WATA Bulletin Summer 2002 edition

[UWAT]

WATA Bulletin- Summer 2002

This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.

Speech language pathology assistant program now offered at Shoreline Community College

Washington state is suffering a severe shortage of speech-language pathologists (SLPs).  SLPs are the primary providers of augmentative and alternative communication evaluations and interventions for people with functional limitations in their speech, as well as other assistive technology services.

These professionals are assigned large caseloads of individuals with speech-language impairments, often exceeding the limits recommended by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Staff at the University of Washington's Center for Technology and Disability Studies have been working on one solution:  a local program to train speech language pathology assistants (SLPAs) who can support the work of the SLP in numerous ways.

Shoreline Community College recently launched the first SLPA program in the state, under the coordination of Susan Sparks, a speech language pathologist with more than 12 years of experience in a wide variety of settings.

The Shoreline program provides students with the knowledge and skills to work with SLPs in private or public agencies that provide speech therapy to children and adults.  SLPAs who complete the AAAS degree requirements will be prepared for employment in schools, hospitals, clinics or private practice, serving children and adults of all ages.

Students who complete this program will be able to: 
.. Distinguish between normal and delayed communication development.
.. Distinguish between correct and incorrect responses during communication   activities.
.. Work cooperatively with professionals and paraprofessionals to implement and support communication activities across different settings.
.. Implement specific activities to remediate or develop speech and language skills under supervision of an SLP.
.. Facilitate behavior management in children and adults to keep them on task.
.. Maximize and enhance opportunities for clients to practice new communication skills.
.. Record and manage documentation to show progress toward communication goals.

Employment opportunities are already widely available for SLPAs in public schools as well as in some hospital programs and private clinics.  It is anticipated that as more students earn their associate degrees in SLPA, the demand for these skilled assistants will increase.

Courses have already begun, but new students are welcome for fall quarter and beyond.  For more information about the curriculum and course schedules, visit the following web site: www.shore.ctc.edu/shoreline/slpassistant.html.

Potential students may also contact the coordinator, Susan Sparks, at ssparks at ctc.edu or 206-546-4101 or Dr. Andrea Rye at arye at ctc.edu, or 206-546-4676.

Agencies that provide speech-language services should also contact Ms. Sparks or Dr. Rye to discuss the possibility of internships or employment opportunities for graduating students.

Shoreline Community College is located at 16101 Greenwood Avenue North, just north of Seattle city limits and west of Aurora Avenue.



2002 Washington State Legislative Report

Sherrie Brown, J.D., Ed.D., Policy Specialist, UW Center for Technology and Disability Studies

The Washington Legislature ended its 2002 session on March 14. Many more bills addressing issues of concern to assistive technology users were introduced than were passed.

Following are some significant bills that became law. For additional information visit the WATA website at: http://wata.org/ or contact Sherrie Brown at 206-685-4010; email: sbrown at u.washington.edu.

You can share your opinions on important issues and influence legislative actions for next year. Call your representatives at 800-562-6000 (V) or 800-635-9993 (TDD); write your representative at Washington State House of Representatives, PO Box 40600, Olympia, WA 98504-0600 or your senator at Washington State Senate, PO Box 404[legislative district],Olympia, WA 98504. Find the email address for a specific legislator at http://dfind.leg.wa.gov/dfinder.cfm.

Education
Anti-Bullying Bill (SHB 1444). This bill requires school districts to implement policies to prevent harassment, intimidation or bullying on school grounds or at school activities. School districts are encouraged to form bullying prevention task forces, programs and other initiatives involving school staff, students, administrators, volunteers, parents, law enforcement and community members. The Governor vetoed one small section that he thought could provide clearer definitions of what "incidents" or "disciplinary actions" must be reported. The primary sponsor was Rep. Murray.

