SPAN Members Connect on Student Loan Advocacy and State Legislative Updates

The American Academy of Audiology’s State Policy Advocate Network (SPAN) held its third quarterly meeting on July 22, bringing together Academy members from across the country to discuss and collaborate on information as states continue to navigate legislative and regulatory changes affecting audiology.

The meeting featured a presentation from Joanne Zurcher, MPP, the Academy’s Vice President of Government Relations & Policy, who provided an overview of recent federal student loan regulations and their potential effect on the audiology profession and students. The presentation included information on ongoing legislative efforts to address these changes and reviewed Academy advocacy initiatives and resources available to members.

The second half of the meeting focused on state advocacy updates. Members from across the country shared experiences from their 2026 legislative sessions, discussed recent policy developments, and exchanged ideas for addressing challenges in their respective states. These conversations continue to be a valuable opportunity for Academy members to learn from one another, identify emerging trends, and strengthen advocacy efforts nationwide.

The Academy thanks all members who participated in the discussion and contributed updates from their states. The State Policy Advocate Network remains an important forum for connecting advocates, sharing resources, and supporting effective state and federal advocacy on behalf of the profession.