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Spring InTouch
Cultivating a world where effective communication skills and quality treatment exist for all.

In This Edition:
President’s Message
Past President's Message
2017 SCSHA Awards & Honors
Congratulations
Audiology Corner
Pendergrass Fairwold School Partners with Columbia College’s SLP Program 
The Council for Clinical Certification
Loyal Son and Daughter
20 Under 40
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It’s hard to believe that our 2017 convention has come and gone, and now I have the pleasure of serving SCSHA as president.  Several years ago, I would have never thought that I would ever be in this position.  When I first ran for a board position, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the board, but I never thought I would be president.  However, many years later, here I am, and I am truly excited about the year ahead.  I would like to challenge all of you to become active in our association.  There are so many ways to become involved: serve on the board, advocate for our profession when asked to call your legislator, take part in legislative day, present at our annual convention, serve on a committee, donate to the Silent Auction, encourage your colleagues to join SCSHA, volunteer at convention by stuffing bags, facilitating, helping with the Caring Square, etc ,take part in the Sharonda Coleman 5K run/walk, and nominate individuals for annual awards given at convention. It is my hope that each of you will at least consider becoming involved in whatever way….big or small.  Helen Keller is quoted as saying, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”  Help SCSHA do much!  
Elizabeth S. Fogle, MA, CCC-SLP
2017 SCSHA President
   
SCSHA Convention 2017:
“Bridging Human Connections through Communication”
I hope you had the opportunity to attend the SCSHA convention in Charleston, SC.  Over 750 people attended and had the chance to learn from dynamic speakers. At the annual Awards Luncheon, SCSHA had the privilege of honoring an amazing group of individuals. Please see in the below article for the winners!
Thanks to all of you who provided both positive and negative feedback; this information will help us in planning our future conventions.
Planning Ahead
  • 2018 will be a year to celebrate!  SCSHA will hold its 60th annual convention at Kingston Plantation in Myrtle Beach, SC, February 15th through 17th. 
     
  • The 2019 Convention is headed to the Upstate of South Carolina.  The Hyatt in downtown Greenville, SC will serve as the location from February 7th through February 9th. 

  • Mark your calendars for the 2017 Sharonda Coleman 5K Walk/Run! Scheduled for September 30th in the same location- stay tuned for more details!

WE ARE SCSHA! 
What a phenomenal year! The best is yet to come! I would like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful executive board for all of their support and encouragement during my term as President. We worked together and accomplished much. We worked diligently on legislative issues,hosted the first annual memorial scholarship 5K walk/run in honor of Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, awarded the first two scholarship recipients in Sharonda's  honor, received ASHA recognition as State Association, and so much more.
Our 2017 Caring Square donated over three hundred items to the Palmetto Health Children's Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders. 
I am proud of our first SCSHA G.E.M initiative.  Dr. Jessica Berry and I have made a commitment to encouraging a healthier you by continuing this initiative to Get Fit, Eat Healthy, and Move More! 
Near the end of my term as President, I worked diligently with State Association Presidents from California and Michigan to submit a grant proposal to develop public service announcements regarding Inter-Professional Practice.
I am overjoyed to share with you that the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) awarded the South Carolina Speech-Language-Hearing Association a partial grant for our association’s Tri-State IPP/IPE Public Service Announcements project. This grant is funded under ASHA’s Strategic Pathway to Excellence. 
I am certainly excited about my new role as your immediate Past President for  2017. Moving forward, I am committed to updating,maintaining and distributing policies and procedures to the Executive Board members as needed. 
In closing, I would like to encourage you to volunteer. 
WE ARE SCSHA!
Dr. Jackie Jones-Brown
2017 SCSHA Past President
A 2017 SCSHA Honors and Awards Recipients
The South Carolina Speech Language and Hearing Association (SCSHA) proudly announced the Honors and Awards recipients at its Annual Convention held at the Embassy Suites and Convention Center in Charleston, South Carolina, on February 3, 2017.  This year, SCSHA recognized outstanding individuals for their contributions to the profession and tireless efforts for advancing and enhancing the treatment and care of clients, patients, and students. This year we also recognized two recipients for the Sharonda Coleman Scholarship. 
SCSHA members, family and friends attended the Annual Awards Luncheon to recognize the honorees.  The luncheon featured keynote speaker Dr. Deborah Swain, Clinical Director and owner of The Swain Center for Listening, Communicating and Learning located in Santa Rosa, California. Her theme was, “Why we are Remarkable.”
