In the ever-changing, wide-ranging, often overwhelming, and profoundly individualized realm of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), all stakeholders need a wealth of knowledge and a toolbox filled with resources. New Discoveries is a series highlighting resources (some new/new to you, some you may have forgotten about) that might be of interest and use. We encourage you to explore and judge for yourself which to add to your toolbox.

Resource to Explore: HEALWA (Health Electronic Resource for Washington)

What is HEALWA?

Developed by the University of Washington in partnership with the Washington State Department of Health in response to Sections 11 and 12 of Senate Bill 5930, which was signed into law in May 2007, HEALWA is an online library/evidence-based health sciences information portal available to a select group of health care professionals licensed to practice in the state of Washington - including Speech-Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists who hold a WA DOH License. HEALWA contains evidence-based resources for members of all of the professions that were included in the legislation and more than 5000 full-text journals.

Why should I consider checking it out?

• It’s FREE! (Well, it is funded by an add-on to our license fee.)

• Access current evidence-based information and journal articles that you might not otherwise have access to (without paying).

Where can I learn more?

Access HEALWA at https://heal-wa.org/

Before you can sign in, you must set up your HEALWA access HERE

For a video tutorial on setting up your HEALWA access, click HERE