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- DEI Summer Seminar
| We’re excited to announce a free virtual summer seminar focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This on-demand session will be available from June 2–30, giving you the flexibility to watch at your convenience while ensuring you meet your ASHA DEI continuing education requirements. What to Expect:
We are currently finalizing details with ASHA and our speakers. Once confirmed, we will send a follow-up email with registration information. We appreciate your participation and look forward to bringing you this important content. Please see below for more details. |
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Two DEI presentations to choose fromSession Descriptions Exploring ASHA's Resources to support responsive practices in the Association, discipline and professions This session will dive into the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) resources designed to foster and support responsive practices within the association, across disciplines, and within the broader professional landscape. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how ASHA’s materials, frameworks, and initiatives are tailored to enhance communication, inclusivity, and best practices. Participants will explore ASHA’s tools and guidelines that promote responsive approaches in clinical settings, educational environments, and professional development. The session will also address how these resources can be integrated into day-to-day practice, helping professionals to better engage with and respond to the diverse needs of individuals they serve. Working with LGBTQIA+ Clients and Colleagues Inclusive and affirming practices are essential in speech-language pathology to ensure equitable care for LGBTQIA+ clients and supportive environments for colleagues. This course will provide an overview of key LGBTQIA+ terminology, emphasizing the significance of language in fostering respect and understanding. Participants will explore challenges LGBTQIA+ individuals face in healthcare and educational settings, particularly barriers affecting assessment, treatment, and prevention. Additionally, the session will examine the role of intersecting identities in shaping client-clinician relationships, workplace dynamics, and mentorship experiences. Attendees will gain practical strategies to create affirming spaces that enhance communication, trust, and professional collaboration. Learner objectives Exploring ASHA's Resources to support responsive practices in the Association, discipline and professions As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to: 1. List ASHA resources dedicated to providing professional competencies and supporting responsive, client-centered care 2. Explain how ASHA addresses the integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion in its materials and initiatives 3. Connect how ASHA's resources have helped professionals implement responsive practices in clinical settings and across diverse populations via real-life case studies Working with LGBTQIA+ Clients and Colleagues As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to:
Speaker Bios
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| Exploring ASHA's Resources to support responsive practices in the Association, discipline and professions Akilah Heggs, PhD, CCC-A is a licensed audiologist with 25 years of experience providing diagnostic and rehabilitation services for infants and young children with hearing loss. She obtained her Ph.D. in Public Health from Georgia State University, master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst in Audiology, and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia. She has worked across service delivery settings, which include the Director of Programs and Clinical Services at the University of West Georgia and the state Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) coordinator for Georgia. She served as the Coordinator for the Pediatric Audiology program and supported interprofessional training of graduate students in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program at Georgia State University. Dr. Heggs also worked as the Part C Early Intervention Coordinator for the Georgia Department of Health where she provided oversight, guidance and input into the planning, development, and implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Part C policies and regulations statewide. Dr. Heggs has served in various leadership roles at the state and national level in communication sciences and disorders. Most notably, Akilah is currently serving a three-year term as VP of Planning on the Board of Directors for the American Speech Language Hearing Association. She is also past president of the Georgia Speech Language Hearing Association (2013-2014) and Strategic Planning Chair (2015), former member of the Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (2010-2013) and completed the ASHA Leadership Development Program (2014). |
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