I got an email from someone this week literally reminding me of this blog's existence. The Yellow House website (www.yellowhousechildrens.org) has pretty much taken over as the online forum for the work we are doing.. however as I put together our newletter I realise there are always updates and I generally haven't been capturing them. Alas.
What I did want to write about today was ASHA convention and how inspired I was when I left San Diego. The new international director is a dream come true, the SIG 17 on global issues is getting off the ground so if you are an ASHA member please join, the International Issues Board is committed to surveying internationally based ASHA members and American based members that do international work as well as revamping ASHA's website for internationally related resources. On that note, Abbie Olszewski at Utah State is working on a free online SLP degree program that allow individuals in developing country to harness the web and access free content.. the actual clinical component is another issue, but seems like a project for the future.
Arguably you could say ASHA's focus should be on American practices. It is. The international perspective is about supporting and promoting ethical and sustainable practice by ASHA members overseas.. The panel Sharynne McLeod put together on developing university partnerships was an awesome example of the complexity of working overseas and the need for time and money, both much greater than anyone anticipates. Listening to all those speakers, they estimate about 10 years before new programs can run themselves with local lecturers. Back in Kenya there is a Swedish university partnership in discussion with Moi University and I've heard that 2-3 years in their anticipated length of involvement (for now).
I left San Diego reflecting on what we should be doing here to support the work we might want to collaborate with overseas. I'm hoping to generate some excitement to create a 2 day International Forum to be held annually in the US. I'm also now eager to back in Africa over the holidays with mum and I'm excited to be at the Communication Disorders conference in Uganda.
But before that.. my sadly neglected exam questions must now be revived.. if only they'd read and write themselves! b x
