2001 HEARSAY HIGHLIGHTS

2001 Legislative Day a Success!
By: Debbie Brady, Vice President Governmental Affairs
Greetings from SCSHA Legislative Day!
    The awesome women who came, pitched right in and organized gift bags for legislat ors. They wrote personal notes on cards and delivered the bags to House and Senate offices.
     Our group was introduced from the floor of the Senate and from the floor of the House.  Representative Jake Knotts read a special Resolution that recognized speech-language therapists and speech-language pathologists and Senator Nikki Setzler told all the senators to get ready to hear from us and to vote for our national certification. We clapped for that one!
     Our lobbyists gave us information and directions right after our "Rally on the State House Steps" and helped us make contact with individual legislators. Many people had the opportunity to speak personally with their representatives.
     Compared to last year, we were disappointed in the number of people who came for hearing screening, but we realized that it was "budget week". The House was very busy debating the financial future of South Carolina, and the Senate didn't meet until 2 pm and many senators were involved with committee meetings and hearings. We do appreciate our audiologists who came and the very willing students who were ready to screen everyone who walked in the door.
     Keep checking the listserv for additional information in the near future as we compile participant names and check a few more pictures!

President’s Message, June K. Maranville, MSP CCC-SLP
 Do the Right Thing At the Right Time In the Right Way For the Right Reason  --  Aristotle
     What a great quote to keep us focused in changing times when there is pressure all around us!
     It is with great pleasure that I begin my role as president of your association.  As I think about this upcoming year, I find that I am incredibly grateful to those who have come before me.  It is a blessing to be able to spend time preparing for the role of president by watching others in action.  As I have tried to prepare for this year, I am especially appreciative to Mary Steppling and Jane Senn for their guidance and leadership. 
     We are a very fortunate organization to have had great leadership in our past presidents, board members and council members.  Your new board is also very impressive.  Mary Steppling is Past President, Jane Honaker is President-Elect, Melanie Anderson is President-Elect-Elect, Beth Fleming is Vice President of Clinical/Professional Affairs, Karen Long is Vice President of Planning/Administration, Debbie Brady is Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Leah Gore is Vice President of Education/Information and Sharon Schroder is the Conference Chair.  All of these ladies have already started putting in long hours and I thank them.  MaryAnn Crews and the J. Edgar Eubanks Management Company help keep your board and association organized.  A management company is vital to SCSHA’s day-to-day functioning.  You may contact any of us by snail mail, email or telephone.  Look in your directory for easy contact information.  We are here to serve and represent you - our members. 
     In the past ten years, our membership has grown from 436 to over 700.  We are experiencing wonderful, steady growth.  As we grow, we face new challenges as we attempt to satisfy our members and meet their needs.  That is where you come in!  We need you to think of ways to help our association maintain its solid foundation while creating innovative ways to support new and ongoing issues in our profession.  Yes!!! - We continue to need volunteers to serve on committees.  We need active participants to cover every area of our association.  If you filled out a committee pool data form and haven’t heard from anyone yet, call me or email me and I will find a way to get you connected and active.  If you didn’t get a chance to complete a committee pool data form and you have an idea that you are willing to work to “see to fruition,” call me and I will help you.  We need you to make this, your association, successful. 
     Look over the SCSHA Mission Statement in your directory and see what you are doing to advocate for our profession and people with communication and hearing disorders.  I bet you will be surprised at how much you are already doing as service providers to follow the Aristotle quote above.   I think, just by the nature of our career choices, we are very caring and involved people who are “doing the right thing.”  Unfortunately, however, sometimes we just assume everyone else knows what we do and what we are all about.  Let me assure you, many folks don’t have a clue what audiologists and speech-language pathologists do.
     One great way to promote our profession is by celebrating May – Better Hearing and Speech Month.  The ASHA website has great free information for promotions, public service announcements and items for purchase.  Use the resources that are part of your member benefits package.  Please share any ideas you have with other colleagues across the state by posting on the listserv, another member benefit of SCSHA.  
     We have much to be proud of in our profession and I am proud to serve as your president!  I look forward to a productive and exciting year. 

