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MSHA Message: A Quarterly Newsletter for MSHA Members
December 2015
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MSHA Message - A quarterly e-Newsletter for members of the Mississippi Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Message from the President 


 
Another calendar year is coming to a close and with it my year as MSHA president, good memories for a lifetime.

As I reflect on this past year filled with accomplishments in all areas of the Association, I am reminded of the many hours of volunteer service from your executive board, committee chairs, and representatives that have made this a most successful year.


In an effort to create as near a face-to-face setting as possible for the board and committee chairs' online meetings, the executive board approved the initiation of a computer software system that allows audio and visual on the same electronic device and contains webinar capability.  It is a delight to be able to see the participants who choose to be seen during these online meetings at less cost than the previous software!

Two MSHA legislative initiatives were successfully guided by our lobbyist, Stephen Clay, with collaboration by MSHA legislative chair, Rachel Powell. Both the loan forgiveness and the hearing aid tax credit bills were passed! The Council of State Association Presidents’ spring meeting recognized MSHA’s legislative success this year.

MSHA Conference overall participation reached an all-time record! This was directly attributed to the increased amount of student registrations and participation in conference as well as a significant increase in the number of exhibitors.  Amy Rosonet and Kimberly Ward, as conference chair and co-chair, as well as Melissa Ladner, exhibitor chair, and Dana Mitchell, Honors Chair, were greatly responsible for conference success this year. Our president-elect, Rebecca Lowe, greatly assisted coordination of productive student conference activities.

Pearson provided the first free webinar to MSHA conference participants. The first MSHA produced webinar is currently in process. Watch for exciting MSHA webinar announcements in the future!

Deirdre McGowan, MSHA executive director for fourteen years, retired this year and will be missed. However, our executive director, Ricki Garrett, and our longtime webmaster, Keith Magnon, continue to respond to new goals and procedures to take MSHA to the next level of service for members and the clients we serve.  To simplify for all, a revised annual dues schedule will  include notification of renewal one year from the date one joined. Collaboration with MSHA leadership in membership promotion and strategic planning are exciting proposals.


CG Marx, VP Audiology, has been accepted to renew his position as Chair of the MS Advisory Council of Speech Pathologists and Audiologists.  MSHA President 2012, Darlene Gore, was earlier announced as selected to serve on this same council. Kimberly Ward also was announced as appointed to the ASHA Medicaid Committee. All outstanding accomplishments for MSHA in 2015!

The first MSHA historical items, i.e. photographs, licenses, correspondence, and certificates that document the activities of Dr.Ojus Maphurs and MSHA in obtaining licensure for the professions in MS and hearing screenings of newborns, have been accepted into the MS Archives and History Museum collection. It is entitled, Mississippi Speech-Language-Hearing Association Records. Additional donated MSHA history items will be gradually submitted to the museum for review and acceptance into the official MS historical archives.

The first online MSHA Operations Manual (MOM) is in the final stage of completion. It will be unveiled on the website before the end of the year providing an organized and easy access to operations of the association.

ASHA officially renewed recognition of our state association at a ceremony during the fall Council of State Association Presidents at ASHA Convention. MSHA was honored as one of the states that complies with ASHA standards of excellence! Therefore, MSHA will continue to receive benefits from ASHA, such as free speakers at our state conference, ASHA eblasts; etc.


As we all reflect at this time of the year on those aspects of our lives of which we are most thankful, I am truly appreciative of not only the gains made by the MSHA board, committee chairs and representatives, but the opportunity to work with these positive and motivated leaders of our profession.  Their articles in this newsletter paint an unselfish and devoted picture of some of what they have done to enhance professional services in MS.

Theodore Roosevelt once said that, "Every man owes a part of his time and money to the business or industry in which he is engaged. No man should withhold his support from an organization that is striving to improve conditions within its sphere." Membership promotion is the responsibility of all members. I encourage you to extend your personal invitations to MSHA membership with pride regularly.