 Recipients of the 2017 SCSHA Honors and Awards are:
Louis M. Dicarlo Award
Dr. Carol Page PhD, CCC-SLP, ATP, CBIS, Director of the South Carolina Assistive Technology Program
Dr. Page is the face of advocacy for augmentative communication devices and assistive technologies in the state of South Carolina. Under her tutelage as the Director of the SCATP, education about this branch of Speech Language Pathology, access to devices, and community advocacy has thrived. She has completed countless in-services, trainings, guest lectures at SCSHA, offered one-to-one guidance and mentorship from the Upstate to the Low Country in clinics and public schools. Furthermore, Dr. Page shares her knowledge and skill of augmentative-alternative communication with graduate students, teaching a graduate level course in this area at the University of South Carolina. Dr. Page is a certified assistive technology professional by the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America and a member of both ASHA and SCSHA.
Frank R. Kleffner Clinical Award
Crystal A. Murphree-Holden, CCC-SLP, Clinical Supervisor, University of South Carolina
Crystal’s longstanding contributions to clinical science and practice of our field make her perfectly suited for this award.  For the last 13 years, she has served as a clinical supervisor at the University of South Carolina; previously, she served as an external clinical supervisor for USC and Columbia College while working full-time as a school-based SLP. Her service as a clinical supervisor for graduate students simultaneously contributes to the clinical practice and science of our field. Chrystal Murphree-Holden’s contributions in clinical service, supervision and administration of clinical services, as well as the promotion of excellence in clinical service demonstrate her commitment to the association, to her profession, and, most importantly, to the individuals to whom she serves; the children and families with communication disorders. 
The SCSHA Friend Award
Stephanie Bridgers, owner of the Local Buzz in Columbia, SC
The Local Buzz café opened in September 2015, but Stephanie began her activism many years before when two of her children were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders.  She became a warrior for her sons and then a warrior to others in her role as Parent-Partner with Family Connections of SC, where she served in this role for 8 years.  Stephanie’s path however was to veer from the traditional views of advocacy into a more intimate and soul warming setting…the opening of her café.  This desire stemmed from a deeply personal need.  She wanted a safe place for her boys with Autism and a safe place for others with children with autism or special needs.  A place where parents, siblings, friends didn’t have to feel like they had to “hush-hush” their little ones all the time. A place where each person could be their own person…a safe inviting place that has some of the most delicious made from scratch baked goods, including the ever-elusive scrumptious gluten-free ones!   Stephanie’s café bridges what we do, teach, and inspire as professionals in the classroom during our Speech Therapy sessions to the local community on a daily basis!
SCSHA Professional/Program of the Year
Dr. Demarcus F. Bush, Assistant professor of audiology, South Carolina State University
Dr. Bush has experience from working in various settings such veteran’s administration, hearing clinics, university, and military installations. Dr. Bush has been a dedicated employee at South Carolina State University (SCSU) for the past 5.5 years, where he serves in as an assistant professor of audiology, clinical audiologist, and researcher.  He also serves as a member of several university-wide committees.  Dr. Bush’s areas of interest are Adult and Geriatric Population Hearing Disorders, Diversity in Audiology, Hearing Conservation, and Global Issues in Communication Sciences and Disorders. He also serves in various volunteer capacities including a board member of the South Carolina Speech-Language Hearing Association (Vice-President of Audiology). Furthermore, Dr. Bush volunteered in on-line teaching of introduction of audiology at the University of Guyana.  This was a collaborative effort between ASHA, the Pan American Health Organization and Guyana’s Ministry of Health to assist in the expansion and sustainability of speech pathology and audiology services by creating an undergraduate speech-language pathology and audiology program among 770,000 residents. 
Dr. Bush demonstrates distinction in his work performance, encourages progressive morale and collaborative efforts in his students and in his colleagues.
Jennifer Mungo Student of the Year
Ms. Marian Easler, Senior at Columbia College
Marian has maintained a 3.5 or higher GPA throughout her college career.  She was selected to become a member of the Columbia College Order of the Purple Seal for her academic excellence. She is actively engaged both on campus and in the community. She is an active member of SCSHA as a convention volunteer. Marian is a Columbia College Student Ambassador where she gives campus tours, Vice-president of the Colombia College Sertoma Club as well as secretary of Omicron Delta Kappa, a national leadership honor society. Additionally, she has shown her love for others by attending over six mission trips in the US and Central America. Marian is dedicated to serving those around her and has a compassionate spirit. These positive attributes will benefit her in the speech-language pathology profession.
