Fostering Communication Competence in Augmentative and Alternative Communication Users, Educators and Caregivers

Available April 1-30

Members: FREE
Non-Members: $60

Event materials will be distributed via email April 1, 2024

Description
Communication competence is the ability to express yourself functionally across all environments (Light & Binger, 1998). Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) users often learn to use their AAC communication system in one environment only to have difficulties carrying that learning into other environments. One factor that contributes to this difficulty is a lack of knowledge of, and therefore, confidence to use the AAC system. The assistive technology team has focused its efforts on increasing communication competence in both the school and home environments for all our students using AAC. This presentation will focus on the process developed by the Assistive Technology Team for Boston Public Schools to determine how to increase the competence and confidence of our related service providers working with AAC users. Identifying practical tips and techniques, it will also discuss how to continue the development of training for teachers, specialists, support staff and caregivers to increase their understanding and comfort with low, mid, and high tech AAC devices.

Presenter
Aubrey Rubin, SLP

Learner Outcomes
The participants will be able to:
1. Explain the SETT Framework and feature matching and how these are used to guide Assistive Technology decision making in the Boston Public Schools
2. Describe the barriers encountered when attempting to increase consistency of AAC implementation across a large urban school district and how some of these barriers can be overcome with professional development, training, and material development
3. Provide practical AAC teaching and implementation strategies for students, related service providers, teachers, support staff and caregivers

Time-Ordered Agenda
5 minutes - Introduction
25 minutes - Background Information:

20 minutes - The Assistive Technology Process in BPS
50 minutes - How Do We Support:

10 minutes - Where are we Going from Here
10 minutes - Questions

About the Presenter

Aubrey Rubin, SLP is a speech and language  pathologist employed by Boston Public Schools since 2005. Focused on students with complex communication needs, Ms. Rubin has worked in a variety of schools within the Boston system that includes students ages three to twenty-two in both substantially separate as well as inclusion settings. Ms. Rubin also served as the coordinator of the Assistive Technology Team for Boston Public Schools. As coordinator, Ms. Rubin collaborated with a team of speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, and a teacher of the visually impaired to assure that students with disabilities could access the general education curriculum. Currently, Ms. Rubin is a Supervisor for the Related Services Department in Complex Needs and Assistive Technology at Boston Public Schools. In this role, she continues to coordinate the assistive technology team as well as supervise and mentor related service providers that also work with students with complex needs. Ms. Rubin provides a variety of professional development trainings for related service providers and teachers within Boston Public Schools. In recognition of the value of her work Ms. Rubin has presented at national conferences about the Boston Public Schools assistive technology program. Ms. Rubin obtained her master’s degree from the MGH Institute of Health Professions where she is currently a doctoral student.

Disclosure Statements

Aubrey Rubin, SLP
Financial: Aubrey is receiving an honorarium for this presentation and receives a salary from Boston Public Schools.

Non-financial: Aubrey is a member of ASHA.

This program is approved for ASHA CEUs.

Interested in sponsoring this event? Please consider partnering with us for this worthwhile experience. If you have any questions, contact our office at 781-647-7031 or by email at theoffice@mshahearsay.org.

Webinar: Advanced Dysphagia Practice

Saturday, April 27, 2024

Members: $40
Non-Members: $100
Students: Pay What you Can

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Description

Part I:

Tracheostomy Education for the Medical SLP: Navigation from Trauma to Transplant is a dive into the SLP world of tracheostomies from different etiologies and overall complexity. This lecture will briefly introduce two branches of tracheostomy placement as well as review similar components including use of speaking valve use, ventilator advanced knowledge and development for much needed Tracheostomy Teams. The lecture includes breakdown of SLP role within these populations, how treatment roles can differ based on population, dysphagia/communication deficits with a tracheostomy, overall speaking valve use, ventilator advanced knowledge, and introduction to tracheostomy team research. The vision for this lecture is to provide a niche view into these two vastly different populations whom share tracheostomy placement, typically managed by the SLP. The goal for this lecture is to feel more comfortable and to have a more in-depth understanding of tracheostomies so you can feel confident with any these patient populations.

