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May is Better Hearing and Speech Month

It’s that time of year again- time for May is Better Hearing and Speech Month! As the season has officially changed to spring, I begin to wonder if the calendar forgot to communicate to Mother Nature that with springtime comes warmer weather, sunny days and the return of green grass and flowers. Somewhere down the line, a miscommunication event appears to have occurred, and as I sit to write this, the days of snow and cold have not yet ended.

That brings me to this year’s May is BHSM theme, Helping People Communicate. May is a time for us to reflect on those we help, and those we have not yet reached out to. It is estimated that one in six Americans has a hearing, speech or language problem, and the need continues to grow. Try to use this particular month as a chance to communicate to your community how Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists can help and how those who need assistance can reach out to us. Some ideas might include use of ASHA’s PDF advertisements to promote your business; providing BHSM bookmarks and coloring pages to your clients or family members; offering free speech and language or hearing screenings; hosting open houses, informative seminars or alumni events; and purchasing pens, stickers and activity books to hand out. Visit ASHA’s website at http://www.asha.org/bhsm/default.htm for more information and further details, or e-mail me at epetrous@futureshealth.com. Here’s hoping spring soon gets the message…

Emily Petrous, VP Public Relations

Video Developed by MSHA for Airing During May

The MSHA Public Relations Committee has developed a video for release in May to promote May as Better Speech & Hearing month in local communities. What Is.... is a 15 minute video that answers the questions: What is a Speech-Language Pathologist? and... What is an Audiologist? The video uses edited footage provided by ASHA as well as additional video produced by John Cosby (Pegasus Independent Media) and featuring Kelli Talicska, M.A., CCC-SLP, MSHA Member-at-Large and current Miss Michigan. What Is... can be scheduled on local public access television stations and/or in high schools and community colleges in your area. The video reminds people that May is Better Speech & Hearing Month so scheduling it for as many showings as possible in May would be ideal to help promote our professions.

For more information or a copy of the video, contact MSHA at msha@att.net All costs of digital re-mastering, editing, reproduction, labeling, mailing and distributing are paid by the MSHA Public Relations Committee. The video can be reproduced without penalty. Donations are accepted and can be mailed to MSHA, 790 W. Lake Lansing Rd., Suite 500-A, East Lansing, Michigan 48823.

Written PSAs: Provided by the MSHA

Public Relations Committee

By Elaine DeRoover, Past V-P for Public Relations

MSHA Better Hearing and Speech Month audio

May – Better Hearing & Speech Month PSAs

Non-recorded VERSIONS -- to be read aloud on radio by radio personnel

#1a (30 seconds)

"If you or someone you care about has a problem speaking or understanding, find out if the cause is a speech or language disorder. Consult a speech-language pathologist now during Better Hearing and Speech Month. To find a certified speech-language pathologist, call 1-800-638-TALK. That’s 1-800-638-TALK.

Sponsored by Michigan Speech-Language-Hearing Association, in cooperation with ASHA."

#1b (20 seconds)

"If you or someone you care about has a problem speaking or understanding, find out if the cause is a communication disorder. Contact a certified speech-language pathologist now during Better Hearing and Speech Month.

For information, call 1-800-638-TALK.

Sponsored by Michigan Speech-Language-Hearing Association, in cooperation with ASHA."

#2 (30 seconds)

"1 of every 19 Americans is unemployed…

1 of every 14 Americans has coronary heart disease…

1 of every 7 Americans does not have health insurance…and,

1 of every 6 Americans has some type of communication disorder.

May is Better Hearing and Speech Month. Communication is Life. Celebrate it.

Sponsored by Michigan Speech-Language-Hearing Association, in cooperation with ASHA.

For more information, call 1-800-638-TALK. That’s 1-800-638-TALK."

#3 (15 seconds - Hearing)

"If some sounds seem muffled and you find yourself frustrated listening to others, you could have a hearing loss. May is Better Hearing and Speech Month. Have your hearing checked by an audiologist. For information, call 1-800-638-TALK.

Sponsored by Michigan Speech-Language-Hearing Association."

#4 (15 seconds – Speech/Language)

"If you have problems speaking or understanding others, you could have a communication disorder. Contact a speech-language pathologist during May, Better Hearing and Speech Month. For information, call 1-800-638-TALK. That’s 1-800-638-TALK.

Sponsored by Michigan Speech-Language-Hearing Association."

Elaine DeRoover, Western Michigan University

Members Only Listserv

Listserv Guidelines

For those of you who are interested in the purpose and function of MSHA's Listserv, here are some guidelines:

· To discuss publicly and freely any subject of interest to MSHA;

· To announce events related to MSHA and its members;

· To provide another channel for information to be disseminated and discussed among whomever has a professional interest in MSHA, audiology, and speech language pathology.

It is clear that the listserv has a wide scope - which is the intent of the listserv. Changes can be made as we go along. Suggestions are welcome and will be reviewed by the Executive Council before implementation.

Listserv Rules:

· You must be a current member of MSHA;

· Do not send flaming mail;

· Announcements of commercial products are only appropriate in answer to an inquiry from a member;

· Advertisement or soliciting of illegal/spurious activities are not welcome and the sender will be dealt with in an appropriate manner;

· Please, when posting another person's text, be sure to include author and source to avoid copyright infringement.

To Request Listserv Membership or MSHA Membership Information email the MSHA Office

The 2007 Public Relations Annual Report can be viewed at the following link PR Report The 2008 Vice-President for Public Relations is Emily Petrous epetrous@futureshealth.com

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