Ambassador
Tristan Williams, Student, Pinckney Elementary School
Tristan is an 8 year son of a Fort Jackson solider, a gifted and talented student and a stutterer.   He is a military child who is no stranger to moving, meeting new people and talking about his stuttering with others.  In this short time, he has made great gains and has been a teacher to all, educating anyone and everyone about stuttering and how it is “ok” to stutter, and that we are all different!  In the fall of 2016, Tristan decided that talking about stuttering with his classmates and speech peers was NOT enough and his letter and picture were chosen for publication in the May, 2017 National Stuttering Magazine.   His encouragement and understanding that all children are different and face different communication obstacles is to be commended for one who is so young. He wants all children to know that "everyone is special in their own way".  
Sharonda Coleman Scholarship Recipients
Kennyatta Gilchrist- Columbia College
Tyler Scandrett- South Carolina State University
In Memoriam
Dr. Frank Douglas McDonald
Dr. F. Douglas McDonald was a pioneer in the field of audiology, has been a major contributor to SCSHA, to SC licensure, and to the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology.  SCSHA fondly remembers Dr. F. Douglas McDonald and all that he contributed to the history and leadership of SCSHA, to licensure of speech-language pathologists and audiologists in South Carolina, and contributions to the profession of audiology.
 Dr. Elaine M. Frank
Dr. Frank took a clinical program and gave it a dual focus to include both clinical and research concentrations. She was a great colleague, a fantastic department chair, and a wonderful friend to those fortunate enough to know her. She led by example, demonstrating a prolific ability as a researcher in several areas of communication disorders.  A world traveler, avid Gamecocks supporter, genealogy fan, and voracious reader, Dr. Elaine Frank lived life to the fullest. Her influence and enthusiasm will continue to reverberate in the COMD department and the greater community who knew her.
The South Carolina Speech Language and Hearing Association recognize these distinguished contributions to the discipline of communication sciences and disorders. Recipients are known throughout the state for a lifetime of innovative clinical practice, insightful and rigorous research, creative administration, effective legislative activity, outstanding teaching, or other distinguished professional contributions.
SCSHA is proud to present the recipients of the association’s 2017 Awards. These outstanding individuals have made significant contributions to speech-language pathology, audiology, and speech, language, and hearing sciences. Their work has drawn well-deserved accolades from their colleagues, students and clients.  
Again, congratulations and thank you for a job well done! 
Dr. Nia Johnson, CCC-SLP
Vice-President, Membership and Outreach
Congratulations!
Congratulations to our very own Vice-President of Audiology, Dr. Demarcus Bush.  He has been selected to participate in the American Speech-Language Hearing Association’s(ASHA) 2017 Leadership Development Program (LDP) Cohort.  The Leadership Development Program is a year-long program for ASHA members with leadership potential. The program encourages you to develop your leadership skills and give back to the professions through volunteering—whether with ASHA, at your workplace or for a related professional organization.  
"It was once said that “true leadership invest in its leaders.”  Therefore, I am honored to have been selected as a participant in American Speech- Language Hearing Association’s (ASHA) 2017 Leadership Development Program (LDP) Cohort.  My impetus for applying for ASHA’s Leadership Development Program (LDP) is my passion for being a lifelong learner and desire to become a confident, thoughtful, as well as respected leader not only in my profession, but also my community.  Leadership is something that is cultivated through training and dedication.  Without a team to lead, there is no leadership.  I am of the belief that leaders should encourage and inspire others to achieve their personal along with organizational goals. The leadership development program will accomplish its goals through structured large group sessions, collaborative small group experiences and independent projects designed to expand our leadership, team building, as well as organizational skills.  Some of the topics that will be discussed during this year-long program are: high performing teams, motivation and influence, coaching and mentoring, conflict management, strategic thinking, leadership styles, and governance." 
We wish Dr. Bush the best of luck!
AUDIOLOGY CORNER

Global News
On March 3, 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized World Hearing Day.  This annual effort not only recognizes the impact of hearing loss, but also raise awareness and promote healthy ears across the globe since 2007.  The theme for this 2017 annual event was “Action for hearing loss: make a sound investment”.  The organization’s goal was to express the global economic impact of untreated hearing loss and to promote the benefits of early identification and prevention.     
