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  • 10 May 2023 9:06 PM | Barbara Wilson Arboleda (Administrator)

    News from the Diversity Advisory Group

    The Diversity Advisory Group is currently creating resources to support practitioners who provide services to individuals from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. (Yes, that’s actually every single one of us!)  

    You can check out the first resource we’re working on: Tips for Multilingual Speech & Language Evaluations here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tZzKngoh95c5qk7JhOxsAdhVo0IAwo3inTAtCGocp2s/edit?usp=sharing 

    The advisory group is composed of MSHA members who volunteer their time to attend quarterly meetings, serve on task force committees as the need arises, and keep each other informed about relevant professional needs and opportunities. Please help us by filling out this survey to let us know more about your needs and skills. In the survey you’ll have opportunities to share your contact information if you’d like to join the Diversity Advisory Group and/or list yourself as a bilingual service provider or assistant. Please contact Rachel Aghara (agharar@merrimack.edu) if you’d like to know more about this group.

    Survey link: https://forms.gle/11enR7f8KmR5FgTF6


  • 21 Apr 2023 12:35 PM | Barbara Wilson Arboleda (Administrator)

    Starting April 1, 2023, MassHealth will begin the eligibility redetermination process, renewing all 2.3M members over the following 12 months. This will generally be the first-time members are at risk of losing their coverage since February 2020. In preparation for this effort, MassHealth has increased staffing significantly to handle a greater volume of calls and applications, improved our systems to automatically renew as many members' coverage as possible, and is working in close collaboration with health plans, providers, and other stakeholders. Even with this preparation, we understand that this may be difficult for members.  We’re asking for your support as part of our outreach strategy.

    MassHealth is sharing the Phase 2 Redeterminations Outreach Toolkit for you and your partners to help educate members and make sure they are prepared and know how to complete their renewal. This toolkit includes key messages as well as downloadable flyers, posters, and other materials in 9 languages.  This toolkit also includes materials for specific populations, such as children and families, members experiencing homelessness, or members with disabilities.   We are also excited to share the MassHealth Renewal Help Guide, a new resource for individuals who interact with members.

    We ask that you share these materials in your offices and community spaces as well as through your own communication channels and social media to help all members receive this important information. You can learn more about the upcoming redeterminations process at mass.gov/masshealthrenew.


  • 02 Apr 2023 2:04 PM | Barbara Wilson Arboleda (Administrator)

    Rachel Hammond:

    When I first began my undergraduate studies, I had the goal of becoming a physical therapist. One of the first courses I took my freshman year was an introduction to rehabilitative sciences class that outlined all of the different programs one could enter in this general field. Part of the coursework involved shadowing your profession of choice for the day. I shadowed a pediatric physical therapist at the local children’s hospital and was surprised that I couldn’t really picture myself doing the day-to-day work of the profession when I had felt so driven to that career path initially.

    I found myself entertaining all of the other professions detailed in that course: emergency medicine, occupational therapy, etc. When listening to the head of the Speech Language Pathology department spoke, I found myself really imaging what it would be like to focus on aiding patients’ communication on a daily basis.

    At the end of my freshman year, I went with a university group on a mission’s trip to Costa Rica to help local non-profits and the orphanages they are involved with. While I did take a few years of Spanish in high school, this was not enough for most interactions, and I felt the heavy weight that is the division between people who speak different languages and can’t find a way to connect. The children at the orphanages we visited were the exception to this. It turns out playing is a universal concept, and we were able to connect whether there were words shared or not. I took this lesson back from this trip knowing that Communication Sciences and Disorders could be the perfect blend between my interests of languages and newfound appreciation for how much communication gaps can really interfere with every aspect of life.

    There are certain things within our control, one of them being the additional languages you choose to spend time learning. Hearing ability is something that is largely out of one’s control. Even wearing hearing protection was not an option to the previous generations as it wasn’t known that hearing loss was an adverse effect to being exposed to loud sounds. I love being an audiologist knowing that every day I can help people with the things that are out of their control and help bridge the gaps in their communication. I strongly believe in this profession and the impact we can make as audiologists. This is a particularly interesting time to be early on in this career in light of all of the discussions surrounding over-the-counter hearing aids entering the market and continued issues with appropriate compensation for our doctoral level profession. While this may have initially made me nervous while in graduate school, when I think about the patients I work so closely with, I know that our profession will only continue to grow with time and continued research. I am so grateful to be a part of it!


  • 17 Mar 2023 4:25 PM | Barbara Wilson Arboleda (Administrator)

    My fascination with audiology began while volunteering in high school and college at a local hospital where I observed professionals in the NICU attend to babies with complex medical and neurodevelopmental conditions. In this setting, I became enthralled by the role of the audiologists in considering risk factors for deafness, engaging in interprofessional collaboration, and advocating for access to communication. I was captivated by hearing science, auditory development, and most importantly, emotional support for families in the early stages of their child’s development. 

