I would like to welcome you to the website of the Kentucky Speech-Language-Hearing Association (KSHA). KSHA is setting the PACE for preventing, assessing and treating communication disorders in the Commonwealth. As you browse these web pages, you will see KSHA’s commitment to empower speech-language pathologists and audiologists through Professional Development, Advocacy, Collaboration and Education.
KSHA represents over 1,600 passionate speech-language pathologists, audiologists and students. Our members are dedicated to service for the benefit of KSHA and the individuals they serve. Not every member can commit the same amount of time and energy to KSHA, but every member can do something to help the profession and ultimately those they serve. As a KSHA member you can make a difference!
KSHA has a strong public policy agenda and the KSHA PAC works positively to influence legislation and regulatory issues in ways that benefit the professions and those we serve. Our members are the best advocates and KSHA is here to assist you with your efforts to let everyone know that speech-language pathologists and audiologists are making positive changes across the commonwealth. Executive council members meet with our state and federal legislators through out the year. Let me know if you would like to join us in Frankfort or, contact your legislator, in his or her office, in your community and introduce yourself and the professions. We have resources to help you speak to important issues that influence our practices.
The KSHA convention is our most popular event. Plan now to attend the 2019 Annual Convention in February. This year’s theme “The Empowerment of You”! is sure to provide you with increased self-awareness and clinical expertise to achieve professional success. Convention is also a great time to network and catch up with friends. Remember, members receive a reduced rate on convention registration. In addition to convention, KSHA publishes the KSHA Communicator, our bi-annual newsletter. Another way to engage with KSHA is to write an article for the newsletter to share your clinical expertise or showcase a public interest story about the professions.
KSHA volunteers do invaluable work for the association. New members and new ideas are always needed. If you are not yet a member join today. Our membership year is January to December, renew your membership today. I want to also ask you to encourage your colleagues to join. If you are not interested in volunteer work, maybe you are interested in building the KSHA endowment created to fund new KSHA scholarships and grants. Thank you for your contribution!
Across the commonwealth there are individuals who cannot hear, speak, swallow, or think clearly. The people of Kentucky are counting on speech-language pathologists and audiologists across the state. KSHA is a dynamic and action-oriented association because of member engagement. I am honored and humbled to serve as the 2018-2019 president. It is my desire for the public and legislatures to recognize speech-language pathologists and audiologists across Kentucky as experts in helping individuals achieve communication success.
I invite you to explore these pages and learn more about KSHA and our dedicated members. As you do you will discover exactly how we set the PACE for our professions.
Kelly A. Kleinhans, PhD CCC-SLP
President, Kentucky Speech-Language-Hearing Association