Part II:

This 2-hour webinar provides an in-depth analysis of Lateral Medullary Syndrome (Wallenberg Syndrome) including discussion of the neurophysiological changes after lateral medullary infarct, the critical natural of early intervention and education, and the importance of incorporating motor learning principles when working with this population. All topics reviewed within this webinar are discussed in the context of a single case study in order to provide concrete examples of dysphagia characteristics, approaches to rehabilitation, and to highlight the importance of person-centered care when working with someone with severe dysphagia. Although this discussion focuses primarily on dysphagia rehabilitation, this webinar is intended for any SLP working with adults across the continuum of care.

Presenters
Rachael Silveira, M.A CCC-SLP
Madeleine Foley, CCC-SLP

Learner Outcomes
Part I:

Time-Ordered Agenda

Part I: Tracheostomy for the Medical SLP - Navigation from Trauma to Transplant

9:00-9:05 am: Introduction

9:05-9:09 am: Trauma SLP/type of population

9:09-9:13 am: Transplant SLP/type of population

9:13-9:16 am: Indications for tracheostomy

9:16-9:21 am: Dysphagia associated with trach

9:21-9:26 am: Dysphagia research/considerations trauma

9:26-9:31 am: Dysphagia research/considerations transplants

9:31-9:36 am: Communication associated with trachs

9:36-9:44 am: Passy Muir Valve/Considerations/Research

9:44-9:45 am: Familiarize yourself with ventilators

9:45-9:50 am: Ventilator Basics and modes

9:50-10:05 am: Introduction to modes: AC/VC, SIMV, Spontaneous

10:05-10:15 am: Pertinent Ventilator Settings

10:15-10:23 am: Inline PMV basics/application

10:23-10:28 am: Trach Team purpose/outcomes

10:28-10:30 am: Why start a team?

10:30-10:38 am: Inconsistencies in care

10:38-10:46 am: Research- Communication/decannulation/LOS

10:46-10:56 am: Team members/SLP involvement 

10:56-10:58 am: Challenges

10:58-11:00 am: References/Questions

Part II: Prioritizing Neuromuscular Re-Education with Wallenberg Syndrome

11:00-11:10 am: Objectives and Introductions

11:10-11:15 am: Meet Tim

11:15-11:45 am: What is Wallenberg Syndrome?

11:45-12:20 pm: Dysphagia Rehabilitation: What it Is, What it Isn't

12:20-12:45 pm: Neuromuscular Re-Education: Promoting Functional Practice

12:45-1:00 pm: Questions

About the Presenters

    

Rachael Silveira is an ASHA licensed/credentialed Speech-Language Pathologist currently working at a Level 1 Trauma/Transplant Hospital in Miami specializing in dysphagia and communication disorders, with diverse training in dysphagia management associated with respiratory compromised/artificial airways and medically complex neurogenic populations.

Rachael strives to be a lifelong student by earning yearly ACE (awards of continuing education) recognition and continually supporting the SLP community by providing clinical mentorship as well as providing supposed for Medical SLP platforms to promote continued growth for SLPs. Rachael has made patient advocacy and improving overall patient quality of life a personal mission and goal. She has spearheaded a robust multidisciplinary Tracheostomy Team in her facility with a mission of providing exceptional care to the population by utilizing standardized protocols to streamline care, now being spread to multiple facilities for implementation. In addition, Rachael has curated multiple avenues for education for SLPs, including a "Badge Buddy Series" and an open collaborative called TRACHtalks, for promoting tracheostomy evidence-based research in an accessible manner.

As our field is growing rapidly, Rachael focuses on continued efforts to improve medical SLP education with ongoing participation in national and international conference lectures, active IRB research, and guest lectures to multiple universities and hospitals.

Madeleine Foley is employed full time as a senior SLP in a level 1 trauma center in the Bronx and works per diem in acute rehab and subacute rehab settings. They are passionate about facilitating person-centered and accessible approaches to dysphagia rehabilitation across the continuum of care. Madeleine is a New York Medical College graduate, 4-time ASHA ACE award recipient, and S.T.E.P mentor.

