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Advocacy

Advocacy in BC

Speech and Hearing BC understands the importance of advocacy to ensure all British Columbians are meeting their communication health needs. Our association advocates on our patients’ behalf, and for those who are finding gaps in treatment on a wide range of issues. Speech and Hearing BC is engaged on a number of relevant issues in order to ensure that we improve health outcomes and address the ongoing challenges around communication health.

From year to year, we seek to increase our advocacy efforts within by:

  • Addressing issues in the media concerning speech-language pathology and audiology
  • Advocating for services for individuals with communication and swallowing disorders
  • Promoting the speech and hearing health professions to the public and other healthcare professionals
  • Working with other healthcare professionals on issues of common concern
  • Engaging with government and the health sector on key issues affecting our members and their professions.

Advocacy At Large

Through the Pan-Canadian Alliance of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Associations, our members have a greater voice with even more impact. Each participating province has a vote and directly influences strategic priorities for all Canadian speech-language pathologists and audiologists.

How Can I Help?

As a member of Speech and Hearing BC, you can make a difference to your profession and community by promoting speech-language pathology and audiology. Here’s how you can help:

  • Display our “Did You Know?” posters in your place of work or a nearby coffee shop or visible location. Each poster provides basic facts about speech, language, or hearing and encourages the public to take action on their own behalf or for someone they know.
  • Take part in the activities of May is Speech and Hearing Month [hyperlink: Speech & Hearing Month].
  • Share our brochure about what Speech and Hearing BC and our members do with families and other healthcare professionals.
  • Participate in social media to learn about current topics, and participate in discussions about issues important to our professions.
  • Encourage community members, especially parents and families, to make their needs and concerns known to the people who represent them in the provincial government.
  • Share a story about your practice in our "Vibrations" quarterly e-newsletter: why do you love your profession? How have you made a difference in the lives of others?

Interested in helping further? Join our advocacy committee, or contact us to find out more about how you can participate.