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 and connecting current and future professionals through advocacy, education, and leadership development, to foster equitable, inclusive, and culturally respectful collaboration with our communities.
Vision: An engaged and thriving community empowered to enrich communication and quality of life for all.

WSLHA is an American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) recognized state association.

Join Us for Advocacy Day on February 6th!

Are you frustrated that insurance companies are not reimbursing client sessions at a reasonable rate? Would you like to know more about WSLHA’s efforts to lobby our state legislature to change medical reimbursement? Are you ready to be an agent of change? If so, PLEASE join us for WSLHA Advocacy Day 2025!

Students, SLPAs, Associate Members, SLP CFs, SLPs/AuDs and Life Members: Please join us for this informative and useful webinar presented by WSLHA Lobbyist, Melissa Johnson, JD. We need you all!

Date: February 6th, 2025

Time: 9:00AM - 11:45AM (Note: 15 min break included but cannot earn CEUs for the break duration.)

Presenter: WSLHA Lobbyist, Melissa Johnson, JD

Morning CEU Event: There are three options for viewing the morning event.

Live in-person event located at: Capitol Event Center, ESD 113, 6005 Tyee Dr SW,Tumwater, WA 98512
Watch live event via Zoom
Recording also available two weeks after the live event.

Afternoon Non-CEU Event: this event is to be scheduled by each individual prior to the CEU morning event with their legislative representatives, most likely at the Washington State Capitol Building and Campus, 416 Sid Snyder Ave, SW Olympia, WA 98504.

The Capitol Building has paid visitor parking, ADA parking, EV charging stations and bike racks; General public visitor parking for $2 between 7:00am - 5:00pm view lots and additional information here.

Learn more

To C or Not to C: Making Decisions about Your SLP Licensure and Accreditations in Washington State

Disclosure: WSLHA receives grants and advocacy support from ASHA

Recently, WSLHA has received questions from our SLP community about maintaining ASHA CCCs. As the cost of living is on the rise, many SLPs are looking for ways to cut expenses. ASHA membership or certification is not required to be a member of WSLHA, and we neither endorse nor oppose ASHA membership or certification. While the decision about maintaining your ASHA Cs is yours and yours alone, there are several things to consider:

Clinical and ESIT settings. Most clinical settings and ESIT agencies in Washington require SLPs to hold state licensure from the Department of Health. ASHA Cs are not required for state licensure, but licensure requirements mirror the requirements for Cs. Some insurance companies and healthcare organizations still require ASHA Cs in addition to proof of license. If you are considering dropping your ASHA Cs, talk with your employer or insurers first.

School settings. While ESA certification is required by OSPI for SLPs working in Washington State public schools, ASHA certification is not. However, some school districts prefer or require their SLPs to hold licensure and/or ASHA Cs. If you already have your ASHA Cs, ESA renewal is easy. Just upload a copy of your ASHA certificate when you log into the e-certification system. If you do not have ASHA Cs, you will need to provide proof of 100 clock hours earned over a 5-year period.

Supervision: If you enjoy supervising and mentoring students and clinical fellows, take note. For students enrolled in ASHA accredited Master’s degree programs, ASHA requires that supervising clinicians hold and maintain their Cs.

Working abroad: Considering working outside of the US? A number of countries have mutual recognition of professional association credentials. For example, ASHA certification is recognized by the national associations of Canada, Ireland, UK, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore, but those countries may not recognize your state licensure. If you plan to work abroad, check your destination country’s requirements first.

Changing professional settings. Many clinicians start their career in one setting and explore others along the way. One of the advantages to being an SLP is the option to work across different settings. While ASHA Cs might not be required in your current setting, they could be required in a future setting.

ASHA Membership vs Certification. Did you know that you don’t have to be an ASHA member to retain your Cs? You can also be an ASHA member without certification. Contact the ASHA Center for more information about these options and the associated costs.

Final thoughts. WSLHA encourages you to carefully consider your options for ASHA certification and membership, keeping your present and future needs in mind. Regardless of your ASHA certification or membership, we encourage you to be involved in WSLHA. Many of the decisions that are made at the state level affect your practice. WSLHA is your voice in Washington State.

Deirdre Curle, PhD, CCC-SLP is Past-President of WSLHA. She lives in Seattle and is a speech-language pathologist at the Washington Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth. She holds ASHA Cs and affiliation with SIG 9, Pediatric Hearing and Hearing Disorders.

Resources