Disclosure Statements

Financial: Rachael receives a salary as an SLP at a Level 1 Trauma/Transplant Hospital. Rachael is receiving an honorarium for her presentation.

Non-financial: Rachael is a member of ASHA.

Financial: Madeleine receives a salary as a senior SLP in a level 1 trauma center. Madeleine is receiving an honorarium for their presentation.

Non-financial: Madeleine is a member of ASHA.

ASHA requires participation in the CEU Registry to receive CEUs. If you are not part of ASHA’s CEU Registry, the Certificate of Completion will serve as documentation for ASHA CMHs.

ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.

If you have any questions, contact our office at 781-647-7031 or by email at theoffice@mshahearsay.org.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Strategies for Selective Mutism (SM)
Presented by Annie DiVello Consulting, LLC

Description:

This advanced training is intended to deepen the clinical knowledge of treating SLPs and SLAs in the area of selective mutism. The complexities of SM will be explored along with strategies for working through stuck points within the therapeutic process. The importance of role sharing within the treatment of SM will be emphasized. Cultural considerations will also be explored.

There is a section in the registration process for you to let me know of any special needs or accommodations that you may require. Please feel free to reach out to me before registering if you have any questions regarding this. At least two weeks notice prior to a scheduled event is needed for special accommodations. All requests will be thoroughly considered and met if at all possible.

Learner Objectives:

• Elucidate one unique complexity inherent in the treatment of SM
• Explain in your own words the broad guidelines for role-sharing
• List two or more ways to work through a “stuck point” in the process
• Describe the importance of culturally informed treatment

About the Presenter:

Annie is a licensed and ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist. She has lived and worked across the country in West Virginia, Georgia, South Central Los Angeles, and New England. Though she has worked with many populations, Annie’s particular area of clinical interest is selective mutism. She enjoys providing trainings for school teams across the nation on the topic of SM. In New England, Annie works collaboratively with school teams to build and implement integrated “whole child” plans of support to help students with selective mutism bring their Brave Voice to school. Annie is a Selective Mutism Association State Coordinator for NH, MA, ME & VT. She is passionate about her field and about helping individuals to find their voices. Annie feels the ability to communicate is a beautiful gift and the foundation of the human connection.

For more information and to register visit the website here: https://anniedivello.com/beyond-the-basics/

Webinar: Integrating Interpreters and Language Translation into Your Practice

Saturday, May 11, 2024

Members: $10
Non-Members: $60
10:00 a.m. -  11:30 a.m.

Description

One in every five adults use a language other than spoken English in the home. Furthermore, 8% of the United States population has limited English proficiency (LEP). When considering health literacy, this barrier is magnified. At least half of those with LEP are identified as having low health literacy. LEP can negatively impact an individual’s ability to understand and use health information to make informed decisions about their care. Appropriate use of language interpreters in the medical setting can improve care given to non-English speakers and those with LEP. This session addresses the laws and ethical standards regarding interpreter use, qualifications of interpreters, and appropriate methods of communication via interpreters.

Presenters
Emily Jo Venskytis

Learner Outcomes

1. Summarize laws related to the use of interpreters in the healthcare setting.

2. Analyze the interpreter offerings in their current practice with considerations for variance in health literacy.

3. Demonstrate effective and culturally appropriate techniques when working with interpreters.

Time-Ordered Agenda

10:00 -10:05 am: Introduction and why use Interpreters?

10:05 - 10:10 am: Terminology

10:10 - 10:20 am: Health Literacy and Limited English Proficiency

10:20 - 10:30 am: Laws related to Interpreter use

10:30 - 10:35 am: Who is an appropriate Interpreter?

10:35 - 10:40 am: Who is not an appropriate interpreter

10:40 -10:45 am: What if an Interpreter is refused?

