Maryland Speech-Language-Hearing Association

As newly elected President, I am honored to work with the membership of MSHA to move your state association forward from 2012 through 2014. The last couple of years have been challenging times in many national and local arenas. Budgets have been, and continue to be, tight in virtually every sector whether private or public. It is tempting to continue to play defense and avoid risks. But Will Rogers once said, “Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.”

With the help of members and dedicated volunteer committees, MSHA has made significant strides to help our profession stay aware of the trends, legislation, policies, and regulations that have major impacts on the working conditions for professionals while also protecting and promoting the needs of individuals and their families with communication disorders.

While legislation takes place at the federal level, its local impact is frequently determined with state level regulations. MSHA is monitoring and speaking to the local legislative and local regulative activity that has a direct impact on how we do our jobs in Maryland. Through MSHA’s consistent and longstanding efforts there is representation at the Licensure Board, on committees at MSDE, in coalitions with other provider groups, and on the state Autism Commission.

Over the years, our membership has continued to value and enjoy the various educational offerings that allow for high quality continuing education. The Annual Convention has moved to both a new month (May) and a new location (White Marsh), and looks to be another stellar program. The Adult Service Delivery group has been providing frequent opportunities to connect and hone that segment of our profession. The annual Clinical Connections Conference targets school-based practice every October. We are among the very few associations to offer this variety of CEU programs.

This past year has seen the beginning of MSHA’s presence on Facebook and we invite you to join us there. Perhaps that’s the place where you can begin to see what the association is doing and where you can ask some questions of us. Maybe there is a workplace interest or a particular client population you would like us to address. Your local association is uniquely valuable to Maryland practitioners. We want to hear from you. I offer you the challenge to join MSHA and actively participate in some committee work. As Lily Tomlin once said, “I often wondered why somebody didn’t do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody.”