    I will never forget the distress one couple experienced following a restless morning of auditory brainstem response testing when they learned their baby was profoundly deaf. A flurry of emotions lingered in the space as the couple frenziedly asked questions and began generating a new perception of their child’s life outcomes. I desperately yearned to console the couple. How could I one day assure each family that they should have no lower expectations for the future despite their baby’s hearing status? 

    The empathy the audiologist exhibited in this moment was inspiring. She gave the family space for processing, focused on the emotions present in the room, and shared options for next steps—devoid of audism biases—once the caregivers were ready. Such observation solidified my decision to become an audiologist so I could assess auditory development of infants and children while continuing to support parent-child relationships in the most critical attachment period.

    Throughout my graduate training at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, my clinical externship at Boston Children’s Hospital, and my current clinical work at Mass Eye and Ear, I have become increasingly passionate about providing clinical care at the top of my scope of practice to not only pediatric patients, but to patients across the entire lifespan. I have become aware of ways to create welcoming space for those feeling anxious, isolated, and vulnerable, especially during this pandemic which has amplified so many disparities in care. I have gleaned the value of checking my own biases and have been challenged to continuously adapt testing methods for each patient, particularly those with unique physical, cognitive, and developmental abilities. I have learned to celebrate all successes with patients and families—big and small—to leave them feeling empowered. In my clinical work, I continuously seek to prioritize my patients’ values and goals to create the best plan for them, and to make my care accessible linguistically, culturally, and developmentally. 

    Upon entering the field as a new graduate in the wake of over-the-counter hearing aid legislation and the increasing integration of a public health model into audiology, I discovered my potential to contribute to our field beyond striving to be an excellent clinician. I have supplemented my clinical work at Mass Eye and Ear by getting involved in initiatives I care about and which directly affect my patients. I serve on the Massachusetts Congenital Cytomegalovirus Coalition team through which I help draft and file comprehensive legislation in Massachusetts mandating education and universal testing for congenital cytomegalovirus. I also provide tracking and measurement guidance for the Massachusetts Initiative to Improve Healthcare Transition for Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, a multi-stage quality improvement project with the goal of better integrating young adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities into adult medical care. Through these projects, I have realized the importance of operating outside an audiology bubble. Viewing my work through an interprofessional lens has allowed me to educate others about the importance of hearing health care while learning ways to maximize my clinical role.  

    In the transition from school to my career, I have sought out ways to share my experiences educationally. Through my part-time role as a Technical Assistance and Engagement Consultant with the Association of University Centers on Disability, I assist in the development of webinars and resources for Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities audiology trainees. This work has allowed me to provide mentorship to graduate students and remain informed about current research relevant to my clinical practice. 

    As I continue in my career, I seek to continue applying my knowledge of audiology to public health with the goal of allowing all patients to benefit from evidence-based, unbiased, culturally sensitive audiologic care. In this ever-changing field, I am motivated to be a leader who advocates for my patients’ progress and our momentum as a doctoring profession. And most of all, I strive to emulate the audiologists’ compassion and expertise which inspired me to go into this field.

  • 13 Feb 2023 9:51 PM | Barbara Wilson Arboleda (Administrator)

    I am Esprit Ange Andraos (/espri ãʒ ɑndrɑ:wos/), a Lebanese graduate SLP student at Northeastern University, professional singer, flutist, and TV presenter.

    Since my childhood, I have had the desire to help those with difficulties across social, communication, and literacy domains. Around the age of 14, I was diagnosed with Muscle Tension Dysphonia, which got me intrigued to learn about SLP, and led me to experience some of the symptoms that any of my patients may face with their voice and public interactions. In 2016, I pursued my undergraduate studies in SLP at Lebanese University and obtained my license to practice as an SLP in Lebanon in 2020. While applying American and French evidence-based practices, I have enjoyed providing evaluation and treatment services to culturally-linguistically diverse populations with various severity levels of speech, oral language, literacy, voice, and hearing disorders. Being passionate about speech and voice science, I had the opportunity to travel to Boston and intern at the Voice and Speech Laboratory of Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in the summer of 2019. This is when I recognized that my passion is not only practicing as an SLP but also educating and inspiring other generations through enhancing translational research. These clinical and research opportunities made me drawn into examining some of the latest methods for improving the prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of speech and voice disorders.

    Hence, I decided to pursue an SLP clinical master's at Northeastern University in Boston to shape my clinical skills and be better prepared for a research career in a complex healthcare environment. I am currently enjoying working on AI-based voice technology and designing a novel digital application with Rupal Patel, PhD, CCC-SLP and Pamela Campellone Bartolini, MS, CCC-SLP in the Communication Analysis and Design Laboratory at Northeastern University. In collaboration with speech and computer scientists, we have been working on developing a mobile application that may help uncover speech and voice cues of neurological health. I am excited to see how this project could advance neurological care by allowing providers and patients to access early in-home detection, telemonitoring of conditions, early intervention planning, and improved quality of life.