10:45 - 10:50 am: Cost and modalities of interpreters

10:50 - 10:55 am: How to work with Interpreters

10:55 - 11:05 am: Interpreter scenarios and videos

11:05 - 11:15 am: Conclusion

11:15 - 11:30 am: Q+A

About the Presenter

Emily Jo Venskytis, AuD, is Director of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor for the Doctor of Audiology program at the MGH Institute of Health Professions. Additionally, she serves as a clinical audiologist at Massachusetts Eye and Ear in the Charlestown office. She enjoys training the next generation of audiologists in mindful, patient-centered and evidence-based practice. Dr. Venskytis is passionate about pediatric care and has extensive clinical experience on inter-professional teams. Her areas of interest include diagnostics for difficult-to-test patients, electrophysiology, audiologic management including cochlear implants, bone anchored devices, and hearing aids, and community outreach for underserved populations.

Disclosure Statements

Financial: Emily Jo Venskytis receives a salary from MGH Institute of Health Professionals and Mass Eye and Ear.

Non-Financial: Emily Jo Venskytis serves on the Scientific Advisory and Research Council for the American Academy of Audiology.

ASHA requires participation in the CEU Registry to receive CEUs. If you are not part of ASHA’s CEU Registry, the Certificate of Completion will serve as documentation for ASHA CMHs.

ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.

If you have any questions, contact our office at 781-647-7031 or by email at theoffice@mshahearsay.org.

Best Practices for Supporting Children with Selective Mutism (SM)
Presented by Annie DiVello, M.S., CCC-SLP, M.Ed 

June 1, 2024

Members: $10

Non-Members: $60

Description:

This interactive webinar is intended to deepen SLPs & SLAs understanding of best practices for supporting children with selective mutism. Attendees will be offered an overview of SM along with insights regarding the SLP’s role. An overview of the different treatment approaches will be provided and the ins and outs of private and school-based supports will be explored.

Presenter: Annie DiVello, M.S., CCC-SLP, M.Ed

Learner Objectives:

•      Describe this most mysterious disability in your own words

•      Name three feeling words to illuminate the inner experience of a child with SM

•      Differentiate between SM and the silent acquisition phase of second language learning

•      Clarify why students with SM qualify for supports under IDEA

•      Explain why both private support and school-based supports are necessary

•      State which treatment approach most resonates for you

Time Ordered Agenda:

10:00 - 10:30 AM: An Overview of Selective Mutism

10:30 - 10:45 AM: ASHA's Guidance on the SLP Role

10:45 - 11:10 AM: School-based Supports for SM

11:10 - 11:30 AM: Private Supports for SM

11:30 - 11:50 AM: The Difference Treatment Approaches

11:50 - 12:00 PM: Special Considerations

About the Presenter:

Annie graduated from West Virginia University with a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. Hungry to learn more about behavior, personality, the mind, and mental health, she went on to complete her M.Ed. with a focus in school psychology at Rivier University in 2022.

She has lived and worked with individuals all across the country including New England, West Virginia, Atlanta, and South-Central Los Angeles. Though she has worked with many populations, Annie’s particular area of clinical passion is selective mutism.

Annie is the Selective Mutism Association (SMA) State Coordinator for NH, MA, and ME.  She provides a variety of ASHA CEU trainings on the topic of selective mutism to school teams around the world. She is licensed in ME, MA, and NH and enjoys working closely with school teams in those states to create a collaborative “round table” model of support for students with selective mutism. Some of the school-based supports that she provides include school-based evaluations, 504/IEP goal writing & implementation, and consultations.

Annie is passionate about supporting school teams and about helping them bring their students’ brave voices to school. She feels that the ability to communicate is a beautiful gift and the foundation of human connection.

Annie lives with her husband, Gary, their daughter, Elizabeth, and their rescue pups, Abby and Chloe, in North Yarmouth Maine. In her free time, she enjoys reading books on mindfulness & self-compassion, practicing yoga, hiking, and spending time with her family.

Financial: Annie receives a salary as a Founder of Annie DiVello Consulting, LLC

Non-financial: Annie is a volunteer Selective Mutism State Coordinator for MA, ME, NH, and VT. She is a member of ASHA and is an ASHA CEU provider.

ASHA requires participation in the CEU Registry to receive CEUs. If you are not part of ASHA’s CEU Registry, the Certificate of Completion will serve as documentation for ASHA CMHs.

ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.

