CSHA Foundation

The CSHA Foundation raises public awareness of communication disorders and the services available to address them, delivers a range of educational programs and conferences, and offers student scholarships. California’s 30,000 speech-language pathologists (SLPs), audiologists (AuDs) and related professionals provide life-altering support to those with speech, hearing, swallowing, and cognitive challenges. From speech challenges and hearing issues to brain injuries and swallowing conditions, these caring professionals lift lives every day. Unfortunately, the demand outstrips capacity: Nationally, only 55% of children with voice, speech, language or swallowing disorders receive services each year. The CSHA Foundation collaborates with other organizations to strengthen and grow the SLP and AuD professions so every child and adult gets the support they need to exercise their basic right to communicate. We do this by:

- Fostering the recruitment of college students to pursue careers in the field and offering them scholarships, leadership opportunities and more.
- Providing continuing education, networking and career guidance for early-career professionals, especially those from underrepresented groups.
- Educating regarding the need to increase the number of student slots in speech pathology and audiology in California.
- Addressing systemic barriers to entering and staying in the profession.
- Building cultural competency through trainings, publications and conversations led by peers.
- Building community and leadership through our annual conference, workshops and events throughout the year.