President's Message
President’s Message
Advocacy, Empowerment, and Securing Our Future
Dear ISHA Members,
As we welcome a new year, I find myself reflecting once again on the power and purpose of our mission: to empower aspiring and practicing audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and assistants through advocacy, education, collaboration, mentoring, and networking. In the fall, I shared how empowerment has shaped my journey with ISHA. Now, as we begin 2026, I am reminded that empowerment is only one part of our story. Our mission also calls us to advocate and to use our collective voice to protect, uplift, and secure the future of our professions and the individuals we serve. As this year begins, I am inspired by the advocacy work unfolding across our state and across the country. I am excited to share how ISHA members continue to lead these efforts.
This past November, I had the privilege of joining more than a dozen Illinois advocates and ISHA members, including audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and audiology students, in Washington, D.C., for ASHA’s 2025 Capitol Hill Day. More than 300 professionals from across the nation gathered to meet with lawmakers and help advance issues at the heart of our professions: making effective communication a human right.
ISHA members from across Illinois met with Representatives from their local districts as well as staff from the offices of United States Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth. Together, we advocated for several key priorities, including the IDEA Full Funding Act, federal funding for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) newborn screenings, permanent telehealth coverage for audiology and speech language pathology services under Medicare, the protection of Medicare and Medicaid benefits, and the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act. These conversations serve as a catalyst for change, demonstrating once again that advocacy at both the individual and state levels truly matters.
Building on this national momentum, ISHA received a $1,000 ASHA Student Advocacy Grant for our 2025-2026 project led by Karen Kockler. At the center of this initiative is a statewide NSSLHA Student Ambassador program. Each Illinois chapter will appoint an ambassador who will create and share A Roadmap to Early Advocacy, lead local efforts, and launch a coordinated social media campaign. This initiative strengthens leadership, encourages collaboration, and ensures that advocacy remains a vital part of our professional culture for years to come.
Looking ahead, I am thrilled to invite you to join us at the 66th Annual ISHA Convention, taking place February 19th and 20th, 2026, at our new venue, the Tinley Park Convention Center. This fully in-person event will offer impactful continuing education, opportunities for collaboration and networking, inspiring student and professional presentations, and committee meetings where your experiences guide the work of the association.
This year, more than 100 educational sessions and Student Initiated Research and Clinical Applications (SIRCA) posters will be offered. These presentations reflect the breadth and depth of our field. Convention is always a meaningful opportunity to reconnect, recharge, and reaffirm the importance of our shared mission.
As we move into 2026, ISHA remains committed to advancing advocacy that strengthens our professions and supports the individuals and communities we serve. Together, we will continue to protect access to care, support our workforce, strengthen professional pipelines, and secure a future where communication, hearing, and swallowing services are accessible to all.
Thank you for your commitment to ISHA and to the individuals and communities you serve. I look forward to seeing you in Tinley Park and continuing this important work together. Together we are stronger, and together we will continue to advance our professions for the benefit of those we serve.
In solidarity,
Danielle R. Osmelak
President, Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association
