The Augustana Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASSHA) is among one of the most active service organizations at Augustana College. During the 2004-2005 school year, ASSHA members were exceptionally busy advocating and volunteering to serve individuals in the community who have communication impairments.
Professional Development
To promote awareness of CSD-related issues and to foster vocational reflection, Brooke Bonne, the 2004-2005 ASSHA president, wrote and received a grant to fund a keynote speaker at the 2004 annual ASSHA honors banquet. The speaker was an author, nationally recognized speaker, and mother of three children on the autism spectrum. The speaker delivered an inspirational message about the impact of SLPs on her family's life.
Fundraising and Commuity Outreach
Each year, ASSHA sponsors several fundraisers, the proceeds of which go to sponsor activities and materials at the Augustana College Center for Communicative Disorders (ACCCD). Four hundred dollars worth of profits from dues and t-shirt sales went to purchase a laminator and a storage system for the ACCCD. The 2004 annual Halloween cookie-gram fundraiser raised approximately $375 that was used to host a holiday carnival for community children with communication disorders and their siblings.
At the annual holiday party, students request donations for local service organizations (this year children's books were collected). ASSHA's book drive received local media attention and as a result, an Augustana CSD alumna whose pediatric practice was devastated by the Florida hurricanes received over 25 cases of books, educational toys and other materials from local donations collected by ASSHA members. In addition to the donated books, ASSHA members volunteered approximately 60 hours to coloring, printing, and laminating materials for this alumna in need. On an on-going basis, ASSHA members also provided volunteer respite for families who attend a local monthly support group for ASD and also provide childcare on-site at local Autism Symposia. Last year, it is estimated that our 50-member student group provided an impressive number of over 400 hours of community service, serving individuals in the disability community.
Mentoring
Senior members of ASSHA take great pride in mentoring first year and sophomore members and participate actively in the College's center for vocational reflection activities and also in student activities fairs. During May, Better Speech and Hearing Month, members increased college student awareness about communication disorders by creating a bulletin board in the College library and by placing informational cards on tables in the College Center foodservice area.