If you have any questions, contact our office at 781-647-7031 or by email at theoffice@mshahearsay.org.

Medicaid Billing for Student-Based SLPs

Available July 1-31

Members: $10 

Non-Members: $60

Program materials will be distributed via email July 1, 2024

Description
Representatives from MassHealth’s School Based Medicaid Program (SBMP) and UMass Chan Medical School’s Center for School Based Claiming, will provide an overview of program requirements and respond to questions.

Presenters
Margot Tracy
Emily Hall

Learner Outcomes
The participants will be able to:
1. List expectations of an SLP participating in SBMP
2. Describe Direct Service Claiming (DSC)
3. List and apply reimbursable services and requirements to SLP, including Medical Necessity ICD Diagnosis and/or Signs and Symptoms Codes
4. Describe Plan of Care - Medicaid Service Authorization
5. List minimum Service Documentation elements
6. Find resources for additional information and training on the SBMP website

Time-Ordered Agenda
5 minutes: Introductions, Agenda Overview, Housekeeping
5 minutes: What is expected of an SLP participating in SBMP?
10 minutes: What is Direct Service Claiming (DSC)?
25 minutes: Reimbursable Services & Requirements Medical Necessity ICD Diagnosis and/or Signs and Symptoms Codes
10 minutes: Plan of Care – Medicaid Service Authorization
15 minutes: Service Documentation
10 minutes: Interim Claims & Billing Forms
10 minutes: Random Moment Time Study Tips for Direct Service Practitioners
30 minutes: Q&A

About the Presenters

Margot Tracy is the manager for the MassHealth School Based Medicaid Program (SBMP). She has Prior to her role in SBMP, she worked in the Executive Office of Health and Human Services under the Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI). She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health..

Emily Hall - As director of School-Based Medicaid Programs at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Ms. Hall has worked in and managed the administration of school-based Medicaid programs for Massachusetts for the past 15 years. She has experience in a variety of school-based Medicaid reimbursement methodologies with particular expertise in cost-based reimbursement. Prior to coming to UMass Chan, Ms. Hall had over 20 years of experience in the health insurance industry, as well as in health care delivery systems and hospitals and in Medicare managed care program administration. Ms. Hall earned her Master of Business Administration from Suffolk University and her bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy and Economics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Disclosure Statements

Margot Tracy
Financial: Margot receives a salary as an employee of the State of Massachusetts as the manager of the Mass Health School Based Medicaid Program.
Non-financial: No non-financial relationships exist.

Emily Hall
Financial: No financial disclosure exists.
Non-financial: Emily is volunteering her time for this presentation.


ASHA requires participation in the CEU Registry to receive CEUs. If you are not part of ASHA’s CEU Registry, the Certificate of Completion will serve as documentation for ASHA CMHs.

ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.

If you have any questions, contact our office at 781-647-7031 or by email at theoffice@mshahearsay.org.

Contemporary Considerations in Auditory Processing Disorders

August 1-31, 2024

Members: $10

Non-Members: $60

Program materials will be distributed via email August 1, 2024

Description
This session will focus on an overview of current aspects of auditory processing disorders in children and adults and the role of audiologists and speech/language pathologists with this population. Characteristics of APD will be discussed and the “science” behind this disorder will be highlighted. Assessment of auditory related disorders related to APD will be discussed with specific techniques described including obtaining authentic assessment information. An overview of treatment and management options will be presented. Treatment will focus on “building a better auditory system” by taking advantage of neural plasticity. Management recommendations will focus on how people with APD in their real world listening situations. Cases will be included in the discussion.