I would also hope that each of you, at some time in your career, will take the opportunity to serve your state association either as a representative, committee chair/member, or on the executive board. The positive rewards are much more than the efforts. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as your president in 2015.

Have a most blessed holiday season and best wishes for a most happy and productive 2016.


Camille Williams
2015 MSHA President

 

President Elect

I am excited to be closing out my presidential-elect year having worked with such a fabulous board and presidential committee. I have learned an incredible amount about the internal workings of MSHA and the sacrifice that each board member makes in ensuring their committee is moving MSHA forward at all times. I want to thank Camille Williams for her outstanding leadership. Her dedication, wisdom, diplomacy, and administrative skills have been vital during this year of transition. I also want to thank Rachel Powell for her years of service and faithful commitment to MSHA as she has served the state association, not only as president and past-president, but also as VP-Schools, and a variety of other ways. I am delighted she will continue to serve MSHA in various capacities offering her wisdom and insight. I am excited to be working closely with Claudette Edwards, our incoming president-elect, this upcoming year. Already, she is embracing plans for 2016 with enthusiasm and anticipation.
 
I am looking forward to the honor of serving you as president in 2016. We have an exciting year ahead of us.  A primary focal point of discussion at The Council of State Association Presidents (CSAP) this past May was that of state associations being intentional in investing in “the leaders of tomorrow” which are our students of today. MSHA has embraced this effort this year through creating a universities committee chaired by Ms. Amy Livingston. This committee is comprised of the chair and one student representative from each NSSHLA chapter across the state of MS. Already, members of the NSSHLA Chapters are adding to our association by authoring updates of the happenings at the universities. These can be found on the MSHA website. Likewise, the membership committee this year has been recruiting students for membership. Heather Card has created an informational power point to be sent to students which informs them of the benefits to them for joining the state association. We are pleased to see that student enrollment has increased dramatically over the past year.
 
We will continue investing in our leaders for tomorrow in 2016 by hosting a “student advocacy day” at the state capitol on Legislative day. Students from all NSSHLA chapters have been invited to participate in this exciting event on January 28, 2016. Students will contact their local legislators and invite them to eat a light lunch hosted by MSHA and get their hearing screened. At the lunch, students will have the opportunity to talk to their legislators and advocate for our profession. Also, we are adding some student-oriented sessions at the conference targeted for their particular needs. One session will be aimed at the proper preparation for the Praxis, and another will discuss resume building. We are excited about the efforts our state association is making in order to raise up the leaders of tomorrow.
 
Plans are in the works for a strategic planning day for MSHA as we work with ASHA to develop goals for the next few years. These goals will include critical components of MSHA such as: increasing membership, legislative initiatives, conference building and planning, as well guiding each executive board member in his/her own individual area.

MSHA has been under new management this year as we welcomed Dr. Ricki Garret as our new executive director. Ricki joined us last May and is continuing with us in 2016. She has great plans for assisting MSHA in its development and growth.
 
The Executive Board, committee chairs, committees, and management firm work diligently year-round donating hours of work to ensure each area of our profession is accomplishing its best work. I want to applaud them for their dedication and service. I cannot express how honored I am to be serving with them as we work together to grow our association and keep MSHA moving forward in 2016.
 
 
Rebecca Lowe
President-Elect
CSAP
 

 
 MSHA Recognition by ASHA at the Council of State Association Presidents, November 11, 2015, Denver, Colorado.  Left to right pictured are Joan Mele-McCarthy, ASHA Vice President for Government Relations and Public Policy;  Camille Williams, 2015 MSHA President; and Judith Page, 2015 ASHA President.
 
The Mile High City of Denver, Colorado, was the setting for the fall 2015 Council of State Association Presidents (CSAP) meeting on Wednesday, November 11, 2015.  Camille Williams, 2015 MSHA President, represented our state association.  The exciting highlight of the meeting were ASHA State Recognition Awards presentations, MSHA being one of the state recipients.  This recognition is possible every five years upon demonstration of adherence to specific requirements as stated in the ASHA Guidelines and Procedures for Recognition of State Associations. States receiving this recognition are eligible for additional ASHA benefits such as complimentary eblasts, conference speakers; etc.  Congratulations, MSHA, for receiving this ASHA state association recognition!

