As an audiologist or speech-language pathologist, you're always looking for alternative approaches to diagnostics and treatment, and providing ever-better care.

You'll be better prepared if you join TAASLP. Whether you're an audiologist or a speech pathologist in private practice, a medical/hospital facility, public schools, or academia, working with your state organization is essential for keeping up, preparing for the future, and moving ahead in today's increasingly competitive world.

One of the cornerstones of TAASLP information is its newsletter and Internet services. More informative, more vital than ever, the TAASLP Paper does indeed cover the full spectrum of audiology and speech pathology. The website and email list allow us to instantly disseminate news and developments to members across the state and nation.

You see, TAASLP is the only professional organization to encompass every facet of practice, no matter what arena your workplace may be. We believe that we can always learn from those in other areas of our discipline.

By listening to our members, we know that they really want the opportunity to focus on their profession. Our purpose is to provide that opportunity. Through the creation of a Public Schools Network, we work to impact caseload and school-related legislative issues at the state and federal levels. The Third Party Reimbursement Committee and Legislative Committee work to secure funding for professional services that are provided by our members in private practice and in medical settings. We have established the Tennessee Academy of Audiology, an organization that provides a forum for audiologists in Tennessee to address their concerns about professional standards of practice and the ability to be paid for services.

By joining TAASLP and participating in one or more of these areas, you can help identify and solve problems in your chosen field. So, you can get more out of your TAASLP membership, and your profession benefits from your efforts and expertise.

We've learned: Education Pays.

Continued learning is essential for continued professional growth. We present, or affiliate with, regional meetings, conferences, seminars, and workshops, including our annual convention, an excellent networking opportunity. In addition, there are several free continuing education opportunities each year. Staying informed isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. TAASLP educational opportunities will help you survive-and thrive-now and into the future. Keeping up with advances in diagnosis and treatment to boost your career is a great reason to join TAASLP. Remember, as you and your colleagues increase your levels of expertise, you raise the standards of your profession as a whole. By joining TAASLP, you're not only helping your own career, you're also promoting your profession throughout the state and in your workplace.

Together, we can do anything. By teaming up with TAASLP, you can help our discipline achieve the recognition and respect it deserves. If you're still hesitating to join TAASLP, consider the fact that hundreds of your colleagues statewide have already done so. This year, many more will. They'll have the benefit of TAASLP publications, the support of TAASLP divisions, and the know-how of TAASLP educational services at their disposal.

FIVE IMPORTANT TAASLP ADVANTAGES TO REMEMBER: 

1) Professionalism - TAASLP is the only organization in Tennessee that represents the interests of audiologists and speech-language pathologists and their clients. Its sole mission is "to meet the needs of persons with hearing, communication, and swallowing disorders and to enhance the professional development of audiologists and speech-language pathologists." Whether you are in private practice, a medical/hospital setting, public schools, or academia, it is essential that you stay abreast of developments in your profession and prepare for the future in today's increasingly competitive world. That is why hundreds across the state are members of TAASLP. They feel the involvement is critical to their careers, and they are given an opportunity to "give something back" to their profession by participating in TAASLP activities.

2) Advocacy - TAASLP continually monitors legislation and regulations affecting the practice of audiology and speech-language pathology at the state and national levels. By staying in touch with legislators, testifying at committee hearings, or participating in letter writing campaigns, members have a tremendous impact on governmental issues. In 1999, TAASLP played a leading role in influencing Congress to place a two-year moratorium on the arbitrary $1500 therapy cap and to provide new funding for newborn-infant hearing screening grants. In 2000, efforts were undertaken to extend the moratorium, reduce the caseload cap size, and repeal or reduce the annual professional practice tax in Tennessee. In addition to members' efforts, TAASLP employs a professional lobbyist to monitor legislation.

3) Education - TAASLP provides its members with many opportunities for continuing education to help them keep up with advancements in diagnostics and treatment methods. Every year TAASLP offers an annual convention, and there are usually four other opportunities year-round. With the exception of convention, all continuing education activities are available to TAASLP members at no cost or at significantly reduced rates.

4) Networking - When you attend a TAASLP meeting, serve on a committee, or participate in other activities, you have an excellent opportunity to interact with your colleagues one on one, share common interests and concerns, and network for employment and professional activities.

5) Information - TAASLP publishes a newsletter, membership directory, and other materials to keep members informed on issues and developments affecting the practice of audiology and speech-language pathology. However, the most timely and accessible source of TAASLP information is its web center. The center provides members with updates on legislative and regulatory issues, job listings, publications, a calendar of events, message forum, leadership contacts, and valuable links to other professional websites. 

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