 
Federal Legislation 
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aid Act of 2017 has been introduced in both the U.S. Senate (S. 670) and House of Representatives (H.R. 1652).  The legislation directs the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to develop regulations to establish a category for over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for adults with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss.  Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Representatives Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Joseph Kennedy (D-MA) are the lead sponsors of the legislation. 
ASHA’s Position
ASHA supports greater access to hearing health care services, but believes the bill goes too far by expanding "direct to consumer" hearing aids to individuals with perceived moderate hearing loss. We believe the bill needs to be modified to include (a) protections to ensure that children with hearing issues are not the users of OTC hearing aids and (b) a requirement for the FDA to collect data on adverse events and contraindications. We will continue to work with members of Congress to request additional modifications to the legislation.  
Dr. Demarcus Bush
VP of Audiology
Pendergrass Fairwold School Partners with Columbia College’s the SLP Program to Provide Students with Practical Application Learning Experience
Pendergrass Fairwold School has partnered with the Speech Language Pathology (SLP) Program at Columbia College for an interactive opportunity to learn about assistive technology and augmentative communication.  Pendergrass Fairwold School is a special education school that incorporates communication and literacy practices school-wide. Every student has the opportunity to communicate using various modes of communication.  All of the students are identified as moderately to severely intellectually disabled and receive speech/language services based on their Individualized Education Program.  Students’ mode of communication can range from oral communication to totally dependent upon the usage of high tech alternative /assistive communication devices. Students who don’t have access to a personal communication device can utilize low and high tech communication devices located throughout the school.  For instance, there are single switch AAC devices outside each classroom door.  Students have the opportunity to use the single switch device to practice communicating core vocabulary in every setting in the school.  The effort to transition Pendergrass Fairwold School to a more inclusive communication school is being led by Ms. Brittany N. Brown a speech-language pathologist who attended Columbia College (B.A.) and South Carolina State University (M.A.).  Ms. Brown is co-teaching SLP 310 (SLP Technology) with Dr. Regina Lemmon Bush who is an Associate Professor and Program Director at Columbia College.  The students who are enrolled in the course have had an opportunity to learn about different modes of AAC during lectures and videos.  Then, the students had the opportunity to develop and program a variety of low tech and high tech devices to use with the children.  Ms. Brown said, “The students participated in hands on learning activities that enhanced learning opportunities for students at Pendergrass Fairwold.”  Columbia College students created interactive communication books and even bulletin boards that allowed the students to have the opportunity to communicate in every aspect of the school.  Mrs. Faythe Redenburg, principal stated “The partnership between Pendergrass Fairwold School and the SLP Program is a win-win for the students at both institutions.  Our students and teachers are benefitting from the creativity of the Columbia College students.”  The experience at Pendergrass Fairwold has been a great opportunity for students to learn about inter-professional collaboration while in college.  Maddie Webber a junior at Columbia College expressed that, “this opportunity has provided me with the experience to work with students who learn differently.  I am now able to develop and program devices for children.”  Sarah White a Junior at Columbia said, “This is a diverse group of students here.  Some students were able to talk while others needed to use AAC to communicate.  I feel confident that I will be able to develop a low-tech devices. This is an empowering feeling!”  Overall, this has been an enrichening experience that provided Columbia College SLP students an opportunity to interact and grow professionally. 
Regina Lemmon, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Brittany Brown, M.A., CCC-SLP
Council for Clinical Certification
The Council for Clinical Certification (CFCC) is the appointed body of members who establishes the standards for seeking and renewing ASHA certification. In early 2016, the Council for Clinical Certification (CFCC) reviewed the current certification standards to determine any need for language clarification or changes to the certification standards. Individuals seeking initial certification and those maintaining their certification are affected by the current proposed changes, which went out to 10,000 ASHA members for peer review. The exact date of implementation has not yet been determined but may be as early as January 1, 2018 or as late as January 1, 2019.
For individuals seeking their initial certification, 20% (75 hours) of direct client contact may be obtained through alternate clinical education (ACE).  Only the time spent in active engagement may be counted.  ACE experiences may include standardized patients as well as simulation cases. Time spent in debriefing activities may not be included. This change in the standards allows training programs more flexibility in providing students more experiences across all required disorders.