Other items addressed at CSAP included state association outreach; and leadership development, recruitment, retention, and succession.  Large group presentations focused on leadership development for state association executive boards, ASHA Committee on Leadership Cultivation, and membership outreach in virtual space to consumers, professionals, and students.  Small group roundtable discussions expanded on specific states’ outreach and leadership programs.


It is always a positive experience for your MSHA president and/or president-elect to share MSHA’s strengths with other state associations at CSAP and ASHA as well as receive motivating success information from these states to move MSHA forward in service for the communication impaired and the professionals who treat them.  I am honored to have served in this capacity. 
 

Camille Williams
2015 MSHA President
CODE OF ETHICS
Revised ASHA Code of Ethics — Effective March 1, 2016
 
The Board of Ethics is pleased to announce that a revised ASHA Code of Ethics (2010r) has been unanimously approved by the ASHA Board of Directors and will become effective March 1, 2016.
 
The Code of Ethics (2016) will be posted to www.asha.org in the coming weeks. In addition, supplemental information will be added to the Ethics Resources web pages that will help you familiarize yourself with the revisions and new rules. Current Issues in Ethics Statements will be updated during the coming year.
 
The Board of Ethics wishes to thank ASHA members for their thoughtful comments and praise submitted during the peer review process; all of the input received was carefully considered as the final document was created.
 
Please note that the current Code of Ethics (2010r) will remain in effect through February 29, 2016, and will continue to be available on the ASHA website after the Code of Ethics (2016) goes into effect. Contact ASHA Ethics with questions at ethics@asha.org

Jacque Longmeier
Ethics Committee Chair

 
2015 MSHA Conference

     

Creating Connections and Building Bridges…Together

MSHA is also continuing to offer both the regular Audiology track AND the Audiology Fast Track again this year! You asked and we listened! Check back for a list of invited speakers chosen to present on topics of YOUR choice! These speakers are frequent presenters at the national audiology conferences each year and we are excited to bring you the highest quality education and speakers!

We would urge everyone interested in presenting for the 2016 conference to  submit the Call for Papers. These presentations are invaluable to MSHA conference. We are expecting a plethora of topics including swallow management, professional issues, dyslexia, augmentative communication, literacy, audiology, and early intervention just to name a few.

We look forward to seeing you at MSHA 2016, March 2nd - 4th, 2016 at the Jackson Hilton on County Line Road.


Kimberly Ward, Au.D, CCC-A, FAAA - 2016 MSHA Conference Chair

Amy Rosonet, M.S., CCC-SLP - 2016 MSHA Conference Co-Chair 

Legislative
 

Stephen L. Clay
MSHA Lobbyist

 
EDUCATION

Doctor of Jurisprudence
Mississippi College School of Law
 
Bachelor of Social Work
College of Arts and Sciences
Mississippi State University

 
Jackson Academy
 
WORK EXPERIENCE
 
The Clay Firm (2002 to present)
Jackson, MS
 
Partner – Responsibilities include offering a full scope of government relations services, including procurement, contracting, media relations, grassroots advocacy, and direct lobbying at the state and local levels, representing a diverse spectrum of clients on issues such as health care, education, energy, public utilities, economic development, intellectual property, and technology.

 
Alliance Health Center (2001 - 2002)
Meridian, MS
 
Social Worker – Responsibilities included providing counseling services in a group setting, psychosocials, and other related services.
 
Meridian Oncology Associates (1996 - 2001)
Meridian, MS

 
Account Executive – Responsibilities included billing, coding procedures, and other related services for patient accounts.
 
