On Thursday, March 6, SCSHA held our Annual Legislative Day Breakfast in Columbia. We had a great turnout of Representatives and Senators, as well as many SCSHA members. Students from USC and Columbia College were able to increase awareness about our profession by providing hearing screenings for the legislators and their staff members. Senator Mike Fair was recognized as the SCSHA Legislator of the Year for his ever-present support of the speech, language and hearing profession and SCSHA initiatives. After a wonderful breakfast and informal sharing time, SCSHA members received training from Ashley Smith of Capitol Consultants about the members’ role in meeting with the Senators and promoting Bill S323 that would permit the state to recognize full-time school district speech-language pathologists for having their CCC, and if the budget allowed, provide monetary compensation for the CCC. ASHA CEUs were offered for Ms. Smith’s training and SCSHA members left well-prepared for the task at hand.

SCSHA Ambassador, Jay Price, and his parents were on hand and spoke eloquently with the press and to legislators about their challenges and the importance of early identification of children, and the significance of getting appropriate services for individuals with speech and hearing needs. The Price Family and SCSHA members were recognized by members of the House and the Senate. The day ended with an opportunity to speak individually with key senators about speech, language and hearing needs and the benefit Bill S323 would have on recruiting and retaining school speech-language pathologists. The senators were very receptive and it was a great chance to make personal contacts with those making key decisions that affect the members of SCSHA daily. The day was a great success! See below for pictures from Legislative Day.

Traci M. Hogan

Traci M. Hogan, MA, CCC-SLP