2000-2001 SCSHA Annual Reports

VP of Planning/Administration, Karen M. Long, PhD CCC-SLP
1. Membership: Maria Houston and Danielle Varnedoe developed a SCSHA brochure to describe the benefits of membership. These are being sent to new SLPs in the state, students, and anyone inquiring about SCSHA membership. Maria Houston stepped down as Chair in December due to moving out of state. Mary Aitchison has agreed to take over that position. Currently we have 688 members.
2. Budget: Budget committee met to develop a contract with Management. Contract runs June 15, 2000 to June 15, 2001.
3. Finance: Current budget is set at $109,000 to be voted on at SCSHA conference. There is $75,000 in reserve, for a total of  $155,000 in working budget.
4. Nomination/Election: Jane Honaker presented a slate of officers for membership vote. Melanie Anderson was elected President Elect-Elect, Leah Gore Vice President of Education/Information and Karen Long, Vice President of Planning/Administration.
5. Long Range Planning: June Maranville and her committee have been working to develop long range plans. The two top issues are fiscal responsibilities and strategic planning.
6. Bylaws: Several bylaws were submitted to membership and approved this year. The main change is the elected year will be from February 1^st to February 1^st with officers changing office at the SCSHA conference.

VP of Clinical/Professional Affairs, Beth Fleming, MSP CCC-SLP
     2000 has been a year of change for many speech-language pathologists across the state of South Carolina.  As a membership, we must work together to ensure that future changes are positive ones as we strive to improve the effectiveness, working environments, and rewards enjoyed by those in our profession.  There are currently several ongoing issues affecting the members working in school and medical settings:
1.ASHA Fiscal Intermediary Network - In the summer of 2000, ASHA created a national network of fiscal intermediaries with representatives from many state associations.  Via nationwide listserv and meetings, this network allows state intermediaries to engage in a national dialogue about the issues and concerns speech-language pathologists and audiologists have regarding HCFA, Medicare, and Medicaid.  Angela Neal is serving as the intermediary for our association.  As the laws surrounding these pay sources continue to change, it is important to educate us about new regulations to ensure proper reimbursement for our services.  It is also important that our concerns are heard so that our clients can receive the best possible care.  Please contact Angela should you have any questions or concerns about the impact that Medicare and Medicaid changes have had in your workplace. 
2.  ADEPT Performance Dimensions for Speech Language Pathologists - ADEPT performance dimensions specific to new speech-language pathologists in the public schools were introduced in the fall.  Instead of being evaluated using the same standards used for classroom teachers, new speech-language pathologists are now evaluated using more appropriate, relevant criteria specific to the profession.  Melanie Anderson, the Schools division co-chair, has been in close contact with Kathy Meeks, the state coordinator for the ADEPT program for speech-language pathologists.  She will serve to inform the membership about new ADEPT policies, but also welcomes feedback from the membership concerning the ADEPT program.  Please contact Melanie with any ADEPT concerns you may have. 
3.  Speech and hearing professionals in both the public schools and medical settings have expressed interest in creating networks or consortiums in order to share ideas about therapy, reimbursement, continuing education, and continuum of care issues.  Although it may be difficult to travel to attend statewide consortium meetings, other ideas have included local consortiums and e-mail networks.  Carol Lee, chair of the Hospital/Rehab committee and Susan Floyd, co-chair of the Schools Division committee, are interested in gauging the membership’s interest in creating some of these networks and would love to hear from you if you would like to be a part of one.  Because we all have different experiences and strengths, participating in one of these networks may be a great way to learn more about various disorders and therapy techniques that you can put to use immediately in your workplace to be even more effective.
4.  National Outcomes Measurement System (NOMS) – Per Leigh Ann Spell, South Carolina state coordinator for NOMS, the National Center for Treatment Effectiveness in Communication Disorders continues to be active in compiling data, initiating new programs, and recruiting new participants.  In South Carolina, there are currently eight adult facilities collecting NOMS data.  There are no South Carolina facilities or school systems compiling data for Pre-K and K-6 populations.  NOMS goals for South Carolina include recruiting more facilities and school systems to compile NOMS data and to provide NOMS data to institutions of higher learning in the state.  Please contact Leigh Ann Spell at Columbia College if you would like to be considered for compiling NOMS data in your facility.
5. The SCSHA listserv has been well used this year in sharing ideas and concerns regarding the professions throughout our state.  Please continue to make use of the listserv and do your part to act when action is called for. 
     There have been no ethical violations reported this year.  A copy of the SCSHA Code of Ethics was printed in the most recent directory and should be reviewed when there is a question of ethical practice.

