Below are my statements for the position of Vice President of Planning of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (Craig Coleman)
Q: What are the 3 most critical issues facing the future of the professions?
A: I believe that the three most critical issues facing the profession are (a) reimbursement for services, (b) patient access to services, and (c) lack of knowledge about the value of our services. These issues have the potential to greatly alter the landscape of our field for future generations. First, the rising costs associated with insurance premiums often threaten patients’ access to care. The uncertainty of the future of the healthcare system magnifies these concerns. In order to advocate for and prevent such issues, we must educate third party payers about the critical importance of speech-language-hearing coverage across the lifespan. Second, we must ensure that our services are accessible. For example, tele-practice has the potential to be a leading treatment modality for patients who are unable to access a clinic or specialist. The lack of insurance reimbursement for tele-practice and the lack of universal licensure, however, make it difficult to implement and sustain tele-practice services. It will be critical for us to address those issues so that consumers can have access to speech-language-hearing services and specialists. Third, there is still a general lack of awareness of the scope of practice of the SLP and audiologist. This leads to issues with encroachment, lack of funding, and unrealistic caseload/productivity requirements. We must work diligently to improve stakeholders’ knowledge of our scope of practice and ensure that our professionals in the trenches have the support they need to offer quality services to the clients they serve.
Q: Read the description of the position for which you are applying. In light of that description, what would you hope to accomplish through your service in that position on ASHA’s board of directors.
A: As Vice President for Planning, my main priority will be to work with ASHA members and the BOD to identify issues to “transform, grown, and run” under ASHA’s Strategic Pathway to Excellence. First, I will establish ongoing, open communication with the membership. I will facilitate a monthly web chat for SLPs to express their challenges and successes, as well as their questions and concerns. Through that forum, I will be able to understand the needs of our members representing various work settings. I will also communicate with SIG Coordinators and the presidents of state associations to educate them on the Pathway to Excellence and seek their input. Through ongoing communication with the membership, I will be able to address my second objective – to develop task forces aimed at addressing pertinent issues highlighted in the Pathway to Excellence. I will not only collaborate with our own members, but will seek to establish relationships with leaders in related fields. Doing so will promote inter-professional collaboration and bolster advocacy efforts when the need arises. I will work with my international counterparts to continue developing our partnerships with other speech-language-hearing associations. Third, I will collaborate with the BOD members to develop resources to educate the public and other stakeholders about our profession, scope of practice, and the efficacy of our services. Finally, I will ensure that we are strategic plan remains current with member and consumer needs. For example, we should focus significantly on the opioid crisis and its impact on our constituents, including the ramifications of neonatal abstinence syndrome. I will encourage the Board to adopt specific guidelines, training, and resources for those working with this population.
Q: Read the description of the position for which you are applying. In light of that description, what would you hope to accomplish through your service in that position on ASHA’s board of directors.
A: The next several years will present unique challenges in healthcare and education. It will be important to have strong advocates, who can also be a voice of reason, representing our profession. I have served in several capacities with ASHA during my career, and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with talented and passionate colleagues. This profession has allowed me the opportunity to work with clients and colleagues who I respect and admire. It has given me a career that I can be proud of, and opportunities in life that many people are not as fortunate to have. At this time, I feel that I can help ensure that the profession continues to thrive in the future and I feel very passionately about utilizing the skills and experience I have to work with other members of the ASHA BOD. I will work tirelessly to advocate for our profession, our colleagues, and those we serve. I have had many leadership roles during my career, and there is no question that this would be the most important role I have had. I am ready use the knowledge I have and gain the knowledge I may not yet have to make a difference. I believe my strongest asset is to work with people to identify needs and plan possible solutions. In that sense, I feel that the VP for Planning is the perfect position for me to be able to help our profession, which is my ultimate goal.
