This year at the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) Convention in Fort Worth, there were great opportunities to learn about what is new, now, and next for audiology and speech-language pathology research. There were more posters than ever before, so we wanted to recap and applaud the research our student members contributed within audiology.

The Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) Leadership Academy was a year‑long, cohort‑based program designed to cultivate emerging leaders in speech‑language pathology and audiology across Texas. Participants engaged in targeted leadership training, mentorship from past TSHA volunteers and board members, and hands-on projects that helped strengthen advocacy, collaboration, and strategic planning skills. 

Being a member of the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) means more than simply belonging to a professional organization. It means having access to tools and resources that make day-to-day professional life easier. From high-quality continuing education opportunities to advocacy and practice resources, TSHA is dedicated to supporting speech-language pathologists and audiologists across Texas. 

The Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) forums continue to serve as vital platforms for information-sharing, collaboration, and advocacy across practice settings. Recent forums and committee-led activities reflected the diverse needs of Texas professionals and reinforced the importance of timely, accurate guidance as policies, service delivery models, and workforce demands continue to evolve.

The Call for Papers is now open for the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) 2027 Convention, and we’re inviting new and experienced professionals to help shape an engaging and innovative program for speech-language pathologists and audiologists across Texas. 

Behind every successful Convention is a team of dedicated volunteers whose time, talent, and hard work make it all possible. The Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) 2026 Convention was no exception, and we extend our sincere gratitude to the incredible volunteer team who helped bring this event to life.

At the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) 2026 Convention held recently in Fort Worth, six TSHA members were honored at the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation (TSHF) Annual Breakfast Event. The TSHA Honors and Awards Committee received nominations prior to Convention and, with approval of the TSHA Executive Board, selected six deserving nominees to receive these honors. 

Clinical practice requires constant interpretation. Clinicians are asked to evaluate communication, behavior, and interaction patterns and determine whether what they observe reflects typical variation or an underlying disorder. These judgments are rarely straightforward. They are shaped not only by the individual being evaluated but also by the clinician’s training, expectations, and prior experiences.

The work of advocacy in speech-language pathology and audiology is never finished. New proposals from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) could significantly change how speech therapy services are billed and reimbursed beginning in 2027. These changes may affect providers, clinics, and, most importantly, patients who depend on consistent access to therapy.

The Q&A Corner is a dedicated space in our newsletter designed to support Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLP Assistants) and supervising SLPs across Texas. In each issue, we answer real questions submitted by professionals working in the fields with a focus on practical guidance, current regulations, and best practices. Our goal is to provide clear, relevant information while promoting ethical and effective service delivery.

My journey to audiology differs from that of a typical student who completes their undergraduate degree and immediately enters graduate school. For me, it wasn’t straightforward.

About 12 years ago, my dad was enjoying a fajita dinner with family friends when he suddenly began to choke, or so we thought. Within seconds, panic swept through the room. My father, the picture of health up until this point, was terrified. I watched as my dad grabbed at his chest, his face turning red, and severe hiccups began to wrack his body. After 30 minutes, he finally felt the food “go down.” At first, this incident was written off as a one-time mishap. 

The mission of the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation (TSHF) is to improve the lives of people with communication disorders by supporting research, education, and service endeavors on their behalf. The TSHF was established in 1985, and it has grown significantly since then. Scholarships are awarded to graduate students in audiology and speech-language pathology from almost every program in Texas. 

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.