ASHA certified individuals who supervise students during clinical practicum while in a training program, as well as those who mentor young professionals in their clinical fellow year, must have a minimum of two (2) continuing education/certification maintenance hours (CMHs) in supervision.  This is a one-time requirement and must be documented before a preceptor may accept a student for training after the proposed standards go into effect.  Preceptors are encouraged to accrue the one-time two (2) hours of supervision training prior to the implementation date, as these will count once the implementation date is in effect. Finally, in order for individuals to maintain their certification, one (1) hour in the 30 CMHs interval must be in the area of ethics.
The SCSHA board has discussed providing convention sessions in these areas as well as how to provide the specific documentation necessary for ASHA. Additional information will be provided once the CFCC votes on the final standard changes.
Danielle Varnedoe, MA, CCC-SLP
President Elect-Elect
Loyal Son and Daughter
“We should always have three friends in our lives-one who walks ahead who we look up to and follow; one who walks beside us, who is with us every step of our journey; and then, one who we reach back for and bring along after we’ve cleared the way."
–Michelle Obama
The Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology (SPA) at South Carolina State University (SCSU), says “Thank You” to Mr. and Mrs. Gregory (Francis) Harley for walking ahead and giving the students in the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology a wonderful example to follow.  Mr. and Mrs. Harley have gifted the department with iPads to use during therapy sessions, they outfitted our student computer area with laser printers and ink, and they have sponsored speech students by paying their book fees and providing financial scholarships.
Mrs. Francis Harley, MA, CCC-SLP, class of 1975, was a student in the very first graduate class at South Carolina State College. Mr. Harley is also a graduate of South Carolina State College (class of 1976), he was an art major.
The Harleys’ were the first recipients of the prestigious Dr. Harold Powell Award. This award is given to outstanding friends of the South Carolina State University Speech Pathology and Audiology Department. They received this award because of their friendship and loyalty. This loyal son and daughter are true friends of the SCSU “SPA’ department. 
Felicia Lawrence, MA, CCC-SLP, Ed.S
VP of Clinical & Professional Affairs
2017 Legislative Day
Columbia College’s Speech Language Pathology (SLP) Program participated in the South Carolina Speech-Language Hearing Association’s (SCSHA) Legislative Day 2017.  The SLP students participated in advocacy efforts to educate Senators and Representatives as well as their staffers about the professions (of speech-language pathology & audiology).  The students interacted with Senators, Representatives and their staffers in Blatt Buildings and the State House.  Dr. Regina Lemmon Bush (SLP Program Director) and Dr. Jessica Berry (Assistant Professor of SLP) encouraged undergraduates to attend Legislative Day because the SLP Program is working diligently to prepare speech-language professionals for life after college.  Dr. Lemmon Bush shared that, “Part of their educational experience is learning how to advocate for the profession.  Legislators need to be informed about the valuable services that speech-language pathologists provide to children as well as adults in the state of South Carolina."
The students relayed their experiences with advocacy, which is a standard for the Council on Academic Accreditation of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology. The students advocated for the speech-language pathology profession and program as they relayed their clinical experiences.  Maddie Webber, Vice President of the Columbia College Sertoma Club stated, "I like the fact that we get the chance to work hands on with children during field experiences instead of just reading the information in the book.  This really allows me to implement strategies and techniques that our professors teach in classes." Julia Morris, Vice President of the Columbia College Sertoma Club stated, "Speech-language pathologists provide services to children with a wide variety of disorders such as articulation, language, voice, fluency and in many settings including schools, private practices, clinics, home health and hospitals."   Additionally, Janna Bramblett shared that, "Advocacy Day allowed me to interact with speech-language pathologists and begin making professional connections in my sophomore year in the program."
  "Advocacy is definitely a learned skill.  So, Advocacy Day was an excellent opportunity for these burgeoning professionals to practice advocacy in action at a very early point in their impending careers" stated Dr. Lemmon Bush who accompanied the students.  The SLP students began the art of learning advocacy for a lifetime.  Dr. Jessica Berry, Assistant Professor of SLP states, “It is an important aspect of this profession.  There are many issues that affect SLPs including work load versus caseload issues, Medicaid reimbursement, Managed Care Organizations.  So, our students are learning really early to become actively engaged in the profession.”
Congratulations!
Tanya Wilson, MA, CCC-SLP, owner of Play on Words, LLC is a top 20 under the age of 40 awarded by The State Newspaper! Click HERE to read all about it!
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