Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Megan Berg discuss the idea of trying to change the direction of ASHA by getting on the board of directors- a concept that has been brought up by SLPs on social media. The episode covers how systemic factors limit practicing clinicians, particularly those whose views do not align with ASHA’s, from successfully moving through the board’s nomination and election process. Megan and Jeanette and encourage SLPs to take action in areas where they do have control.  Follow us...

Dr. Jeanette Benigas speaks with Ashley Laudick M.A., CCC-SLP, the president of the Iowa Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Ashley delves into the association's successful endeavors safeguarding SLP billing codes in Iowa and sheds light on ongoing advocacy work, particularly concerning potential restructuring of the state’s licensing boards. They discuss the significance of member engagement, transparency, and the pivotal role of lobbyists in championing Iowa’s SLPs. Ashley underscores the...

Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Megan Berg discuss the ASHA SLP Practice Analysis, which serves as the evidence base for the CAA standards, the CCC standards, and the questions on the Praxis test. Is the practice analysis strong enough to hold up the entire field in these ways? Is it possible for SLP to evolve towards a competency-based model that adequately supports both instructors and students and protects consumers from lack of comprehensive training? Follow us on Instagram.Find all of our...

Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Megan Berg list their top 12 wishes for SLPs from rest to career fulfillment to never having to hear the words, “But I talk just fine!” ever again. Join us as we celebrate all of the positive possibilities for our field! Follow us on Instagram.Find all of our information at fixslp.com and sign up for our email list to be alerted of new episodes and content.Email us at [email protected].

Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Megan Berg speak with MaryTherese Sabatino, an SLP currently completing her SLPD and pursuing a track in academia who has decided to drop ASHA membership. The episode touches on the history of the membership association, how it has grown in the last 20 years, and opinions around lack of transparency and accountability. Grassroots change at the level of state associations is discussed, along with competency-based training and evaluation. Follow us on Instagram.Find all...

Dr. Jeanette Benigas introduces a guest, Kristina Fuentes, M,S. SLP, the President of the Hawaii Speech, Language, and Hearing Association, who shares about her clinical practice, background, and the association's initiatives. Kristina discusses advocacy efforts and achievements, such as securing licensure for clinical fellows, as well as future goals, including increasing social media presence and enhancing the quality of clinical services in Hawaii. The conversation also covers HSHA’s...

Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Megan Berg get clarification from CARF about if the CCC is required for SLPs working at CARF accredited facilities. They re-envision what it could look like to become a licensed SLP, exploring options of splitting the field into tracks, ditching a national exam, and focusing on competency checklists during grad school training. Follow us on Instagram.Find all of our information at fixslp.com and sign up for our email list to be alerted of new episodes and...

Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Megan Berg talk to 12 different people from 12 different professions about how their field is regulated. The bottom line? There is no *one* way to regulate a field. There are lots of different ways! We explore if the current standard of ASHA attempting to quasi-regulate the field with their “optional” certification is working for SLPs. Follow us on Instagram.Find all of our information at fixslp.com and sign up for our email list to be alerted of new episodes and...

Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Megan Berg discuss how the field of speech-language pathology is regulated. Like most professions in the United States, SLP is regulated by the government, which creates rules and regulations to protect consumers. Governing bodies take recommendations from established institutions that position themselves as experts of the domain. SLP is in a unique position right now as it transitions to be fully supported by government regulation, shining a light on some of the...

Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Megan Berg discuss your questions, including how this conversation applies to CFs, what ASHA does for SLPs, how to get off of the teacher pay scale, how the ASHA ethics board works, what people who are pro-CCC are saying, and why the BCS-S requires the CCC. Follow us on Instagram.Find all of our information at fixslp.com and sign up for our email list to be alerted of new episodes and content.Email us at [email protected].

Megan Berg and Dr. Jeanette Benigas talk to Kristin, an SLP who runs a private practice in Pennsylvania. Kristin discusses her decision to drop the CCC and expresses frustration with the requirement of holding the CCC to be a member of ASHA. The episode also features Courtney, who works in the schools and has never paid for the CCC as an SLP. Courtney discusses the need for changes in graduate programs, tracks for school and medical SLPs, and the need for more people to enter the field....

Megan Berg and Dr. Jeanette Benigas discuss the newly established Slack community to connect SLPs at the state level and to foster communication about making grassroots changes. Conflicting regulations in New Jersey and Delaware are highlighted, as well as the overall poorly organized and difficult-to-navigate landscape of SLP regulation at the state level. Megan and Jeanette urge organizing within local state communities in order to clarify regulations related to licensing and Medicaid,...

Megan Berg and Dr. Jeanette Benigas question the value and necessity of ASHA certification, expressing frustration with its lack of competency guarantee and support for new clinicians. They also criticize the conflation of membership dues with CCC fees. They address pushback from academic SLPs. Additionally, they express frustration with the certification process and lack of evidence base behind the CCC. They discuss concerns about providing services in settings in which SLPs aren’t trained,...

Megan Berg and Dr. Jeanette Benigas do a quick check-in from a coffee shop in Ohio. They express gratitude for the feedback received regarding ASHA’s live Q&A session and mention plans to review the recording and share thoughts. They discuss the need to engage with state associations to remove CCC language from state regulations. They also discuss the lack of clinician voices in ASHA's decision-making process and the difficulty of volunteering for ASHA. They acknowledge the need for...

Megan Berg and Dr. Jeanette Benigas discuss the challenges in the field of SLP and express gratitude for social media support. They encourage others to join their movement for improvement and request letters to be written to the ASHA board on the issue of the CCC. They discuss frustrations with academia and the limited influence of working SLPs in professional organizations. They emphasize the importance of measuring competency in the field. They advocate for support and fair compensation for...

Megan Berg and Brooke Richardson share their perspectives on the perceived significance of certifications in the SLP profession. The importance of asking questions, critical thinking, and engaging in open dialogue is emphasized. The Fix SLP platform is highlighted as a space for discussion and challenging the current system. The episode also covers three court cases and their outcomes relating to the current membership/certification issues that SLPs are grappling with. The conflict of...

In this impromptu brief episode, Megan and Jeanette outline how SLPs can take action by writing a letter to the ASHA Board of Directors. Find all the information and links you need at fixslp.com. Follow us on Instagram.Find all of our information at fixslp.com and sign up for our email list to be alerted of new episodes and content.Email us at [email protected].

Megan Berg and Dr. Jeanette Benigas discuss the challenges and considerations of dropping the CCC in the field of SLP. Factors to consider include employer requirements, job security, state licensing board requirements, and the impact on supervising students. They also discuss the issue of certifications and the need for separate standards. They encourage SLPs to be informed and empowered to make their own choices and highlight the importance of sharing stories to reduce stigma. They call for...

In this episode, Megan Berg and Dr. Jeanette Benigas discuss the challenges in the field of speech-language pathology and the Fix SLP platform they started in order to address these issues. They share personal stories about the difficulties they faced with certification and licensing requirements. They express frustration with the cost and maintenance of the CCC and the lack of clarity on its necessity. They stress the importance of locating specific rules and regulations in order to clarify...