On July 1, newly elected members assumed Executive Board positions while others rotated off the Board.  I would like to recognize all of our Board members for their dedicated voluntary service to our Association, especially out-going members: Craig Coleman, Anne Gilbertson and Jill Schager.  A special note of appreciation and congratulations goes to David Stein our Past President who accepted an appointment to the state’s licensure board. I would also like to welcome our newly elected Executive Board members: Karen Stein (President-Elect), Matt Ford (Treasurer) and Jenna Dunmire (Student Representative).  Last year’s President Char Molrine, remains on the Board and transitioned to the office of Past President where she will continue to provide us leadership and mentoring support.  As in past years, we continue to have a strong and energetic Executive Board and we look forward to working for you.   

As you enjoy the summer, rest assured that your association is busy working on numerous initiatives.  Efforts to update our licensure act continue to move forward.  Recently PSHA and other stakeholders presented testimony in Harrisburg on House Bill 1653, known as the Speech, Language and Hearing Licensure Act.  Testimony was given outlining the importance of updating many aspects of our current act, such as providing clinical services within an updated scope of practice that is consistent with national standards; ensuring universal licensure for SLPs in all settings; and workload concerns.  Additional issues were offered by other stakeholders, and as with most things in life, reasonable compromise will undoubtedly be needed to move this bill forward.

In addition to licensure, we have task forces in-place addressing issues related to Early Intervention, Audiology, Dysphagia, SLP Assistants, Schools, and Health Care.  Many of you are part of these task forces and I applaud your active participation within the association.

Along with our initiatives, we are also preparing for our annual convention in Pittsburgh, April 6-9, 2011.  We will once again be offering a reasonably priced high quality convention with excellent presenters.  Save the date and make plans to join us, reacquaint with old friends and enjoy the City of Champions.  We look forward to seeing you there!

We are also fortunate this year to have ASHA’s Annual Convention in Philadelphia.  Many of our members are on planning committees and will be presenting.  PSHA will be hosting a PA Open House and be actively involved in sessions for the Council of State Speech-Language-Hearing Association Presidents and for the Pennsylvania Accredited Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders to name a few.

ASHA’s Convention theme this year is Leadership into New Frontiers and as you see, PSHA is busy year-round providing leadership, professional support and advocacy for both professionals in communication sciences and disorders and the individuals we serve.  If you are a member I thank you for your support, if not, consider joining us as PSHA also moves forward towards New Frontiers!