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
  • Mississippi Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, Past Board Member
  • Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists, Past Board Member
  • Mississippi Conference on Social Welfare
  • Deputy Director of the Mississippi Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons
  • Mississippi Association of Executives
  • Jackson Young Lawyers Association
  • Capital Area Bar Association
  • Mississippi Bar Association, Past-Chair Health Law Section
  • American Bar Association
  • Federal Bar Association
ACTIVITIES
  • Jackson Academy Alumni Council
  • Jackson Academy Association Parent Volunteer Organization
  • Mississippi College School of Law Alumni Barristers’ Society 
  • Central Mississippi Alumni Chapter for Mississippi State University, Board Member
  • Mississippi State University President’s Club
  • Mississippi State University Bulldog Club
  • Member of Fondren Church
INTERESTS

Sports, politics, travel, reading, music, and fishing

 
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:

2015 was an exceptional year for the Mississippi Speech-Language-Hearing Association (MSHA)!  We were excited to succeed in passing Senate Bill 2656, which authorizes the exemption of sales tax for hearing aids prescribed by a Physician, Audiologist, or Hearing Aid Specialist. In addition, Senate Bill 2846 was successfully passed.  This bill authorizes the continued funding for the Speech-Language Pathologist Loan Forgiveness Program at $70,000, and is for new graduates of Master degree programs who go to work in a Mississippi public school for two years.

We are excited to continue our success in 2016!  The 2016 Legislative Session begins January 5, 2016.  Due to the fact that the upcoming legislative session is the first after an election, the 2016 Legislative Session is supposed to last 125 days instead of the usual 90.  However, we anticipate that upon convening in January, the House, Senate, and Governor will agree to shorten the session to 104 days or so.  MSHA will again advocate for continued and increased funding, if possible, of the Speech-Language Pathologist Loan Forgiveness Program.  Though, as you will see below, Mississippi is facing some budget concerns for the current and next fiscal year.   In addition, MSHA will be advocating for insurance coverage to be required for hearing aids and services for the deaf and hearing impaired.

MSHA will again be hosting a Legislative Day at the Capitol.  This year’s day is January 28.  We encourage everyone to attend this great event.  You make a difference!  Grassroots support is invaluable, and remember, all politics are local!!


POLITICAL SNAPSHOT:

Mississippi held its statewide and legislative elections on November 3, 2015.  All 8 statewide officials (7 Republicans and 1 Democrat) easily won re-election.  In addition, the big winner of the night was the House Republicans.  After taking over control of the House four years ago for the first time since reconstruction, the House Republicans expanded their control from 67-55 to 73-48, with one race still to be decided.  If the Republican wins that race, the make-up would be 74-48, which would give Republicans a 3/5 super majority in the House of Representatives.  Republicans continued its control over the Senate at 32-20. 
 
BUDGET SNAPSHOT:

The Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) met Monday, November 16th to discuss the current fiscal year budget as well as the FY 2017 budget.  Revenue numbers have been sluggish during the first four months of this fiscal year, causing the JLBC to reduce the sine die revenue estimate by $65 Million.  However, Governor Bryant is going to wait until January to decide if budget cuts will have to be made to the $6.3 Billion budget.  There is hope that revenue numbers will increase enough during November and December to allow for no cuts to current state budgets.  The current budget forecast for FY 2017 is modest growth at 1.1 percent, though there is growing concern about the revenue numbers missing their estimate the last four months.

Stephen Clay
The Clay Firm

 
LEGISLATIVE DAY
 

 
The Mississippi Speech-Language-Hearing Association (MSHA) is hosting a light box lunch and hearing screening from 11:00 – 1:00 on January 28, 2016, in room 204 at the Capitol. We invite you to have your hearing screened, see what we are doing both as educators and health professionals in the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology, as well as enjoy a light “on the go” lunch.
 
Many thanks in advance.