VP of Education and Information, Melanie G. Pulaski, MEd MA CCC-SLP
     “Our duty is to not see through one another, but to see one another through.”  This anonymous quote seems appropriate as I look back over the last several years and reflect on the growth and the accomplishments of our Association.  These successes would not have happened without the dedication and talents of many people.  I would like to name each of you, but there is not enough space in this report so I better just say thank you to all of you…SCSHA Members are the most wonderful people! You have worked hard to support our association…so as you read this report, please remember …we are growing strong and it is all because of you “seeing us through”. 
     The Friends of Education is a group of educators from all over the State of South Carolina that come together twice a month to discuss and support education.  I had the pleasure of representing speech-language pathologists and reporting back to the Board.  Of course you know SCSHA’s top priority is recognition and acceptance of our CCC’s for National Board Certification.  The good news is Ms. Molly Spearman, Deputy Superintendent, Division of Governmental Affairs, reported that a search was initiated for submission of bids from interested firms that would research our request by collecting data for discussion and review and report back to the State Department of Education.  During this meeting, Ms. Spearman stated one bid was received to research our request.  I reported this information to our President, Mary Steppling.  Debbie Brady has worked diligently on this initiative and will respond in more detail in her report on governmental affairs.  I encourage each of you to attend your district school board meetings.  This is one opportunity to know first hand what is happening in your school district and to let people know just how important speech therapists are to the academic success of children. 
Other issues discussed at the November meeting of the Friends of Education were:

  A proposal was made to the Board at the January 20^th meeting suggesting a seminar for the purpose of providing CEU’s.  At the suggestion of the Management Company, the Board decided not to pursue the seminar at this time.  The response to the Independent Study program appears to be popular as a way to earn CEU’s as well as more economical than a one day seminar.  I’m sure the Board will monitor this and adjust if necessary.
     The ADEPT Evaluation Instrument has come a long way.  As you heard at our last conference, there was some fine-tuning to do but the hard work is over.  Just as classroom teachers are assessed by the ADEPT Instrument so must we.  Therefore, I am glad that Joe Bath, Angela Baine, Kathy Meeks, Nancy Thomason, and many others have been there to guide us through the process. If we must be evaluated, let it be on what we are trained to do!  Thanks to the dedication of a lot of good folks, I think we have a great start.  For those of you who might not know, Kathy Meeks is now with the State Department working with the ADEPT Program…are we lucky or what!  Thanks Kathy!
     Wendy Wingard-Gay has created a very detailed report on her excellent work as SCSHA’s representative for SEALS.  Thank you Wendy for agreeing to serve again, and for developing an outstanding strategic plan.  The following information is an excerpt from Wendy’s dynamic report: “The plan addresses three concerns for the association in prioritized order”:
1.  Salary Supplement
2.  Acceptance of Continuing Education Units
3.  Caseload Reduction
     For a more detailed discussion of these concerns, please contact SCSHA Headquarters for Wendy’s complete report.  Again, thanks Wendy for your dedication to SCSHA members.
     Trish Syzpulski and a host of wonderful people have worked diligently to organize another “Conference to Remember” in Charleston, South Carolina.  For all of you that made suggestions for this year’s conference, we hope that you will note the efforts made to implement your requests.  When you see the Conference Committtee members, give them a big thank you for their hard work.  Trish, a BIG thank you for taking this awesome task and running with it. 
     Thanks to our new Public Information Chair and Publications Member Bonnie Journey and Shannon Douglas.  We had a rocky beginning by playing phone tag, e-mail tag, not to mention managing careers.  However, we persevered and met on a Saturday morning.  Thanks for giving up your morning for SCSHA.  It was worth it, I think we are on the road to success.  Bonnie and Shannon have made some great publication and public information suggestions.  I presented these to the Board at our meeting January 20, 2001.  While we are excited about the new publication possibilities we will miss Lisa Antley and the years she dedicated to our publications.  I know you will join me in wishing her well.
     Technology is wonderful when it works….however, we all know what happens when it doesn’t.  Thank goodness we have June Maranville and the folks at the Management Company.  Thank you June for all you have done and continue to do for us.  The following information is a direct result of June’s hard work:
     -    New name for web-site: www.scsha.com
     -    List-serve changed from e-group to yahoo
     Remember to go to the web-site and join!
     In closing, I wish the new SCSHA Board the best!  You are a great group and we are fortunate to have you represent us.  Also, I thank all of you for your support during my term as Vice-President of Education and Information.  The dear friendships that I have made and the support I have received will never be forgotten!  As I said at the beginning of this report… “Our duty is not to see through one another, but to see one another through.”  Thank you all for seeing me through! 

