Washington Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Washington Speech-Language-Hearing Association (WSLHA) is an organization that promotes professional excellence in speech-language pathology and audiology.
Mission: Empowering our members through collaboration, professional and leadership development, advocacy, and support to provide equitable and inclusive care to our diverse populations.
Vision: A world where communication and an enriched quality of life is achievable for all.
WSLHA is an American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) recognized state association.
WSLHA Student Scholarship Fund
Door Prizes to Support the WSLHA Student Scholarship Fund
The WSHLA Honors and Awards Committee invites you to participate in our door prize event that will be held throughout the duration of the ESD conference. The committee is raising money to fund a Graduate Scholarship that is awarded annually to a graduate student in speech-language pathology or Audiology programs and planning to practice in Washington after graduation. This year we have many exciting items graciously donated by an array of local businesses, several national therapy material companies, and many dedicated WSLHA volunteers.
We have extended the opportunity to buy online tickets to Tuesday, April 23 at 11 PM.
The drawing will be on Wednesday, April 24 at Noon.
Free Registration Drawing for the
2024 ASHA Convention Winner Announced
Congratulations to Sammantha Nixon!
“I grew up in Spokane and have always lived in Washington state. I completed my undergraduate and graduate program in Communication Disorders at Eastern Washington University and began working as a school SLP in the fall of 2001. I spent eight years with Bethel Public Schools on the West side of the state, then moved back home to Eastern Washington, where I am in my 15th year at Spokane Public Schools.
I live with my husband and 2 children just North of Spokane, where we have 17 acres just perfect for our miniature horses, dogs, chickens and ducks. I am an avid supporter and volunteer for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and wish granter for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, both of which are near and dear to my heart as both of my children have CF. I am extremely excited to be able to attend my first ASHA convention in person this December 2024 and appreciate the opportunity extended to me from WSHLA. Thank you!”
Congratulations Samantha, we look forward to meeting you in person at the Convention at our booth in the Exhibit Hall!
Call for Volunteers
WSLHA’s Fuel is Its Members!
As we gear up for the next legislative session, the 2024 ASHA Convention in Seattle, the slate for the 2025 election of board members, CE workshop offerings and the myriad of other projects and tasks on its plate, we want to let you know about the opportunities available for volunteering. All committees are open and seeking new members. In addition, Membership and Nominations committees are looking for chairs. Nominations and the Board work together to develop a slate of nominees for those Board positions that are open for the next year’s election. The membership committee’s role is to serve as a vehicle of support for WSLHA members bringing to the association member concerns as well as providing information and resources for members.
What’s in It for You? Good Question…
A chance to build a network of colleagues to exchange ideas with.
A means of obtaining resources and support to realize your professional goals.
A chance to find a mentor who can help you problem solve issues.
An opportunity to learn about the background work that makes a state professional.
Organizational work
A way to develop your own leadership skills moving into positions of increasing responsibility.
A challenge or many challenges to increase your knowledge, connections, skills, etc. that are limitless!
How Much Time is Involved?
Most committees meet for an hour per month via zoom and average 1-3 hours of time a month depending on the project, or projects involved. A Chair position involves about 3-5 hours a month and a Board position more.
Why Should I Volunteer?
To provide the SLPs in Washington with support for resources, CEU’s, regulatory (DOH) and legislative protection and support, we need the expertise of a business management firm and lobbyist services. And the reality is that membership dues, alone, do not cover the costs of these without Volunteers’ time, energy, ideas, planning and problem-solving skills. That means WSLHA Needs YOU!!!!!
How Do You Get Involved?
Go to the WSLHA website, click on Membership on the navigation bar, click on volunteer opportunities and complete the form. The office manager will forward your inquiry to the Volunteer Coordinator who will contact you to answer your questions, and provide information about the openings that match your interests or skills. The volunteer coordinator will facilitate contact with the committee of your choice.
Bottom line – let’s hear from you!
"More Than Words”
The Hanen Centre Workshop
A WSLHA Membership Benefit
Unfortunately, due to limited registration for the Hanen Centre Workshop scheduled in March, it is rescheduled for the end of June 2024 with WSLHA members able to secure a seat if you register by March 31, 2024.
Partner with Parents to Boost Child Outcomes
Are you an SLP working in early intervention? Do you have autistic children or children who may benefit from social communication support on your caseload?
If you do, you may be interested in joining The Hanen Centre’s Online More Than Words® Workshop on June 24-26, 2024, valued at 2.20 ASHA CEUs!
The More Than Words workshop can maximize the support you offer to autistic children by enhancing a key ingredient for success – parent involvement. You’ll learn how to effectively engage and coach parents so that they can promote their child’s social communication development during everyday activities and interactions. The flexible strategies can be used in 1-to-1 settings, or in a group program setting to meet the needs of your individual caseload.
As part of the Partnership between WSLHA and The Hanen Centre, members of WSLHA have guaranteed access to Hanen’s lowest rate of pricing, $795 per person. Every time a WSLHA member signs up for the workshop, a financial benefit will be provided to WSLHA to support the association’s goals, advocacy, and member activities.
Sign up before March 31, 2024, to secure your space!
To sign up, email office@wslha.org letting us know you would like to join the workshop, and we’ll send you a link where you can register.
Check Out WSLHA’s Research Corner!
WA Universities and students should contact WSLHA to collaborate on any future research opportunities.
*Can be accessed by WSLHA Membership through the Member Portal.
