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About
ASHA's Native American Caucus
The Native American Caucus consists of American Indian/Alaska Native, as well as non-Native, speech-language pathologists and audiologists who provide services to Native clients. The caucus meets each year at the annual convention
of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to
discuss interests and concerns related to our professions.
More
information may be obtained by contacting Dr. Edgarita Long or Monica Nahwegahbow.
Mission
Statement for the Native American Caucus
The
Native American Caucus is dedicated to the provision of quality
speech, language, and hearing services to all American Indian/Alaska
Native people who have communication disorders. Inherent to the
appropriate delivery of these services is a respect for traditional
values and the uniqueness of each individual.
Goals
- To
provide a forum where professionals:
- Can
network and discuss major issues that relate to the delivery
of speech, language, and hearing services to Native Americans
with communication disorders.
- Can
exchange information about the needs of Native American
clients.
- To
provide and share with others a base of knowledge that will
help all professionals:
- Understand
the cultural and linguistic needs of native people with
communication disorders.
- Become
more aware, sensitive, and competent as they work with
Native American populations.
- Increase
the cultural and linguistic appropriateness of speech,
language, and hearing services for all native people.
- To
encourage and support respectful and culturally sensitive research
efforts that provide data on the assessment and clinical management
of communication disorders in Native American populations with
the understanding that such data:
- Is
collected following appropriate tribal protocols (i.e.,
committee and other tribal approvals).
- Is
used appropriately (i.e., not generalized to different
Native American populations).
- To
support the expansion of opportunities for Native American
professionals to serve as leaders and role models within the
professions of speech-language pathology and audiology.
- To
support the recruitment, training, and leadership development
of personnel, especially those who are Native American, to
serve Native Americans with communication disorders.
- To
advocate for improved service delivery to Native Americans
with communication disorders.
Action Plan
- Hold
an annual national meeting during the ASHA convention.
- Publish
a national newsletter.
- Publish
a national Native American directory for speech, language,
and hearing services.
- Provide
mentoring/counseling for students in training and those who
are considering majoring in speech and hearing/communication
disorders.
- Provide
professional support and mentoring for members.
- Provide
a speakers' bureau of professionals to speak on issues important
to the caucus and serve as a contact for and referral source
for agencies in need of inservicing.
- Recognize
and encourage achievements and accomplishments of members of
the caucus.
- Maintain
active relationships with ASHA's Office of Multicultural Affairs
and other groups (i.e., caucuses) engaged in efforts affecting
culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
- Recruit
Native Americans into the professions, speech-language pathology
and audiology, and into ASHA through personal relationships
and presentations directed to junior high, high school, and
university students and other potential candidates (i.e., educators,
social and health care workers).
- Increase
the membership of the caucus.
Become an ASHA Leader
Speech-language pathologists and audiologists who serve Native populations are encouraged to take on leadership roles in ASHA. To let ASHA know of your interest, fill out an ASHA Volunteer Pool Form located at http://www.asha.org/eweb/startpage.aspx (click on "Volunteer Pool Forms").
Program
Director: Ella Inglebret |
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