New York State Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Strategic Plan
(updated and reviewed in 2022)
The New York State Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NYSSLHA) represents the interests of over 18,000 licensed speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists in New York State. NYSSLHA’s mission is to empower our members to serve individuals with hearing, communication and related disorders through best practices, professional development and advocacy.
Speech-language pathologists and audiologists work in schools, private practice, hospitals, clinics, and other health and education settings. SLPs work with individuals with speech and language disorders including deficits in comprehension or generation of language, speech or voice production, resonance, speech fluency and swallowing disorders. They provide services to individuals that have suffered strokes, traumatic brain injury and individuals with autism, Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease and many other diseases and conditions.
Audiologists treat individuals with hearing impairment or hearing loss, and those with hearing disorders including dizziness, tinnitus, balance disorders and auditory processing disorders. Most people with communication disorders can be helped. Even if the problem cannot be eliminated, speech-language pathologists and audiologists can teach useful and successful strategies to help patients cope. Individuals may not fully regain their capacity to speak and understand or to hear, but with therapy people can live more independently.
Speech-language pathologists and audiologists hold at least a graduate degree, and a growing number of audiologists hold a clinical doctorate. They have a supervised clinical experience of at least 300 hours; nine months of supervised work experience and have passed a licensing exam approved by the New York State Department of Education. They are professionals with strong clinical backgrounds and experience.
The New York State Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s board of directors developed a strategic plan that will guide the leadership, committees and staff in focusing our resources and energies to ensure our success. Outlined within are the five vital goals that were developed and the strategies that will support them. It is our organization’s roadmap to lead us through today’s and tomorrow’s challenging healthcare and education environment.
Vision: The leading New York association and resource for professionals in communication sciences and disorders.
Mission: Empowering members to serve individuals with hearing, communication and related disorders through best practices, professional development and advocacy.
Values: In serving the members, leadership is guided by these principles:
- Innovation
- Diversity
- Integrity
- Collaboration
BELONG
Membership Service and Satisfaction
- Provide benefits, services and opportunities that afford advantages to members.
- Increase Membership and Improve Member Retention
- Promote Member Engagement
- Enhance Supplier/Corporate Relations
- Conduct Surveys for Member and Non-member Input
- Review and Revise Products and Services to Meet the Needs of Members and Non-Members
INFLUENCE
Advocacy and the Voice of the Professions
- Represent, protect and advance the interests of members.
- Proactively Take Positions on State Issues
- Protect and Advance Members’ Scope of Practice
- Advocate for Reimbursement and Third Party Payment
- Enhance Grassroots Member Involvement
- Engage Regional Network in Advocacy
- Enhance Political Action Committee (PAC)
- Monitor and Participate in the Implementation of NY’s Health Care Exchange
- Research Impact of Accountable Care Organizations on Member’s Work Environment
LEARN
Professional Development
Deliver and develop education and resources to help practitioners best serve their consumers.
- Ensure Annual Convention offers Appropriate Educational Opportunities, Fosters Networking and Facilitates Interaction among Attendees
- Provide Resources for Licensure and Certification Renewal
- Improve Online Resources and Links to Education
PROMOTE
Professional and Public Awareness
Improve awareness of the professions.
- Enhance Relations with Universities and Students
- Provide Scholarship Opportunities for Students
- Identify Initiatives to Promote the Profession to the Public
- Build on “Better Hearing and Speech Month” for an Effective Statewide Campaign in NY.
- Provide Members with The Communicator, the Official Journal of NYSSLHA, Covering Timely Topics on Research, Advocacy, Professional Practice and Other Issues of Importance to NYSSLHA Members
- Increase Usage of Social Media and Technology
LEAD
Association Strength and Leadership
Foster leadership and develop resources to achieve the mission and vision on behalf of the membership.
- Strengthen streams of income.
- Strengthen Relationship with National and Regional Associations
- Invest in Technology to Serve Members’ Needs
- Expand Member Involvement on Committees and Councils
- Diversify Revenue Sources