President Elect, June K. Maranaville, MSP CCC-SLP
     The President-Elect is charged with serving the SCSHA board and members in the following areas: assisting the President as needed in order to prepare for the upcoming position, representing the board on the technology/website committee and chairing the long range planning committee.
     This year, SCSHA continued to make advances in the area of technology by forming a technology committee.  The purpose of the technology committee is to share information with members and the general public in a fast, efficient manner using computer technology.  The committee is the body that monitors content for the website and listserv while the webmaster/moderator serves as the voice on technical issues.
     SCSHA members and the general public can now access the website by going to the new domain name www.SCSHA.com.  The SCSHA website was updated this year with an easier to locate domain name, brighter colors, an action scroll and free resource links.  Current events are updated in relevant sections for quick access to current hot topics.  Information about upcoming conferences, meetings, handouts, and access to relevant links are also available as well as issues of IN TOUCH and HEARSAY.  The website serves as a great resource for members and the public who wish to learn more about our profession.
     SCSHA members also have the privilege of joining (at no extra charge) the listserv where peers and colleagues discuss current topics, request professional information/assistance, share best practice techniques and learn more about national and state issues.  The listserv membership continues to grow since it began in June of 1998 and currently has 171 active participants.  
     Each year, the long range planning committee targets areas in need of concentrated attention in order to make SCSHA a more effective association for its members.  Amazing progress has been made by the SCSHA board and committees as a result of implementing long-range goals targeted for the year 2000.  Some examples include the following:  restructuring committees, changing the poster child title to Ambassador to allow children and adults to be considered for recognition, developing a new SCSHA brochure, advocating/lobbying for members to obtain appropriate status and recognition in the work setting, and advocating to change the antiquated title of speech correctionist to speech language therapist.  The Long Range Planning Committee has started the process of looking ahead and has discussed some exciting goals for the year 2001 as well.  Tentative goals include promoting May Better Speech and Hearing Month statewide, increasing CEU opportunities for members, developing a strategic plan and maintaining fiscal responsibility.  Members are encouraged to actively participate in their association so that more goals can be accomplished. 

President Elect-Elect, Jane G. Honaker, MS CCC-SLP
     The President Elect-Elect serves as Chair of the Committee on Committees and the Nominations Committee and as a member of the Long-Range Planning Committee. In addition, the President Elect-Elect carries out duties as assigned in preparation for assuming the duties of the President Elect and President.
     The function of the Committee on Committees is to provide assistance to Vice-Presidents in the selection of SCSHA members to Chair or serve on committees for the coming year.  After the annual conference the President Elect-Elect is responsible for organizing the names of people who completed a Committee Data Form to volunteer for committee assignments.  Each Vice President receives a list of everyone who expressed interest in committees under their direction.
     The Nominations Committee is to oversee the election of new officers for the Executive Board.  Due to a Bylaws change approved this year, elections are to be completed in time for the new officers to assume their duties at the annual SCSHA Conference in February.  The President Elect-Elect assisted in informing the membership about the new procedures and timelines for the election. Working with the Executive Board, the President Elect-Elect developed a slate of candidates for the open positions of Vice President for Planning & Administration, Vice President for Education and Information, and President Elect-Elect.  Additional nominations were received from the members, and those persons were contacted to determine their interest in running for election.  A final ballot was prepared and mailed in early January.  Ballots were due back by January 19^th, and the results were announced at the Conference.
     The Long-Range Planning Committee, chaired by June Maranville, reviewed a status report on the 2000 Plans adopted last year.  In addition, the committee currently is working to complete the 2001 plans for the coming year.
     The President Elect-Elect is to use this year to learn about all of the functions and current business of the Executive Board.  Additional assigned duties are to assist in the learning process.  The President Elect-Elect prepares synopsis notes from the minutes of each Executive Board meeting for SCSHA publications.  Also, work is underway to review and revise the SCSHA Policies and Procedures Manual. This document describes the duties of each officer of the Executive Board and the membership composition of committees under their areas of responsibility.  The final goal is to prepare a working manual for each officer that clearly states the duties and timelines of their responsibilities.

