by Penny Tonn, MS, CCC-SLP (Speech-Language Pathologist); NWACS Contributor

Speech-language pathologists represent a strong and growing force of communication specialists, with certified members numbering 181,628 in 2019, according to ASHA’s Annual Member & Affiliate profile report. These professionals connect through national conferences, online forums, community based groups such as NWACS, or within school system cohorts. These connections are essential not only to professional development and understanding of the wide ranging work that SLPs do in treating communication disorders, but also in maintaining a sense of sanity when challenges and barriers to effective treatment arise. Networking is so much more than venting to a colleague; it’s about learning how to manage the responsibilities of our positions and access support and resources to support our clients and their families. Having transplanted to the Pacific Northwest, professional networking has been essential to my ability to effectively serve clients.

Why spend time networking?

• Learning about area resources

Washington has a treasure trove of resources available for families, including a variety of support groups, multilingual support systems, and advocacy groups. Getting out and actually meeting the people who are passionate about supporting families and individuals with disabilities not only helps to provide appropriate resources, but also reminds one that there is a large group of people in this world fighting the good fight to create a more equitable society. It’s not only practical, but actually quite inspiring.

Find a meeting or event hosted by organizations to connect with providers making changes in the community, such as:

• Seattle Children's Hospital

• The Arc of King County : Home

• Open Doors for Multicultural Families

• Disability Rights Washington

• Vietnamese Family Autism Advisory Board

• Accessing AAC and AT resources

Utilizing the amazing resources within the state and local communities is also reason enough to reach out and make connections. The resources available for providers and families are boundless, but it does take some searching to know what is out there and how to access it. 

• A representative at Ben's Fund | FEAT of Washington participated in a phone interview with me some months back, providing excellent tips for completing applications for grants for communication devices.

• Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP) provides device lending services, device demonstrations, AT evaluations, and professional development opportunities. This a great resource for providers, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities. Check out their offerings!

• Providers can schedule a phone consultation with AbleNet Inc. to ask about assistive technology equipment and the process for device funding through insurance. This company can act as a mediator between insurance and those requesting communication devices. It’s a good opportunity to ask questions!

• In addition, reaching out to AAC companies through email can be a great way to get more information on programs, learn device programming, or catch a webinar. Some companies even roll out trial programs for therapists who teach AAC systems and it never hurts to ask!

• Collaborative partnerships

There are many wonderful professionals within the community who have connected me to additional resources and mentors in a variety of settings. A simple email to observe a provider at Seattle Children’s has manifested into a year long training on interdisciplinary practices at the University of Washington LEND.

In Washington, connecting with providers in other disciplines can open the doors to community partnerships, like that of School Medical Autism Review Team (SMART). These teams are aimed at improving access to diagnostic teams for Autism Spectrum Disorder. To learn more about the SMART process and Washington State Centers of Excellence, check out the SMART website.

Getting Started

Starting the process of networking can be daunting. Here are a few tips on how to make connections:

• Attend a family support group

• Contact a provider in the community and ask to observe

• Attend a professional cohort volunteer or networking meeting

What networking has been helpful to you? Share your favorite networking experiences in the comments or on the NWACS Facebook page!