As an SLP, and there are a lot of terrific things in store for you at the conference this year. We want you there to celebrate with us! This letter will give you some highlights, and of course, reasons to attend!
Although sessions and workshops begin on Thursday, July 7, there are a few PRE-CONFERENCE events you may be interested in:
Wednesday evening, Topic will be Real-Life Fluency Tips From Real-Life Clinicians (Charlie Osborne, Craig Coleman, & Nina Reeves). This is sure to be an enlightened and informative workshop geared towards speech pathologists, but of course, all are welcome to attend! (If you are attending the entrie conference this session is included in price. If not, there is a $40 charge for this event only) 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
The conference will be in full swing on Thursday morning. In addition to the Wednesday CEU seminar, a large number of workshops that will earn you ASHA CEUs are scheduled throughout the three day conference. These workshops will address many different aspects of stuttering in both children and adults. You will receive a list of which workshops will be available for CEU credits when you arrive at the conference. Simply keep track of your attendance and learning outcomes (as you do at ASHA conferences) on the form we will provide you to receive up to 16 hours of Continuing Education credits (1.6 CEUs)!! Expand your comfort levels and push your own personal boundaries to grow both personally and professionally. At the NSA conference, you will have opportunities to enhance your understanding of stuttering by listening to the experiences of people who stutter. This may be one of the most valuable professional experiences you have ever attended!
We suggest that you attend the workshops that are interesting to you and don't be afraid to try out some new experiences and meet new people. Your experience at these conferences depend in a large part on what you make of them! Attend the First-Timer's meeting! Get to know other SLPs and individuals who stutter! Here are some workshop highlights:
Try the Advertising workshop! Work on your pseudostuttering skills and advertise, advertise, advertise! This is a terrific activity to use in stuttering therapy, but is an invaluable lesson for a SLP who is working with people who stutter! Face your fears - it's what we ask our clients to do all the time. Now it's your turn!
Listen to a panel of experts: Parents, adults who stutter, the Teen Advisory Council.
Many workshops presented by adults who stutter and other experts in the field of stuttering support and acceptance.
In addition to these kinds of workshops, Thursday morning also marks the start of the Youth and Family program. If you are interested in helping out in a youth program workshop contact Marybeth Allen now at mbslp@roadrunner.com. If you are an SLP Student, you may be eligible to receive registration for 1/2 price in return for ½ day of volunteering for Family Programs. Contact Marybeth Allen for more details.
**There are some opportunities to help with the youth program (please contact the national office if you are interested in helping; e-mail info@WeStutter.org), or you can submit a workshop proposal to facilitate your own workshop.
The Chapter Leaders' Meeting will also be held on Thursday morning from 8:00am - 10:00am. This meeting is primarily for Chapter Leaders, however, if you are not already a Chapter Leader, but may be interested in possibly becoming one, this is a great meeting to attend (please email Tracey Wallace yes_istutter2@yahoo.com for more specific questions about becoming a chapter leader!). Remember, we have support chapters for youth, teens and adults!
To wrap up this three day event, the conference finale is our Live Auction and Banquet held on Saturday night. Have a terrific dinner with friends old and new, bid on fabulous items donated by our members (or by yourself), and don't forget to dance the night away!
As an SLP, you will be able to learn and grow professionally by attending the NSA conference, but don't forget the other side! Make the most out of your time in Cleveland by attending sessions and making friends! Meet members of the NSA board of directors, speak during Open Mike and don't forget to get your raffle tickets for our terrific Chapter Baskets (there are always treats in store there!) And… don't forget to join our organized tours for some fun!
Make your hotel and flight arrangements now! We have a large block of rooms reserved at the hotel with a special price negotiated for our attendees. Click here to register and reserve your rooms early to take advantage of the special price!
Please feel free to contact us at info@WeStutter.org with any questions you may have! We look forward to seeing you at the conference!!
