Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM) is here! It’s the time of year when we focus our efforts on raising awareness about the profession and the disorders that we evaluate and treat. This year’s BHSM theme is “Communication Disorders are Treatable.”
SpeechPathology.com is proud to support two ASHA-led campaigns developed in an effort to spread the word about communication disorders to the public:
The Identify the Signs campaign is a national effort of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) designed to combat an overall lack of awareness about communication disorders—a major barrier to treatment for the more than 40 million total Americans who suffer. The campaign’s primary purpose is to educate the public about the warning signs of communication disorders and the need for early identification and treatment.
The International Communication Project 2014 (ICP) is a collaborative effort developed by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists & Audiologists, Irish Association of Speech & Language Therapists, New Zealand Speech-Language Therapists Association, Royal College of Speech Language Therapists, and Speech Pathology Australia. The project is built on the premise that although healthy communication is vital to the quality of life, communication disorders are largely overlooked as disabilities.
There are numerous ways that we can increase awareness and educate families and caregivers. Share your knowledge, spread the word - not only during BHSM but throughout the year.
BHSM Resources:
- 2014 BHSM ASHA Resources
- Identify the Signs During Better Hearing & Speech Month
- Universal Declaration of Communication Rights – Sign the Pledge!
Professional Development:
- Working with Families who have Children with Disabilities: How professionals can facilitate positive outcomes
- Aphasia Advocacy and Awareness Tools
Stay current and connected to the profession with SpeechPathology.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and help us celebrate BHSM!
Sincerely,
Amy Hansen, M.A., CCC-SLP
Managing Editor