The earlier the better
SCSHA holds a day to help legislators understand the importance of early identification and intervention of hearing problems
By John Dixon

Photo by John Dixon Dr. Leigh Ann Spell, S.C. Speech- Language Hearing Association (SCSHA) president and Jay Price, 2008 SCSHA Ambassador, honor Sen. Mike Fair as SCSHA Legislator of the Year for his tireless support.

S.C. Legislators were treated to low- country shrimp and grits and a visit from ambassador Jay Price, his parents, and members of the S.C. Speech Language Hearing Association (SCSHA) March 6, 2008.

Jane Senn, SCSHA's outgoing vice president for governmental affairs said this day was, "To promote the profession and have legislators understand it."

Incoming SCSHA president Dr. Leigh Anne Spell of Columbia College agreed, saying "We want to let legislators know what therapists and audiologists do and have them become more aware of what services speech- language pathologists and audiologists provide."

Jay Price is a six- year - old in a mainstream kindergarten class at Forest Lake Elementary because of early detection of his hearing problem, therapy, and a cochlear implant. He did his part charming those assembled and cajoling them into having their hearing screened by students from the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department at USC and the Speech Correction Program at Columbia College.

Rep. Skipper Perry gives Jay Price a ride on his Segway, a two-wheeled, self-balancing electric transportation device .

Graduate students, Allison Thomas and Sarah Gledhill from USC, and undergraduate students, Shalonda Washington, Cara Cohoon, Amanda Vidal, Paige Lockey, Mindy Cavendish, and Jessica Otto from Columbia College, helped give free hearing screenings.

SCSHA Members discussed Bill S323 which provides supplements for medically trained speech language pathologists working in the schools with a Certificate of Clinical Competence for the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA). The Prices came to talk about early identification and intervention.

Scott and Robin Price brought their son Jay, SCSHA's 2008 Ambassador, to the State House to present the SCSHA Legislator of the Year Award to Sen. Mike Fair and to lobbyists for their support of the early identification and intervention programs which provided Jay with an avenue to success in the mainstream world.

Scott Price, Jay's father, talks to state legislators about early identification and intervention services for children with hearing problems.

Scott Price told Jay's story, recognizing all of the skilled professionals who contributed to his son's phenomenal success and beseeching lawmakers to see that other children have the same opportunities.

Joan Brady of Richland County, the Price's representative, said "I am supportive of family and children's issues, and I think it is important to catch problems early. She cited the case of three children screened in school which proved they needed eyeglasses. "You simply cannot underestimate screening because these children often fall through the cracks," said Brady.

When Brady and Rep. Skipper Perry introduced the Prices to the House, Brady said, "I heard Robin Price perform, and she has the voice of an angel. Little did I know she had two little angels of her own at home, one of whom has been so greatly impacted by the decisions we make in this chamber every day."

Jane Senn, S.C. Speech- Language Hearing Association (SCSHA) vice president for government affairs and a speech language pathologist in Lexington Two School District explains the purpose and importance of Legislative Day activities to The Columbia Star cub reporter John Dixon.

Representative Perry, whom Jay knows as Skipper, is an old friend of Jay's. They met at a March Of Dimes event at the State House. Perry praised Jay's success and all who helped make it possible. He also gave Jay a ride around the lobby on his Segway.

USC Speech and Hearing Research Center Director and SCSHA Vice President for Professional Affairs Danielle Varnedoe summarized the day's event when she said, "SCSHA is proud to have Jay Price as our 2008 Ambassador. His success is the direct result of early detection, early intervention with strong family support, and collaboration of many agencies and professionals. Jay and his family are here with us today to promote awareness of early intervention and to show our legislators that funding these programs at an appropriate level does indeed make a difference in the lives of children and their families."

Ashley Smith, lobbyist for SCSHA, explains the key issues sur - rounding SCSHA Legislative Day to John Dixon, cub repor ter for The Columbia Star. Martha Monteith began the public school speech program in Columbia in the 1960s and continues to make sure children get the services they need. Allison Thomas (l), an MSP student in USC Communications Sciences and Disorders Department, was one of four students from Columbia College and USC who volunteered their time to provide free hearing screenings at SCSHA Legislative Day. Robin Price goes to the Senate Chamber to speak to more lawmakers about early intervention. Dr. Susan Floyd, S.C. Department of Education associate for speech services, discusses issues with Dr.Douglas McDonald, who fought for and won licensure for speech and hearing professionals in the '70s.