Published in the April 2026 issue of the ISHA Voice.
By: Allison Gladfelter, member of the Student Involvement Committee
The Northern Illinois University (NIU) NSSLHA Chapter, also known as COMDSA, offers students an exciting way to connect what they are learning in the classroom to real‑world experiences in speech‑language pathology and audiology. With a strong focus on advocacy, leadership, and service, the chapter helps members grow academically and professionally while building community with peers who share similar career goals. COMDSA is committed to increasing awareness of communication disorders and creating opportunities for students to feel engaged, informed, and supported as future professionals.
One of the chapter’s first events of the year focused on hands‑on community outreach. At their initial meeting, members created International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) posters designed to make speech sounds more accessible and engaging for young learners. Each poster paired phonemes with colorful images and example words, turning course concepts into practical teaching tools. With 24 members participating, the completed posters were donated to local elementary schools. This activity gave students the opportunity to apply what they had learned in class while contributing meaningful resources to the community.
Advocacy is another area where COMDSA members have taken initiative. Following the October 2025 federal government shutdown and significant staffing cuts to the Office of Special Education Programs, the chapter organized a legislative advocacy event to help members better understand disability rights and educational policy. Students watched portions of Crip Camp, a documentary highlighting the disability rights movement and the fight for accessibility and equity. Inspired by the film and concerned about the real‑world impact of these policy changes, members wrote letters to Congress urging the restoration of staffing that supports individuals with disabilities. This experience helped students see how advocacy directly connects to their future roles as clinicians.
COMDSA also partnered with Deidre Dobbels, a speech‑language pathologist at the NIU Speech‑Language Clinic, for an interactive workshop focused on accessibility and adaptive tools. During the session, members learned about “alternative pencils” designed for individuals with mobility challenges and created their own versions using provided materials. Students gained a deeper understanding of how simple adaptations can support writing, communication, literacy, and overall development, while also reinforcing the importance of equity and inclusion in clinical practice.
For NIU students, being involved in NSSLHA is about more than adding an organization to a résumé. The chapter provides opportunities to explore the profession early, learn from graduate student mentors, connect with faculty, and build friendships with peers who share similar interests. Through advocacy events, service projects, and leadership opportunities, COMDSA helps members build confidence, clarify their professional goals, and feel more prepared for life beyond the classroom.