Past President, Mary L. Steppling. PhD CCC-SLP
     I have attended every SCSHA conference since moving to the state of South Carolina in 1992.  I have personally seen the work of many past presidents, boards, councils and committee members.  I have always stood somewhat in awe of the commitment and dedication of my predecessors.  Although I recommend, wholeheartedly, serving this association in any capacity to each and every one of you, I would never urge you to do so by telling you, “it is easy” or “you do not have to do anything.”
     Throughout the years, SCSHA has faced many challenges.  As a board member for three years and a council member for several years prior, I have had the opportunity to know many of the issues firsthand.  I have often heard the history of SCSHA’s humble beginnings.  Each board, each council, indeed each president has faced particular challenges.  Each board and each council, under a president’s leadership, has met those challenges.  One huge challenge was to bring SCSHA to a level of financial security.  Many leaders in this association have given their time, energy and personal monetary donations to bring the organization to the level of financial security we currently appreciate.  I am certain no one takes these efforts lightly.
     In the last nine months alone, board, council and committee members have updated by-laws, changed terms of office, set new fiscal and management policies, updated the web site and moved it to a new domain, initiated a medicare intermediary network and developed a SEAL action plan.  Many other initiatives are currently underway.  One priority, as you have heard, is to develop a strategic plan with long and short-term goals and appropriate benchmarks for measuring progress.
     At the forefront of our efforts both this year and last, is the issue of National Board Certification/CCC equivalency.  Many of you attended the excellent session yesterday presented by Deb Brady, Jane Senn and our lobbyists, the Grant Group.  If you were unable to attend, Brady, Jane and I will be here today and tomorrow to discuss any questions or address any concerns you may have.
     It is important to recognize that the mission of SCSHA, broadly stated, is to move the profession forward in all ways and at all times.  SCSHA has a history of doing so.  You will recall, for example, that a recent challenge in the early 90’s was the passage of a licensure law in our state.  SCSHA worked to see that the licensure bill passed.
     Recognition of the Certificate of Clinical Competence as a national certification is now the issue occupying center stage.  Although this particular debate is currently centered in the context of the schools, it is far from a “school issue”.  This is an issue of professional recognition!  Have you ever had someone express surprise when learning the range of communication disorders you are trained to address?  Have you ever asked yourself why SLPs were first in the schools yet spent years in closets and hallways?  Why are OT and PT services in schools perceived as more clinically oriented and valuable when CCC-SLPs have 350 clinical hours before they even begin their clinical fellowship year?  Indeed, why is the school setting sometimes perceived as a second choice for a master level SLP?
     This issue is yet another opportunity to be visible, to communicate effectively and to demonstrate our professionalism in many ways and to many people.  If we as SCSHA members do not take steps to advocate on this issue at this time, who will?  Though this recognition is our most pressing challenge, it will be resolved, hopefully to the benefit of all in our profession.  We will then be moving to other issues, nothing is static, nor is it meant to be.  What will the new challenges face us in 2003 and beyond?
     I am proud of the work of the SCSHA board.  I am grateful for the energy and commitment of this particular board.  I cannot tell you how wonderful working with this group of women has been.  They are exceptional!  I was recently at a conference where the question that was asked was “using a metaphor you are comfortable with, describe your institution.”  The metaphors were things like…ours is a beautiful English flower garden, everything looks good and no one wants to try and change it.  Another…like a speedboat, going quite fast with no one in particular steering at the helm”.  My favorite metaphor and I would use it to describe our board (keep in mind I am a veggie loving person) is vegetable soup.  Each ingredient is unique, flavorful, with its own distinctive character but when blended together, produces something which retains much of the original character… the veggies are still distinctively there… but collectively an entirely new, wonderfully delicious product results.  I thank this board for blending so well – you are to be commended!
    I cannot begin to name all of the people nor all of the contributions made on behalf of the South Carolina Speech Language and Hearing Association.  It would take more time than we have this morning!  I will simply say that I have been uncommonly blessed and am exceedingly grateful for this experience.  My mantra has been- YOU are SCSHA.  Voice your concerns, bring your ideas, serve in any capacity.  Your profession will benefit, you will benefit more!

