Professional Organizations
American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA)
The American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) is the professional organization for speech-language pathologists and audiologists (the American Academy of Audiology also serves audiologists). One function of ASHA is to offer an accreditation program for academic and clinical institutions. The academic accreditation agency is called the Council on Academic Accreditation. It examines academic programs and determines their eligibility for accreditation. The Communication Disorders Program of the University of Houston is accredited by this Council. This means that the program must adhere to guidelines in administering the academic and clinical programs. If you wish to contact the Council on Academic Accreditation you can write to them at ASHA 10801 Rockville Pike; Rockville, MD 20501. The phone number is 301-897-5700. There are certain academic requirements that students must fulfill as well as clinical requirements that are mandatory. ASHA also has a public code of ethics. It is the responsibility of every student and professional to follow the code of ethics. This code is presented in the Appendix of the ASHA handbook. It will be discussed in several of your classes. Please read it.
National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA)
The National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) is affiliated with ASHA. There are branches of NSSHLA at many universities. At the University of Houston there is a local chapter which is very active. It is an excellent way to learn about professional issues and have fun, too. Students are encouraged to participate in this association. Activities that NSSHLA has sponsored include: providing opportunities to visit professional work settings, presenting lectures from professionals in the community, and raising funds for tests for our clinic and scholarships for clients in the clinic and our students. One advantage to membership is reduced ASHA certification fees.
Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA)
The Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) is the state professional organization. Students are encouraged to join at a reduced student rate. TSHA offers excellent educational and professional opportunities for students at its annual convention. Conventions are held in Houston, Dallas, Corpus Christi and Austin on a rotating basis. TSHA offers financial support to students for research and education.
Houston Association for Communication Disorders (HACD)
The Houston Association for Communication Disorders (HACD) is the local professional organization. HACD currently numbers almost 500 members and is an active organization. The main mission is to provide continuing education for its members. It maintains a student focus through mentoring programs and scholarships for COMD students. HACD is a useful network for students, a way to meet and know local professionals.
Texas Licensure
The State of Texas Board of Examiners for Speech Pathology and Audiology licenses certified speech-language pathologists and audiologists as well as interns (persons completing their clinical fellowship year) and speech assistants (LSPA). Speech assistants have a bachelors degree in Communication Disorders and who apply to the licensure board. A Speech Pathology and/or Audiology license is granted to applicants who have completed their masters degree at an accredited school and who have passed the National Examination in Speech Pathology or Audiology. An individual must hold one of the licensure credentials to practice in Texas.