Rebecca Lowe,
MSHA President, 2016
School Issues
 

The School Issues Committee would like to report our activities for this quarter:
  • Along with MDE officials, presented to SPED directors and school officials the purpose and method of utilizing the mandated SLP Evaluation Instrument
  • Met with MDE and shared the results of the SLP Satisfaction Survey and discussed concerns from the membership
  • Met with Dr. Wright, State Superintendent of Education, and discussed concerns about 216 licensure
  • Have 3 representatives from MSHA to serve on the MDE Educator and Leader Effectiveness Steering Committee to vet feedback from SLP evaluation instrument
  • Plan to update Resource Guide used to improve weak skills identified in the SLP Evaluation 
On a personal note, I would like to thank the membership for giving me this opportunity to serve you as a leader in this position for the past three years.  I have grown as a professional, as a person, and made lasting friendships I would never have made had I not served MSHA.  I never believed someone who worked in a small school district, with only one SLP, could effectively contribute to MSHA.  I was emphatically wrong!!  Anyone who is willing to serve others can be an effective tool in promoting and advancing SLP’s throughout our great state.  I am proud of what MSHA has accomplished throughout my term.  Many of you have served on the School Issues committee and have been an integral part in the advances we have made for our profession. Without volunteers, there would be no MSHA; therefore, there would be no voice.  Please continue giving of your time to continue our efforts to make our voices heard.

Melissa Ladner will take over this job in January, and I know she will do an outstanding job.  Please continue to support her as you have supported me.  

As I begin serving as President-Elect, I covet your prayers and support as I embark on this important job.


 
Claudette Edwards, M.S., CCC-SLP, CALT
VP: School Issues
Membership
 
 

The membership term for MSHA dues has changed from a fixed date system to a transactional date system.

What this means?

 No longer will your MSHA membership expire on 12/31.  Your membership term will run 1 year from the date you join or renew.  For example; if you join or renew on 11/28/2015 then your membership will expire on 11/27/2016.

No late fee.  If you allow your membership to expire then you are no longer a member and will have to rejoin, at your convenience, and your new membership will expire 1 year from the date you rejoined.  This is especially important if you are within five years of being eligible for Lifetime Membership status because one of the requirements is 5 years continuous membership.  If your membership should expire then your five years would start over.  You will still get reminders letting you know your membership is about to expire and you do have the option to set your membership to auto-renew using a credit card.  This can be accessed from your member account.

 If you have already renewed your membership for 2016 or beyond, your term will remain the same until after you have completed those terms.  For example, if you have already renewed for 2016 and 2017 then your membership will still expire on 12/31 and will not change to the transaction date until you renew for 2018.  This only applies to those who have already renewed for 2016 or beyond.

If you have any questions about this important change please contact a member of the Executive Board, the Executive Director, or the Membership Chair.

 

Heather Card, M.A. CCC-SLP
Chairman Membership Committee

 
Public Relations & Marketing

  
The Fifth China International Conference on Speech Therapy will be held from Sept 9-11, 2016 in Beijing, P.R. China as an international activity of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Rehabilitation Medical Doctor Branch, the Beijing Rehabilitation Medical Association, Hearing and Speech Branch, and the University of Minnesota Duluth. The major purpose of this conference is to bring together speech-language pathologists, and related clinical rehabilitation professionals to discuss clinical applications dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of speech, hearing, language, and swallowing disorders.
 
The deadline for submission of all requested documentation is Feb 18, 2016. For more information about registration and submissions, go to http://cehsp.d.umn.edu/departments-centers/department-communication-sciences-and-disorders/programs/international.


Edie Jones
VP: PR & Marketing

 
Healthcare


The content of this article will apply to speech pathologists and audiologists involved in billing Medicaid managed by Magnolia Health Plan.  Beverly Ray and I have negotiated with Magnolia to ensure continuity of care.  Our primary concern has been their requirement of an IEP to initiate services.

Magnolia has made three concessions, each discussed below.

