President's Message
By 2012-13 Susan Parr, Au.D.
Welcome to the Georgia Academy of Audiology’s (GAA) exciting 2012-2013 Year!
We again have an amazing dedicated Board of Directors, Committee Chairs and Committee Members working on behalf of all audiologists in Georgia; however, we have many ways you can also be involved in GAA. We have meaningful work to be conducted at the committee level. Please email us with the committee that you would like to join: Marketing & Publicity, Convention, Legislative, Membership, Archivist, Publications, or Continuing Education. We also have ongoing programs with strategic partners to loop Georgia with the Georgia Commission for the Hearing Impaired and Deaf Persons and the Adopt a Band program to protect musicians’ hearing.
GAA needs your help to continue to be a viable voice for all audiologists in the state of Georgia. As you are aware, our profession is not only defined by federal laws and regulations but also by Georgia state licensure. We need audiologists to attend our Day at the Georgia Capitol: February 25, 2013. This day is extremely important to the advancement and protection of our profession in Georgia. Can you imagine the impact we would have if every one of you attended this day? Each additional audiologist who attends will directly impact our cause and the success of our endeavors. Please email me that you will join us as your attendance is very important and I would greatly appreciate the donation of your time on this day. Not only will your attendance be recognized and valued by your colleagues, you will be directly influencing your career by advancing our profession. National leaders say the profession of audiology is at a crossroad. It is time that we audiologists all get involved and take control of our own future. GAA will continue to monitor and keep you informed of state legislative activity that directly affects the day to day practice of audiology in Georgia.
Nationally, GAA works with the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) representing Georgia audiologists at the State Leader’s meeting and as a sub-committee of the Government Relations Committee. We still need additional audiologists for Key Contacts to Congress. Our goal is to have at least one audiologist for each of our 13 Representatives’ districts and our senators. Key contacts serve as the constituent voice on audiology in their district. This is an important role in helping our elected officials understand audiology related issues. We need personal involvement at the grassroots level to make a difference. Additionally, GAA works closely with the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) as issues arise particularly involving the autonomous practice of audiology.
GAA has several worthwhile educational and networking opportunities for you to attend. Join us this year at Chateau Élan on October 13, 2012 for Dr. Jani Johnson’s presentation of new research on cochlear dead regions and considerations for hearing aid fittings. There will be manufacturers demonstrating how their hearing aids handle this problem. Med-Acoustics is participating by providing hands on verification measures.
Dr. Sean McClenney, Convention Chair and Dr. Heather Davis, Program Chair have lined up an awesome convention at The Georgia Tech Global Learning Center, a state-of-the-art facility on January 31 and February 1, 2013. Please save the dates and plan to attend as this will be one convention you will not want to miss! You will be impressed with the quality of speakers and the education available at this convention.
Thank you for your continued support of GAA by being a member and your contributions such as attending the Capitol Day, attending the workshops and conventions, volunteering for committees, committee chairs and Board of Directors. Together we can advance the profession of audiology in Georgia and influence nationwide change.
I am looking forward to seeing you at this year’s upcoming events. The more members and volunteers we have the stronger and more influential our organization will be.
Susan Parr, Au.D.
GAA President 2012-2013
susanparr@DoctorOfAudiology.com
MISSION AND VISION STATEMENT: The Georgia Academy of Audiology is a professional organization of audiologists and friends of the audiology community that promotes quality hearing and balance care by advancing the profession of audiology through leadership, advocacy, education, public awareness, and support of research.*
The Georgia Academy of Audiology’s vision is to be essential in the professional lives of audiologists by:
• Advancing the science and practice of audiology, and
• Achieving public recognition of audiologists as experts in hearing and balance.
The Georgia Academy of Audiology shall be recognized as the professional organization for audiologists in the State of Georgia.
*We would like to acknowledge and thank the American Academy of Audiology for their inspiration in creating a mission statement that we have adapted for our state association.
