PH ILIPPINE ASSO CIAT ION O F SPEE CH PATHOLOG ISTS A f f i l i a t e S o c i e t y, In t e r n a t i o n a l A s s o c i a t i o n of L o g o p e d i c s a n d P h on i a t r i c s

ADVISORY ON ATTENDING SEMINARS RELATED TO SPEECH AND LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY TRENDS

June 9, 2013

The Philippine Association of Speech Pathologists (PASP) is a professional organization devoted to promote the practice of speech-language pathology, monitor and enhance the quality of speech pathology services in the country, stimulate exchange and dissemination of information relevant to speech pathology among persons and organizations. Diff erent individual s, groups and i nst ituti ons have b een off ering continuing educati on acti vit ies that target individual s and groups i nteres ted i n k nowi ng the latest assessment, diagnostic, therapeutic, service delivery, communication program development trends related to the speech-language pathology profession. PASP encourages these activities that would promote competency and professional development resulting to provision of quality services and programs for individuals with communication difficulties. To guide practit ioners and the general publi c in choosing a forum/seminar/workshop that would truly lead to the development of persons with communication disabilities and their families as well as professionals who have and would be working with speech-language pathologists, PASP i s i ssuing this advisor y. 1. SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY CONTINUING EDUCATION ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE PHILIPPINES SHOULD BE ENDORSED BY PASP. Look for the PASP logo when deciding what seminars to go to. PASP is comprised of speechlanguage professionals who can certify which seminars are beneficial for interested individuals in learning more about communication disorders and workshops or training programs that would facilitate the development of skills necessary for implementing specialized speech and language techniques or utilizing specific equipment. ENSURE THAT THE SPEAKERS ARE RECOGNIZED EXPERTS AND MEMBERS OF THE PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS. We would want to protect the human rights of persons with disabilities, both local and international, by ensuring that knowledge disseminated and skills taught would be coming from a speech-language professional who is at par with the minimum local and international standard as decided upon by speechlanguage pathologist professional associations.

As of the e moment, we are only aware of 3 institutions offering the said program, namely the Univer University of the Philippines, University of Santo Thomas and Cebu Doctors University who are employing faculty with speech patholo pathology degrees. To date, only the University of the Philippines Philippines have produced more than 400 graduates. However, some of the parents and family members of persons with disabilities and our members brought to our attention that certain individuals claim that they are speech therapists or speech pathologists who are not graduates of the three programs. Should there be foreign speech pathologist speakers, PASP would ensure that they are recognized experts in the field by coordinating with their professional speech and language association.

We hope that t this advisory will help you in deciding which seminars/workshops would truly promote the development of the speech-language speech language pathology profession that is committed to providing quality services and programs to persons with communication disorders and society. Should you have any queries about the speech speech-language language pathology profession and the latest trends, PASP is always ready to assist individuals and organizations. Kindly contact PASP secretariat through pasp_secretariat@yahoo.com Thank you very much. Sincerely yours,

FERDILIZA DANDAH S. GARCIA, M.D. CSP-PASP President