  1.  A checklist prepared by Beverly Ray and her staff has been developed to indicate where the child is in the IEP process.  This form is titled “Speech Therapy Information Request” and can be found on the MSHA web site.  Go to mshausa.org, tap Resources on the left and see the request as the first item which pops up.
  2.  Magnolia has agreed to accept three pages of the IEP when it has been developed. The first page is required, the second is “Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance.”  The third required page is headed by “Special Education and Related Services” and includes the start and end dates of the IEP.
  3. Magnolia is not going to deny services as the IEP is developed and signed.  The length of the grace period will allow time for the process to be completed.  However, the “Speech Therapy Information Request must accompany therapy requests during this grace period.

Thank you for your advocacy efforts.  I believe uniting on the talking points got results.  Please feel free to contact me with questions.

Jeffalyn Trammell
VP: Healthcare
MSHA Co-STAR

Audiology
Let me start this final Audiology update for 2015 by saying that I am proud to have served as your representative on the MSHA Executive Board for this past year.  Beginning January of 2016, Dr. Emily York will begin her tenure in this position.  I know that you will offer her your support and consideration in the coming years as she strives to enhance our profession through the supportive efforts of the MSHA membership.
 

Legislatively, in 2015, we witnessed the important passage of a bill eliminating the sales tax for hearing aids purchased in the state of Mississippi.  Look for future legislative efforts in the coming year designed to increase insurance coverage of diagnostic and rehabilitative services for individuals with hearing loss.  I urge you to participate in the legislative process by petitioning your respective legislators for support for this legislation when called upon to do so by your elected MSHA representatives. 

In addition, recently we have seen some important changes in Mississippi Medicaid rulings related to reimbursement for non-implantable auditory Osseo integrative devices (AOD), replacement parts and repair of said devices, as well as the agreement to reimburse supervised student provision of therapeutic services.  All of these positive changes should lead to an enhanced
provision of services for our Medicaid eligible patient population.  On a cautionary note, the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) recently issued a report on aging America and hearing loss in which they call for the creation of a new category of “over-the-counter” hearing aids that would be exempt from FDA quality regulations.  They also recommended that these be of a category that could be self-fitted by individuals with age-related hearing loss.  These recommendations are generally considered nonbinding but could be acted on by certain regulatory agencies.  ASHA is currently reviewing the report in its entirety and will develop a strategy to address the recommendations put forth by this group.  Look for future “call to action” announcements from ASHA related to this topic and voice your concerns regarding a set of recommendations that many feel would detrimentally affect the provision of hearing health care services in this country.  For additional information, you may contact Ingridia Lusis, ASHA’s director of federal and political advocacy (ilusis@asha.org). 
  
The 2016 annual continuing education conference really isn’t that far in the future and promises another excellent slate of speakers, offering a wide range of topics pertinent to our field.  In addition, look for some timely, informative sessions from the Mississippi Division of Medicaid and the Mississippi Department of Health EHDI division. 

As always, if there are issues or concerns, that you would like the Audiology committee to address or if you wish to serve on this committee, please contact me or, beginning in January, Dr. Emily York at vp.audiology@mshausa.org.  Thank you again for your kind consideration of my efforts during this past year.


C. G. Marx
VP: Audiology
PATHWAYS TO POSSIBILITIES
MSHA  exhibited at the Pathways to Possibilities conference in Biloxi, MS on November 18th and 19th, 2015 from 9am-2pm.  This was an interactive conference showcasing a wide variety of careers to expose 8th grade students to possible workforce options.  This program allowed and inspired these 8th graders through hands-on activities and real life interactions with professionals.  For more information on P2P, please follow this web address:  http://www.pathways2possibilities.org/

MSHA was excited to share the world of speech-language and hearing with the students. We represented all professionals in speech-language and hearing, including audiologists, school based SLPs, medically based SLPs; etc.

Melissa A. Ladner, M.S., CCC-SLP
Exhibitor Chair

MSHA Archives
 


Dr. Ojus Malphurs, Donor; Camille Williams, 2015 MSHA President, and Betty Uzman, Museum Representative.