Employment
Improved Employment and Training Services (SJM 8014). This Joint Memorial petitions executive heads of certain agencies to work together to maker ecommendations and improve employment and training services for persons with disabilities, and report to the Legislature and Governor annually. Agencies affected include the Department of Services for the Blind, Developmental Disabilities Council, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Sponsored by Sen. Prentice, it passed almost unanimously.

Health Care
Sick Leave for Family Members  (SSB 6426). This bill provides for leave for employees to care for family members (including children, spouses, parents or parents-in-law, or dependent adults incapable of self-care due to disability) with serious medical conditions. Employers may not discriminate in any way against employees who exercise this right. Efforts to include domestic partners in this bill failed.

Tax Exemption for Medical Equipment (HB 1116). This bill provides a retail sales tax exemption for insulin, prosthetic devices, hearing aids, orthotic devices, oxygen equipment, and other medical or dental equipment.

Penalties for Unauthorized Sale of Medical Equipment (SB 5374). This bill provides criminal penalties and sanctions for persons who sell medical equipment at "unused property markets" (like swap meets or flea markets). Medical devices are those required by federal law to bear the "caution" label, prescription drugs, and other equipment.

Long-Term Care
Qualifications for Adult Home Managers (EHB 2444). This bill sets the education and training qualifications for adult family home providers and resident managers. Managers must be over age 21, have a state license,  complete state basic and special care training, and have a high school equivalent degree. New managers must complete 320 hours of direct care-giving experience in a licensed or contracted setting before operating or managing an adult family home. The primary sponsor was re. Darneille.

Commencement Date for Caregiver Training (ESHB 2707). The effective date for basic and special training requirements for long-term caregivers is changed to Sept. 1, 2002. Boarding home administrators and employees must complete orientation, basic training, specialty training (for homes that provide care to people with dementia, developmental disabilities, or mental illness), and continuing education.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Training (HB 2824). This bill provides that the long-term care ombudsman must have training and/or experience: (a) gerontology, long-term care, or other social service programs; (b) the legal system; and (c) dispute resolution and mediation techniques.

Transportation
Photo I.D. Requirement removed (ESSB 5434). This bill removes the photo requirement for special identification cards for persons issued disabled parking permits.



Calendar of Events

Closing The Gap: 20th Annual Conference, Oct. 17-19, Minneapolis 
(Pre-conference workshops Oct. 15-16.)
Technology applicable to all disabilities and age groups in education, rehabilitation, vocation, and independent living will be covered. More than 150 sessions will demonstrate successful applications of computer technology. Go to: www.closingthegap.com; email: info at closingthegap.com; or write to Closing The Gap, Inc., 526 Main Street, PO Box 68, Henderson, MN 56044; call 507-248-3294; fax 507-248-3810. 

ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) Annual Convention, Nov. 21-24, Atlanta
This year's theme is "Communication: Our Strongest Link." The sessions are equally important for speech-language pathologists and audiologists. State-of-the-art information on research, clinical issues and professional development will be offered. Go to: www.professional.asha.org/events/2002_info.cfm; email: convention at asha.org; or write to AHSA, 10801 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852. Professionals and students call 800-498-2071; public, call 800-638-8255.

ATIA (Assistive Technology Industry Association) Conference and Exhibition, Jan. 15-18, 2003, Orlando
Presentations, demonstrations and exhibits in augmentative and alternative communication, low vision, blindness, computer access, electronic aids to daily living and learning disabilities are included. Learn about a variety of assistive technology  products while experimenting with and evaluating the latest AT in computer and technology exploration labs. Go to: www.ATIA.org; email: ATIA at northshore.net, or write ATIA, 526 Davis St., Suite 217, Evanston, IL 60201. With general questions call 877-687-2842; questions about registration call  847-869-1282; fax 847-869-5689.


For calendar updates, visit the Web at:
http://wata.org/calendar.htm
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The WATA Bulletin is supported by grant H224A3006 from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, U.S. Department of Education, to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Olympia, WA.













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