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(ROCKVILLE, MD-October 13, 2005) Waivers, product replacements and discounts potentially worth more than one half million dollars have been approved for members of the American-Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) who have been affected by Hurricane Katrina.
The waivers pertain to fees those members would otherwise pay to renew their membership and certification and cover other fees next year related to the continuing professional education (CE) registry.
An important result will be that a key credential for practicing-certification-will be preserved, regardless of the certification-holder's ability to pay, or to send or receive email. Their status will be carried forward in good standing through the end of next year.
In addition, members affected by Hurricane Katrina will not have to pay registration fees to attend ASHA's 2005 Annual Convention in San Diego this November.
Meanwhile, affected members who purchased ASHA products between January 2003 and August 29, 2005 are eligible for free replacements, free products, or products equal in value of their original purchases. Also, they are eligible for significant discount (30% off member price) on any ASHA purchase. Both the product and the discount offers will be in effect through October 1, 2006.
"These steps are unprecedented in the history of ASHA, but the tragedy that has befallen our members in the Gulf region is unprecedented as well," according to ASHA President Dolores E. Battle, Ph.D. "We believe they are the right thing to do under the circumstances, and that they will help our members resume their professional lives."
To be eligible for the waivers and product offers, ASHA members must live in the zip codes which the U.S. Postal Service has identified as being affected by Katrina. Nearly 2,000 ASHA members live in those areas, ASHA estimates.
ASHA has set up a Katrina resource center with up-to-date information and resources related to its members' needs. Also, ASHA is asking its affected members to call (800-498-2071) or email (Katrinadisasterrelief@asha.org) with any changes in their mailing address.
Meanwhile, ASHA's Certification Administration Team has been giving special priority to any requests for verification of certification for individuals from Louisiana, Mississippi, or Alabama. This verification may facilitate gaining licensure in a new state. For further information, interested parties should contact the ASHA Action Center 800-498-2071.
In addition, affected non-members who hold the certificate of clinical competence (CCC) in audiology or speech-language pathology are eligible to have their 2006 certification and CE fees waived. They are also encouraged to contact ASHA about changes in their mailing address through the phone number and email address set up for use by members for the same purpose.
ASHA is the national professional and scientific association for more than 120,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists. Audiologists specialize in preventing, identifying, assessing, and treating hearing disorders, including fitting hearing aids and other assistive listening devices. Speech-language pathologists identify, assess, and treat speech and language problems including swallowing disorders. For more information on ASHA or speech, language, and hearing disorders, call 800-638-8255 or visit www.asha.org.
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