 
 In 1965, I was out of grant money in graduate school at the University of Virginia and took a position as an assistant professor and director of the speech clinic at the Mississippi State College for Women (Now MUW). One Saturday, my supervisor, Ralph Frybarger, and I attended a lunch meeting in Tupelo with other speech pathologists and audiologists. No one collected dues, and I don’t remember electing officers; however, I assumed this was the Miss. Speech and Hearing Assoc. After a year, I returned to graduate school; however, by 1967 I was out of money again and Ralph hired me as Director of Audiology (and only audiologist) at the Univ. of Miss. Medical Center. That fall we attended a lunch meeting on the Gulf Coast with about twenty other speech and hearing professionals. However, once again I don’t remember collecting dues or electing officers. In 1970, I completed my Ph.D. at U.Va. and returned to the Univ. Medical Center as a faculty member in otolaryngology and Director of the Communicative Disorders Laboratory, and I do remember that MSHA was a real organization.

 In the mid 1970’s the American Speech and Hearing Association was helping State Associations obtain licensing, and as the ASHA Legislative Councilor for Mississippi, I worked with the Presidents of MSHA, Gloria Kellum, Bob Thomas and Carla Wall in preparation, passage and implementation of licensing in Mississippi. Prior to our efforts to pass licensing, I had the opportunity to ask the Secretary of State, Heber Ladner, if someone should register as a lobbyist. He wisely observed that it only cost a dollar, so I paid the dollar and became a registered (and card carrying) lobbyist. During the 1975 legislative session, there was no opposition to licensing speech pathologists; however, the hearing aid dealers and otolaryngologists objected to licensing audiologists. Bob Thomas and I held out for licensing both professions. After the session, I filed a report with the Secretary of State showing that MSHA had direct expenses of $81.87 in passage of the licensing law. Before we could have the final celebration, the ASHA National Office informed me that we needed to write regulations, which they helped me do during a Christmas visit to my wife’s parents in Arlington Virginia.

My first year as an audiologist was shortly after the 1964-65 rubella epidemic, which produced thousands of hearing impaired infants in the United States. At that time there were only three audiologists in Mississippi and testing older hearing impaired children for the first time because they were not talking was a routine experience. In 1978, in response to a challenge by the President of Lions International to serve the deaf as well as the blind, the Lions Clubs of Mississippi formed a committee and found that audiologists and teachers of the deaf all agreed that early identification was the greatest need. This led to a statewide infant screening program that by 1989 had grown to 22 hospitals, which delivered more than half of the babies born in Mississippi. This was four years before NIH recommended universal newborn hearing screening and eight years before passage of the Mississippi Screening Law. In recognition of their work, the Lions Clubs of Mississippi were awarded honors of MSHA.


I feel very fortunate to have been able to work in speech and hearing in this state for a very long time. Though my current clinical interest is early identification of hearing impaired infants, people in this state would probably be surprised to know that my Ph.D. dissertation was on “Dyslexia in Adult Aphasics”.
 
Ojus Malphurs Jr. Ph.D. CCC-SLP/A
Mississippi License #1

 
Spotlight
MSHA Represented at ASHA 2015 Convention in Denver, CO.
 
 

Left to right are Pam Mayer, Past President of the Colorado State Association; Camille Williams, 2015 MSHA President; and Maryanne Weatherill, Past President of the Georgia State Association and the 2016 CSAP Secretary.



Left to right is Janet Brown. ASHA Director of Health Care Services and Camille Williams, 2015 MSHA President.
 
Calendar of Events
 
MSHA 2016 Conference
March 2nd - 4th
Jackson Hilton
County Line Road
Jackson, Mississippi
________________________

The Fifth China International Conference on Speech Therapy
Sept 9-11, 2016
Beijing, P.R. China  

 
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Copyright © 2015 Mississippi Speech-Language-Hearing Association, All rights reserved.


Our mailing address is:
P.O. Box 22664
Jackson, MS 39225
www.mshausa.org

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