News from ASHA SEALs Representatives

Published in the May 2025 issue of the ISHA Voice.

By Karen Kockler and Julie O’Brien-Smith, ASHA’s SEAL and Co-SEAL for Illinois

 Thinking about trying something new?  Wanting an in-person experience to learn about advocacy on a national level?  Are you planning to attend the 2025 ASHA Convention “Envisioning Possibilities for the Future” in Washington D.C.?  Well, here’s your chance!  On November 19, 2025, ASHA advocates will head to Capitol Hill, and ASHA is looking for students, assistants, audiologists, and SLPs to join in.  Read on for details and to apply!

• “This is an excellent opportunity to meet directly with your legislators and their staff to share what matters to you and the people you serve. So, whether you’re coming into town for the convention or just want to get involved in advocacy, we encourage you to apply.
• ASHA Advocacy will handle the meeting scheduling and prepare you with all the tools and resources you need for productive conversations. Slots are limited, so please submit your application by May 30, 2025.”

ASHA’s other advocacy news includes the following topics, which can be found here:

• Fighting to Protect Medicaid
• Congress Considers Health and Human Services Budget; Examines Education Funding Soon
• Medicare Issues Proposed Acute and Post-Acute Payment Rules
• Share Your Feedback with ASHA; Federal and State Feedback Form
• and learn about all the different ways ASHA is working for you!

For advocacy updates for both School Issues and Healthcare Issues, please click this link for ASHA’s Advocacy page!

There’s still time to provide feedback regarding the proposed changes to ASHA By-Laws and Special Interest Groups.  The deadline is 5/30/2025.  Read more here.