As we head into the fall, I am filled with so much gratitude as I consider all the work our committees have been doing to serve the members of the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA). The umbrella of Professional Services covers the places where you work every day as speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists. We are here to help and support you in your places of employment. The chairs and committee members have worked tirelessly to serve you this past year. Let’s highlight some of the accomplishments thus far.

In the spring of 2024, Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) members will elect a President, Vice President for Audiology, Vice President for Member Engagement, and Vice President for Professional Services. Members are encouraged to recommend qualified persons or to self-nominate for these offices.

Save the date for the TSHA 2024 Convention in Fort Worth!

The Honors and Awards of the Association are intended to identify and recognize those members whose contributions to the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) have been significant, outstanding, and excellent.

The Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) Graduate Student Representatives (GSRs) serve on the Executive Board to provide unique graduate student perspectives. The GSRs attend TSHA Executive Board meetings to share the top priorities for graduate students, ways to recruit new student members, and ways TSHA can help students during their educational process. TSHA Executive Board meetings occur each month. Most are virtual, but one or two meetings per year are in-person to allow for face-to-face discussion and collaboration.

The Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation (TSHF) is currently accepting applications for the 2024 research, service, education, and scholarship awards. The application deadline is December 8. Awards will be presented at the 68th Annual Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) Convention, to be held February 22-24, 2024, in Fort Worth. Visit the TSHF website's Foundation Awards section for application instructions and forms. 

In addition to scholarships and research grants, the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation (TSHF) recognizes professionals and students who provide services that benefit the community and our professions.

This article explores five ways that the NICU SLP can implement trauma-informed care practices in their practice. The strategies focus on decreasing trauma for both the infant and caregivers by making alterations to the environment, improving caregiver-infant connection, and being mindful of previous trauma.

Cafe TSHA is an initiative of the TSHA Publications Board. Levity Lounge is a walk on the lighter side. Tips for Tx offers clever hacks to up your therapy game. Tech Bytes covers new and noteworthy technology finds. Student Swap provides student-focused ideas and inspiration. Wellness Corner emphasizes self-care for service providers. We encourage you to submit your ideas to publications@txsha.org for consideration for publication in future issues.