Wednesday’s Program

Matt Hay, MBA, Hay Ventures, LLC

Matt was a sophomore in college when he finds out he is going to lose his hearing. He coasts through the early years of his diagnosis in denial, but as his hearing aids get bigger and bigger, Matt realizes he wants to capture the sounds that are slipping away: his girlfriend’s voice, the click of her heels, and especially, the songs of their invincible youth. With a new appreciation, Matt starts listening to music, truly studying it as he curates the soundtrack for the rest of his life. Behind each song, there is a coming-of-age story about freedom, tragedy and falling in love. When Matt’s hearing eventually fades to nothing, the silent soundtrack in his head takes on a role he never imagined. The audience for his story of overcoming the physical, mental and emotional challenges always changes but his authentic delivery never does. He shares his message in hopes to keep someone from ever feeling as lost, helpless and alone as he did the day he woke up deaf…the day sound became only a memory.

Time Ordered Agenda

• 10 minutes: Dealing with hearing loss as a young adult
• 10 minutes: Added challenges beyond hearing loss
• 15 minutes: Physical management of hearing recovery with ABI including two separate training processes 
• 15 minutes: Emotional management of hearing recovery including advocacy
• 10 minutes: Q/A and discussion

Learner Outcomes: At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Identify and describe the importance of self-advocacy in the patient experience.
• Identify and describe how to manage patient expectations of possible outcomes.
• Describe a patients’ active role in speech and hearing outcomes.

Instructional Level: Advanced  |  Track: Multi-Interest (DEI)

Jaime Bauer Malandraki, MS, BCS-S, CCC-SLP, Purdue University

Providing comprehensive, holistic care that is inclusive and responsive to the needs of the individual is the obligation of every professional within the field of communication sciences and disorders (CSD). As our disciplines embrace diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) as core principles, it is essential that we consistently evaluate our practice patterns to ensure the equitable implementation of inclusive practices. This session will concentrate on the integration of mental health and well-being into patient care by elucidating mental health and well-being as a DEI construct and providing an overview of the intersectionality of mental health and well-being within CSD. Lastly, practical strategies for integrating mental health and well-being into clinical practice will be addressed.

Time Ordered Agenda:

• 10 minutes – Disclosures and Introduction
• 15 minutes – Defining inclusive and responsive practice in CSD
• 20 minutes – Mental health and well-being as a DEI construct
• 20 minutes – Intersectionality of mental health and well-being in CSD
• 30 minutes – Integrating MHWB into clinical practice and patient counseling
• 10 minutes – Large Group Discussions/Activities
• 5   minutes – Conclusion
• 10 minutes – Questions

Learner Outcomes: At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Describe how mental health and well-being fit within a DEI framework.
• Describe the intersectionality between mental health and well-being and communication sciences and disorders.
• Identify and implement strategies for integrating mental health and well-being into clinical care.

Instructional Level: Intermediate  |  Track: DEI

Ann Bilodeau, MS, Butler University

Professionals in speech-language pathology and audiology often face complex ethical dilemmas that challenge their judgment and responsibility to clients, institutions and the public. This session explores the intricate ethical decision-making process, especially within the grey areas, where right and wrong is not always clear-cut. We will examine ethical principles, focusing on the balance between professional duties and real-world pressures, and delve into the legal implications associated with these decisions. Topics will include the impact of licensure requirements, the potential consequences of ethical missteps, and the risks involved in not adhering to best practices. Additionally, we will outline practical methods for registering a complaint, including how to navigate regulatory bodies and professional associations. By providing real-world case examples and interactive discussions, this session aims to equip attendees with tools to navigate ethical and legal complexities, thereby strengthening their commitment to professional integrity and accountability.

Learner Outcomes: At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Identify and analyze ethical principles in speech-language pathology and audiology, with a focus on navigating grey areas where ethical decisions may not have clear right or wrong answers.
• Describe the legal implications of ethical decision-making in practice, including the importance of licensure requirements and the potential consequences of ethical violations.
• List the appropriate procedures for registering complaints and reporting ethical concerns through regulatory and professional channels to uphold accountability within the profession.

Instructional Level:   Intermediate |  Track: Ethics

Time Ordered Agenda

5 minutes – Introduction

• Welcome and speaker introduction.
• Overview of session objectives and importance of the topic.

10 minutes – Understanding Ethical Grey Areas (10 minutes)

• Defining ethical principles in SLP and audiology.
• Exploring “grey areas” in ethical decision-making.
• Case study: A real-world example of an ethical dilemma.

15 minutes – Legal Responsibilities and Licensure (15 minutes)

• Overview of licensure requirements and ethical standards.
• Discussion of legal implications for ethical breaches.
• Key considerations when navigating ethical challenges in practice.

15 minutes – Tools for Ethical Decision-Making (15 minutes)

• Frameworks and methods for addressing ethical dilemmas.
• Interactive activity: Applying a decision-making tool to a case scenario.

10 minutes – Accountability and Complaints (10 minutes)

• How to register complaints with regulatory boards and professional associations.
• Best practices for addressing ethical concerns about colleagues.

5 minutes – Closing

• Summary of key takeaways.
• Q&A session.

Resources for continued learning and support