By Susan Pilch
This article is a part of the May/June 2022, Volume 34, Number 3, Audiology Today issue.
To ensure the continued success and viability of any profession, it is critical that individuals entering the field are aware of legislative and regulatory issues that may be impeding day-to-day practice. It is equally as important that such future practitioners are well versed in potential “fixes” or solutions that may be employed and are being advanced by the professional association to remove barriers.
Cultivating advocacy skills in future audiologists is essential not only for the purposes of advancing the goals of the profession but also for the development of the American Academy of Audiology (Academy) leaders. Advocacy skills place an emphasis on presenting a cogent position or “ask,” developing and employing compelling arguments for the position, and finally, “connecting the dots” or explaining why the requested position or change would be in the best interest of all parties.
This skill set is critical not only in appealing to elected officials and policy makers but also in gaining consensus and support among one’s peers and colleagues and necessary to drive consensus as an Academy volunteer leader. It is for all these reasons that the Academy strongly supports the efforts of audiology student advocates.
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