The Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) Annual Convention once again brought together speech-language pathologists (SLPs), audiologists, students, and exhibitors from across the state for a dynamic few days of learning, connection, and celebration. From inspiring keynote moments to meaningful learning opportunities, this year’s Convention showcased the strength and heart of our professional community.

As we move into the spring season and prepare to celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the momentum we’ve already seen across our Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) community during the first quarter of the year. 

The Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) is charting new territory in the world of advocacy. As many are aware, our longtime Director of Governmental Affairs Larry Higdon retired in 2025, and our longtime Legal and Legislative Counsel Mark Hanna passed away last May. 

The Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) Convention Scholarship Committee reviewed applications to award TSHA members and student members with scholarships to attend the TSHA 2026 Convention in Fort Worth. The TSHA Convention Scholarship Committee Co-Chairs are Justina Heintz and Brittany Rush.

For speech‑language pathologists and audiologists across Texas, staying current, confident, and connected is essential to delivering exceptional care. The Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) supports that mission by offering a robust suite of practice resources designed to help professionals at every stage of their careers. Whether you’re seeking clinical tools, continuing education, or community, TSHA provides a foundation that empowers members to thrive.

Graduating from a speech-language pathology or audiology program is a major milestone. You’ve survived the coursework, the clinical hours, the exams, the capstones, and the constant feeling that you should be doing more. Now comes the next leap—stepping into the workforce as a full-fledged clinician.

The fields of speech-language pathology and audiology are rapidly evolving, with technology playing an increasingly significant role in assessment and intervention. Among these advancements, Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents a powerful yet complex tool. While AI holds immense promise for enhancing services, particularly for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) populations, its implementation demands a steadfast commitment to fidelity, ensuring ethical, accurate, and culturally sensitive practices. 

Attending the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) 2026 Convention as a first-year graduate student was an experience that shaped not only my professional goals but also my sense of belonging within the fields. I arrived hoping to learn, reconnect, and grow, and I left with a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of a community of both current and future speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists.

At 4:15 a.m., my alarm goes off. Coffee is brewing. I jump on my Peloton and spin for 45 minutes while my mind begins its checklist: SOAP notes, therapy bag, my son’s lunch, his backpack—Does he have therapy today?—his therapy bag, my backpack, textbooks. The list repeats itself until my second alarm rings at 5:10 a.m. It’s time to get ready.

The Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation (TSHF) is proud to recognize the 2025 Service and Education Award recipients. These awards reflect the Foundation’s mission to improve the lives of people with communication disorders by supporting service endeavors within the speech-language pathology and audiology community. 

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.