Academy leadership and staff participated in the 10th anniversary celebration of the Texas Academy of Audiology during their November convention in Austin, with presentations on the current state of audiology and participation in grassroots legislative efforts.
The convention opened with the keynote address given by Academy President Kris English, PhD, titled “Audiology in 2009: Challenges and Opportunities.” The address gave attendees an update on the current issues facing audiology, such as reimbursement and public awareness, as well as the current strategies developed to address them.
Academy Founder, Past President, and Editor Emeterus of Audiology Today, Jerry Northern, PhD, followed English as special guest speaker. Northern’s address was titled “Audiology: From Transition to Transformation,” looking at aspects of the transition of audiology from that of a support role to an autonomous profession.
Melissa Sinden, senior director of government relations; and Kate Thomas, senior manager of government relations from the Academy’s Washington, DC, office, presented a state audiology advocacy grassroots training during a breakfast session the next day. This training was the first of its kind at a state level. The Key Contacts Program was the focus of their presentation, as well as providing members with information on current federal legislation impacting audiology, tips for how to be an effective lobbyist for the profession, and ways to become involved.
The Texas Academy has adapted the federal Key Contacts Program to advocate for issues within the state of Texas as well. By the end of the conference, two-thirds of the legislative districts in Texas had audiologists who volunteered to serve as local advocates.
Sinden said, “It was exciting to see the enthusiasm that members of the Texas Academy displayed for getting involved in public policy. I look forward to seeing the progress within their state and at the federal level.”