By NaTalla McCoy
SAA Chapter at Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University’s Student Academy of Audiology Chapter continues their quest to provide students with a venue for information, resources, leadership, mentorship, and student to student networking opportunities as they progress though their educational programs and transition into their professional careers.
This past October, Nova Southeastern audiology students made an impact in Washington, D.C., in support of the Medicare Hearing Health Care Enhancement Act of 2009. Our very own vice president, Tina Stern, and faculty member, Teri Hamill, PhD, encouraged students to write or call their congressperson in support of this Ac, which would provide Medicare beneficiaries with the option of going directly to a qualified audiologist for hearing and balance diagnostic testing. During AudiologyNOW! 2010, John Williams, a lobbyist for the Academy, informed our vice president that it was these efforts by Nova Southeastern students that persuaded Florida Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz to sign on to the legislation. WAY TO GO TEAM!
Additionally, Audiology Awareness Month was a great success for us. Our local chapter was involved in many community projects and service events that afforded us the opportunity to educate others about the profession of audiology. For instance, at Western High School in Davie, Florida, the students were given information about the field of audiology and received hands on experience as well. The questions generated by these sessions led us to believe that there is a need to further inform the public, including other health care professionals, about the field of audiology. It is our goal in the future to deliver more educational outreach programs locally.
Our SAA chapter also enjoys doing community service and this past year was no exception. Our chapter was involved with large community health screening and fairs in the South Florida region such as the DisAbilities Expo, Boomers and Beyond, the REACH fair, and Sistrunk Festival. Members of the chapter also participated in mission trips at home (Starkey Super Bowl Mission 2010, in Miami, Florida), in other states (Hear the World in Lexington, Kentucky), and abroad (Fundacion Infantil Ronald McDonald in Guatelamala). Finally our chapter has been involved in the local community helping to raise funds for breast cancer research and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, as well as other community service including organizing a Thanksgiving food drive and making frequent visits to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, de Hoernle Alzheimer's Pavilion, and West Broward Care Center where arts & crafts and games are fun for all!
We are a proud SAA chapter whose members strive to be successful professionals and believe in giving back to our community. We look forward to learning more about and working with other SAA chapters in the near future!
Go Audiology Sharks!