Presenters
Gail M. Whitelaw, PhD

Learner Outcomes
At the end of the session, participants will be able to:
1. Define current consideration in auditory processing disorder
2. Describe assessment protocols and the role of an interdisciplinary team
3. Discuss management strategies
4. List treatment approaches including technology and aural rehabilitation

Time-Ordered Agenda
5 minutes: Introduction
25 minutes: APD: What it is and what it's not. Critical issues in hearing and listening
30 minutes: Assessment of auditory processing disorders: Interdisciplinary issues and the role of a team
15 minutes: Special populations: mTBI, students with dyslexia, younger children, people who identify as neuro-diverse
15 minutes: Service Documentation
35 minutes: Overview of treatment/management
20 minutes: Questions and wrap-up

About the Presenter

Gail M. Whitelaw, Ph.D. is a clinical associate professor of audiology and the Director of the Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic in the Department of Speech and Hearing Science at The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH. She provides direct clinical services and is a preceptor for Doctor of Audiology (AuD) students in their clinical experiences. She is also an educational audiology consultant to school districts and provided contract services to school districts in Central Ohio for more than 25 years. Dr. Whitelaw’s clinical interests are in the areas of auditory processing disorders (APD) in children and adults, tinnitus and sound tolerance issues, and patients with traumatic brain injury. She teaches courses in pediatric audiology, tinnitus, and professional issues in audiology and speech/language pathology.

Disclosure Statements

Financial: Gail receives a salary as a clinical associate professor of Audiology and the Director of the Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic in the Department of Speech and Hearing Science at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.
Non-financial: Gail serves on the honors and awards committee of the American Academy of Audiology. Gail is a board member of the accreditation commission for Aud. Ed. She is an editorial reviewer for the American Tinnitus Association.

ASHA requires participation in the CEU Registry to receive CEUs. If you are not part of ASHA’s CEU Registry, the Certificate of Completion will serve as documentation for ASHA CMHs.

ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.

If you have any questions, contact our office at 781-647-7031 or by email at theoffice@mshahearsay.org.

Public Policy & Audiology

November 1-30, 2024

Members: $10

Non-Members: $60

Program materials will be distributed via email November 1, 2024

Description
This course identifies and describes current trends in the political and public policy landscape of relevance to audiology. The course further explores the making of public policy and the importance of advocacy in each stage of the public policymaking process. Finally, the course outlines ASHA’s approach to advocacy, ASHA’s annual Public Policy Agenda, and the work that ASHA undertakes in partnership with audiologists to advance the priorities of the profession.

Presenters
Susan Adams & Tim Boyd

Learner Outcomes
The participants will be able to:
1. Identify trends in the current political and public landscape
2. Define advocacy and its importance to audiologists
3. Learn about the audiology advocacy objectives ASHA is undertaking to advance the priorities of the 2023 Public Policy Agenda

Time-Ordered Agenda

5 minutes Introduction
40 minutes Current Trends in the Political & Public Policy Landscape
20 minutes The Public Policy making process and Importance of Advocacy
40 minutes ASHA Advocacy and Audiology Priorities
15 minutes Questions & Discussion

About the Presenters

Susan Adams is the Director for State Legislative and Regulatory Affairs at ASHA. She is responsible for advancing the public policy objectives of ASHA by representing the Association in all phases of state legislative and regulatory advocacy. Susan received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Towson University and her juris doctor from the University of Baltimore, School of Law. Susan holds the Certified Association Executive credential from the American Society of Association Executives.

Tim Boyd has served as ASHA’s Director of State Health Care and Education Affairs since July 2019. Before joining ASHA, Tim worked on state policy for the National Organization for Rare Disorders and domestic policy for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Tim earned his B.A. in Political Science from the University of California Santa Barbara and an M.P.H. from the George Washington University.

Disclosure Statements

Susan Adams
Financial: Susan receives a salary as an employee of ASHA.
Non-financial: No non-financial relationships exist.

Tim Boyd
Financial: Tim receives a salary as an employee of ASHA.
Non-financial: No non-financial relationships exist.

ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.

Interested in sponsoring this event? Please consider partnering with us for this worthwhile experience. If you have any questions, contact our office at 781-647-7031 or by email at theoffice@mshahearsay.org.

Working with LGBTQ+ Persons

December 1-31, 2024

Members: $10

Non-Members: $60

Program materials will be distributed via email December 1, 2024

Description
As LGBTQ+ civil rights and societal acceptance has expanded, continued dissemination of knowledge about the LGBTQ+ community remains critical to support colleagues, patients, and other stakeholders. This session will provide a basic introduction and resources for supporting LGBTQ+ identities.

