Louisiana Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Audiological Services Committee

Contact: Erica Lee, Director of Audiological Services

Hamilton Relay Hard of Hearing Community Leader Award

Recognition Letter

Questionnaire for Candidate

Urge Your Senators to Help Children Learn by Reducing Classroom Noise

(10/06/2009)

Please urge your U.S. Senators to support and co-sponsor legislation that would help states and localities improve deteriorating and outdated school buildings. Recently, the U.S. House of Representatives passed two bills that would help states and localities modernize their school buildings (H.R. 2187 and H.R. 3221). Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) has introduced another bill, S. 1121, the School Building Fairness Act of 2009, which has the same goal. All of these bills include provisions that would provide grants to states and local school districts to reduce classroom noise and improve acoustics.

Please visit ASHA's Take Action Web site to communicate to your U.S. Senators on this important legislation. For further information, please contact Neil Snyder, ASHA's Director of Federal Advocacy, at 800-498-2071, ext. 5614 or nsnyder@asha.org.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), Public Law 111-5, known as the "stimulus bill," is a $787 billion mix of tax breaks and spending measures intended to preserve and create jobs and stimulate economic activity. Signed in to law on February 17, 2009, ARRA will provide funding for education, health care, research, and infrastructure needs. ARRA funds were made available March 31, 2009 and again on July 1, 2009.

ASHA has received many inquiries from membership on how to access these funds. This site intends to provide the most up-to-date information on ARRA funding, as well as educate ASHA members on the timing, type, quantity, and restrictions of ARRA funds. ASHA has developed resources and analysis on the broad categories of ARRA funds related to: education, health care, and research and academia.

Learn More About ARRA Funds

• Education (pre-K and K–12)
• Health Care

Education: Ways School-Based Audiologists Could Use Funds

Purchasing the following:

• amplification verification equipment
• hearing aid maintenance kits
• updated audiometric and immittance testing
• new assessment tools
• personal FM or classroom amplification systems
• a variety of amplification devices for trial use
• computer programs for developing IEP documents and other data collection processes
• systems to collect outcomes data through data collection systems
• continuing education products or contracting with experts to present on specific topics of interest or reimbursement for university coursework
• materials to expand library of professional resources

Other uses:

• Exploring implementation of school-based audiology services if not available in your area
• Compensation for working during the summer or other times to develop training programs to present to teachers, administrators, students, parents, or others on topics, such as:
  • how hearing loss impacts academic performance
  • accommodations for students with hearing loss
  • use of personal FM systems in the classroom
  • use of classroom sound field amplification systems in the classroom
  • identifying students with hearing loss
  • improving classroom acoustics
  • noise induced hearing loss prevention
• Expanding personal knowledge of proven, innovative, and evidenced-based professional development opportunities by attending regional, state and national conferences and conventions
• Designing and engaging in a collaborative research project with local university staff
• Building collaborative teams (i.e. training, release time)

For additional resources and information, please visit the Federal Government's Web site.

Contact US: LSHA; 8550 United Plaza Blvd.; Suite 1001; Baton Rouge, LA 70809; (225) 922-4512; Fax: (225) 408-4422; Email: lsha@pncpa.com