What I Learned at ASHA 2011
I have attended ASHA since 1988, missing only a few years
in-between then and now. I have presented seminars, poster sessions and worked
in the exhibit hall. I have sat in the first rows of sessions, the last rows of
sessions, stood against the walls, and sat upon the floors in order to gain
updated and pertinent information about every aspect of my profession. Call me
crazy, but I even have all of my ASHA name badges dangling on a ribbon in my
office. Today, I will pin the 2011 badge in its proper place.
Some
my ASHA name badges from over the years.
Here
is a list of professional reasons I attend ASHA:
- To keep updated about the latest
research in speech therapy and audiology
- To attend a variety of sessions
over several days in all areas of our profession
- To attain quality continuing
education credits
- To meet and greet top professionals
in the speech/language/hearing field
- To meet and greet new professionals
in our field
- To assure myself that I continue to
offer the best services for my clients and families by visiting with
fellow SLPs and attending all types and styles of sessions
- To scour the exhibits for hands-on,
updated materials that offer the best quality, service and product for my
budget and to talk to the representatives first-hand about their products
- To honor those who have excelled in
our profession
- To network around the world
Of
course,
- ASHA is about learning
- ASHA is about getting all of those
wonderful freebies in the
Exhibit Hall (I gave out eighteen copies of my three new books, two for
autism, one for oral motor) in addition, any ASHA member could leave with
five extra pounds from all of the free chocolate and candy -- yum
- But for me, ASHA is about the
people
THE
PEOPLE OF ASHA:
- Are people you will network with
for the rest of your life
- Are people who care about other
people
- Are people who are knowledgeable
and willing to share their skills
- Are people who will help enhance
your business objectives
- Are people who are giving and want
the best for our profession
- Are people who are old friends and
people who fast become new friends
The
ADVANCE Booth is in the center, surrounded
by The People of ASHA.
My next several Autism
Spectrum Blogs will be posted on specific ASD sessions. I plan to pass along
topics, talks and tips. Be here.
"Speech pathologists make good things
happen."