NEWS NEWS NEWS ....
SCSHA Board Member Teacher of the Year
 Mary Steppling, Past President of SCHSA, was recently named Columbia College’s 2001 Teacher of the Year.  Congratulations Mary!

South Carolina Professionals Receive Award for Continuing Education (ACE)
To meet the requirements for the ACE individuals must meet one of the following requirements: 1) The Accrual of seven Continuing Education Units, 2) The completion of six semester hours of academic credit 3) A combination of academic credit and CEU’s 4) The successful retake of the National Examination in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. The following professionals earned an ACE from the Continuing Education Board of ASHA for April 1, 2000 through December 1, 2000.

Lisbeth M. Agee * Julie A. Blair * Tamala S. Bradham * Sarah F. Burnett * Vanessa E. Coleman-Lebby *Elaine M. Frank * Pamela L. Halligan * Alexis W. Hanna * Andrea W. Hope * Kevin T. Houston *Bonnie J. Martin-Harris * Doris W. Shay * Rebecca E. Stevenson * Joanna L. Stith * Edmund S. Szypulski *Theresha B. Szypulski * Deborah Torrey Brown * Sharon Usher-Caston

In Memory of…
A donation to the SCSHA Foundation has been made by Aileen Lau-Dickinson in memory of Elaine Boone a SCSHA member. Elaine was a Speech Language Pathologist in the Beaufort County Schools.  Her avocation was theatre and she played with the Hilton Head Playhouse. Elaine resided in Hilton Head, South Carolina.  We would like to express our sympathy to the Boone family and gratitude to Aileen. 

South Carolina Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program
     TEDP is a Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program established by the Public Service Commission as a result of Title 58 section 25.  This program provides telecommunications equipment free of charge to South Carolina residents with qualifying disabilities.  Funding for the SC TEDP is provided through the Dual Party Relay Fund.  The funding is collected by a monthly surcharge on all telephone lines in South Carolina.  The Public Service Commission contracts with the South Carolina Association of the Deaf, Inc. to administer the program.  Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply to receive free telephone equipment. 
     You can receive an application by contacting the TEDP office at: Toll Free (877)889-8337 TTY * (877)225-8337 Voice * Fax (803)794-4420 or SCTEDP@aol.com * www.scadeaf.org/TEDP

ASHA Update
     The resolutions that the ASHA legislative council will be debating and voting on are posted on the ASHA website. http://professional.asha.org/association/governance/lc_3_2001.htm
     Also, please note that the ASHA website for Speech-Language-Hearing professionals has a new address: http://professional.asha.org.  www.asha.org  is now an ASHA website for consumers
     If you have any comments, please contact me.  Martha Simpson McDade, ASHA Legislative Council Delegate Correspondent for SCSHA.  Thank you for your participation in the South Carolina Speech-Language-Hearing Association!  

Junior League of Charleston Honors Carnell
     As part of the 50^th anniversary celebration of the publication of Charleston Receipts, the Junior League of Charleston made a special gift of $2000.00 to the Charleston Speech and Hearing Center in honor of the contributions of Dr. Mitch Carnell’s 35 years as President/CEO of the center and his contributions to the Charleston Community.
     Dr. Mitch Carnell, an ASHA Fellow and past president of the South  Carolina Speech-Language Hearing Association, headed the center form 1964 until his retirement in 1999.