How can Speech-Language Pathology Students Advocate for the Profession

Speech-language pathology students are the future of our profession and can make a huge impact on legislation before they even receive their CCCs.

How can students get involved with advocacy and start making a difference today? Here are 10 tips to get started:

1. Stay informed: Stay up to date with current legislative issues and debates related to speech-language pathology. This can involve regularly reading news and research articles, attending conferences and workshops, and joining professional organizations that focus on advocacy.

2. Join professional organizations: Join national and state-level professional organizations such as the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and state speech and hearing associations. These organizations have advocacy committees and resources to help students get involved.

3. Educate others: Raise awareness about the importance of speech-language pathology by educating your classmates, professors, and community members about the role of speech-language pathologists and the impact of their work. This can help garner support for legislative change.

4. Reach out to legislators: Contact your local, state, and federal legislators to express your concerns and support for legislative change in the field of speech-language pathology. Write letters, make phone calls, or arrange to meet with them to discuss the issues and potential solutions.

5. Collaborate with other professionals: Work together with occupational therapists, physical therapists, educators, and other professionals who are also advocating for similar changes. Collaborative efforts can have a stronger impact and increase the likelihood of success.

6. Get involved in grassroots campaigns: Participate in grassroots efforts to raise awareness and advocate for change. This can involve attending rallies, organizing local events, or joining advocacy campaigns led by professional organizations or advocacy groups.

7. Share personal stories: Gather and share stories of children and families who have benefited from speech-language pathology services. Personal stories can be powerful tools for raising awareness and promoting legislative change.

8. Build relationships: Develop relationships with policymakers, legislators, and their staff. Attend town hall meetings, committee hearings, or other public events where you can meet and engage with elected officials. Building relationships can help you become a trusted resource and advocate for legislative change.

9. Utilize social media: Utilize various social media platforms to spread information, share resources, and mobilize support for legislative change. Create or join online communities, organize digital campaigns, and use hashtags to amplify your message.

10. Pursue research and evidence-based practice: Conduct research or contribute to evidence-based practice that supports the need for legislative change in speech-language pathology. Publish and present your findings to raise awareness and influence policy decisions.

-Jessica Lenden-Holt

VP of Legislative Affairs

Tennessee Association of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists (TAASLP)