Blogs

Published in the July 2024 Issue of the ISHA Voice

• Your ISHA Committee of Ambassadors, Amanda Szymanski, audiologist and Tom Parton, SLP, participated in ASHA's Hill Day on May 8 in Washington DC. The Illinois delegation also included ASHA President Tena McNamara, ASHA Past-President Bob Augustine, and SLP Board Member-at-Large Treasyri Williams Wood. This group met with Representative Darin LaHood and Eric Sorensen. They also met with staff members for Representative Nikki Budzinski and Johnathan Jackson. They were able to meet with staff members for Senators Duckworth and Durbin. While meeting with Senator Durbin, they were able to thank him for his support for increased IDEA funding and secured co-sponsorship from Representative Jackson on Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act (H.R. 6445/S. 2377) and Representative Sorensen on the 529 savings account bill (H.R. 1477)! This group also advocated for and supplied information on permanent access to Telehealth services and for States with Interstate Compacts to Have Access to Background Check Determinations.
• ISHA’s Honors Committee is reviewing nomination packets in preparation for submitting the slate of honorees to the executive board.  The committee encourages all members to consider their colleagues and mentors for ISHA Honors. 
• ISHA’s Leadership Development Program is currently reviewing applications for the 2024-2025 cohort, which will begin the upcoming months.
• ISHA’s Ethics Education Committee has formed a sub-committee of members to prepare and finalize a presentation proposal for the 2025 ISHA Convention. 
• ISHA’s Telepractice Committee continues to collect responses from their two surveys:
  • ISHA Membership Survey
  • Illinois University Survey
• ISHA’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Nicole Bing and Dr. Angela Riccelli as committee co-chairs. The DEI Committee is currently refining committee goals and defining a few exciting initiatives for implementation this fall. We are committed to excellence and knowledge around diversity and creating an environment of inclusivity and belonging within our work and learning spaces. We would love for you to join our committee (see Volunteer Form). Be on the lookout for a virtual meeting announcement to discuss goals and develop action items.
• ISHA's Student Involvement Committee is pleased to announce the appointment of Marissa Kile as the new Committee Chair. The Student Involvement Committee is currently reviewing committee goals and action items for the upcoming cycle including student engagement and scholarship opportunities. Are you interested in volunteering on the Student Involvement Committee (see Volunteer Form)?