Following events in early 2020, our professional organizations have pledged to grow efforts related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. While we must continue to diversify the professionals we train and employ, we must also continue to learn how to support these diverse communities to ensure a supportive work environment. With the increased visibility and focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging it remains increasingly important for our professions to continue to provide equitable healthcare and an inclusive culture to diverse individuals, including those identifying in the LGBTQ+ community.

With estimates of approximately 4.5% of the population, and rising, the LGBTQ+ community is a large and growing minoritized community (Gates, 2017). Despite increased representation, research has indicated that individuals and families identifying under the umbrella of LGBTQ+ are still underserved by healthcare providers, more likely to drop out of high school, and more likely to experience poorer health outcomes, when compared to their cisgender heterosexual counterparts (Palmer, et al. 2016). Additionally, with sources indicate that as many as 46 % of LGBTQ+ workers in the US are closeted (or kept secret) in the workplace (Fidas & Cooper, 2019), it is not unreasonable to expect, that we have colleagues who have felt uncomfortable expressing their authentic selves in the place where they spend majority of their work week.

This presentation aims to dismantle misinformation surrounding LGBTQ+ identities, provide resources to better serve patients and support our LGBTQ+ colleagues while initiating conversations that center diverse perspectives (and people). As members of the LGBTQ+ community, we have the lived experience of receiving and providing healthcare. As providers we take a patient-centered approach to healthcare; this means we must consider all lived experiences. This also holds true when we are trying to promote a collegial environment where diversity and equity is at the forefront. By understanding our unique differences, as well as our similarities, we are better able to collaborate and engage as professionals, which ultimately better serves our patients and their loved ones. Through this introduction, professionals will be empowered to create more inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ identifying individuals, foster better comradery in our communities, and increase diverse perspectives that ultimately advance our profession.

Presenters
Henry Botzum, AuD, CCC-A
Sarah Blizzard, EdD

Learner Outcomes
The participants will be able to:
1. List two benefits and consequences of an LGBTQ+ individual coming out to a provider
2. Demonstrate at least three ways SLP/AuD providers can create an affirming and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals
3. Identify at least three factors to accessible care for LGBTQ+ individuals

Time-Ordered Agenda

5 minutes Introduction
10 minutes LGBTQ+ identities (LGBTQ 101)
30 minutes How to be an ally / LGBTQ+ healthcare specific considerations
15 minutes Questions & Discussion

About the Presenters

 

Dr. Sarah Blizzard (she/they) is a passionate educator who has spent her career promoting intercultural and interpersonal dialogue as a way to understand and create inclusive and diverse communities. With BA and MA degrees in Communication Studies from UNC-Greensboro and an EdD in Higher Education from University of Denver, Dr. Blizzard has a unique approach to organizational change that highlights the importance of shared language and understanding. Currently, Sarah is enjoying creating Berkshire Community College's first multicultural center as well as freelancing as a certified life coach and organizational consultant.

Henry Botzum (he/him), AuD, is a Regional Sales Manager for Widex USA. Dr. Botzum completed his Clinical Doctor of Audiology from the University of Memphis following a BA in Music Performance from Ohio University and MA in Music from the University of Northern Iowa. Prior to his work at Widex, Henry served as a clinical audiologist at Berkshire Medical Center in Western, MA. Henry is active in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion advocacy, serving on the DEIB and Membership committees for AAA.

REMINDER: Please check both your personal and professional email address if you have not received a confirmation email prior to the event. In the past, some participants have forgotten which was used during registration and missed the program!

Disclosure Statements

Henry Botzum, AuD, CCC-A
Financial: Henry receives salary as an employee of Widex, USA.
Non-financial: Henry is a member of AAA (membership & DEI committees), ASHA, and MSHA (VP Clinical Practice).

Sarah Blizzard, EdD
Financial: Sarah receives a salary as an employee of Berkshire Community College.
Non-financial: No non-financial relationships exist.

ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.

Interested in sponsoring this event? Please consider partnering with us for this worthwhile experience. If you have any questions, contact our office at 781-647-7031 or by email at theoffice@mshahearsay.org.