    Following graduation and as a trilingual professional, I hope to not only serve English, French and Arabic-speaking communities but to also pursue a teaching and research career. Boston has been helping me build a strong foundation to grow as a person and professional to influence the SLP field in the US and the Middle East in a unique manner. Seeing how much difference and enthusiasm I can bring to someone’s life, I cannot imagine not working in the SLP field, because when you “choose a job that you love [...] you will never have to work a day in your life”.

  • 01 Dec 2022 10:49 PM | Barbara Wilson Arboleda (Administrator)

    ATTENTION: APPLICANTS & LICENSEES

    In anticipation of the transfer of Board staff and resources to the Department of Public Health (“DPH”) effective November 13, 2022, please note the following information:

    Applicants: Beginning November 5,2022, applicants must complete the CORI acknowledgement form below. Please submit the DPH CORI form with your application so that it may be reviewed. On November 13, 2022, applications may no longer be submitted through the ePLACE Portal. If you have a pending application in ePLACE, please review and complete prior to November 13.

    Please visit the following website for further instruction: https://www.mass.gov/news/health-licensing-boards-transitioning-to-the-department-of-public-health-dph

    Licensees: Please review information regarding renewal applications at the Bureau of Health Professions Licensure website.

    CORI Acknowledgement Form


  • 22 Oct 2022 11:29 AM | Barbara Wilson Arboleda (Administrator)

    MSHA is proud to offer two $250 Early Career Audiology Awards to be given to audiologists who are in the first five years of their career. MSHA gratefully acknowledges the generous donation by Thelma Hilton Pierce, Ed.S., M.Ed., CCC-SLP, MSHA President-Elect in honor of Mark Tehan, former Assistant Director for Boston Public Schools Related Services Department, who was Thelma’s mentor. These funds are unrestricted and may be used for expenses incurred during the early career years. MSHA will also be awarding a scholarship. Details are in process.

    Applicants for the Early Career Audiology Award and Graduate SLP Student Scholarship must be MSHA members. The deadline for both applications is October 31, 2022. 

    JOIN MSHA NOW, then head over to the Members Only area to apply


  • 20 Sep 2022 10:33 PM | Barbara Wilson Arboleda (Administrator)

    MSHA has learned that the Board of Registration for Speech Language Pathology and Audiology is transitioning from its current oversight organization, the Division of Occupational Licensure" to the Department of Public Health. This change is the result of the recent signing of a new law signed by Governor Baker that moves 13 health care related boards into DPH oversight.

    It is not clear at this time what impact this may have on members or policies, though it's reassuring to know that our licensing body will be overseen by an organization that is primarily dedicated to health and health care practices.

    This transition will take place on November 6, 2022. Any licenses renewed after that date will renew under the DPH's licensing system.

    We anticipate information to be sent to members as their licenses are up for renewal, however, we will also keep you apprised of any updates on this issue.


  • 15 Aug 2022 3:15 PM | Barbara Wilson Arboleda (Administrator)

    MSHA is proud to announce that Senator Elizabeth Warren has accepted a Lifetime Membership in MSHA. As part of Better Hearing and Speech Month MSHA reached out to Senator Warren to bestow the privilege of Lifetime Membership in recognition of her early interest in the field of speech pathology. 

    In 1970, Warren graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and audiology. This made her the first member of her immediate family to graduate from college. Subsequently, she worked as a speech pathologist in Riverdale, New Jersey for a year, until her pregnancy became visible. She recalls, “back in those days, that meant you didn’t get invited back. That’s how it was.”

    MSHA also thanked Senator Warren for her ongoing efforts to protect consumers. As a Lifetime Member, Senator Warren will receive complimentary newsletters and professional updates.

    Sources:

    • https://www.biography.com/political-figure/elizabeth-warren
    • https://www.newyorker.com/news/campaign-chronicles/elizabeth-warren-isnt-inflating-her-resume-if-anything-shes-downplaying-it
    • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Warren#:~:text=Warren%20and%20her%20husband%20moved,in
    • Warren's high school graduation photo - Wikipedia


  • 15 Jul 2022 6:14 PM | Barbara Wilson Arboleda (Administrator)

    UPDATE: Provisional Licensure Law Moves Forward in the Massachusetts Legislature

    Everyone's tireless advocacy is starting to pay off. Our bill, which would allow for provisional licensure of Clinical Fellows in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has passed in the Mass House of Representatives and is in the Senate. 

    Although formal sessions have concluded for the year, the legislative cycle continues through December in informal sessions. We're hopeful the bill will proceed through the Senate to the Governor's desk before the end of the cycle. 

    We're thrilled about this new development and continue to work toward passage of the bill before the end of the legislative cycle. Follow the progress of the updated bill H.5094 here.


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