As I was composing this message or blog, I thought of all the ways that technology has now allowed us to access information. The uses of social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace, or Twitter are increasingly popular ways to promote agendas, push immediate information and enhance communication. Most of us now have the ability to access that information, at our fingertips, regardless of where we are in the world by utilizing our smartphones and PDAs. As technology advances at such a fast rate, so must we, as a profession and organization be also committed to moving forward and evolving. 

Let’s think about what someone reads when they use a search engine to obtain information related to hearing healthcare. Is it the message we want to send? Are we the ones providing that information? It is extremely important for us to be the proponents of our profession and to be the “go-to professional” for all aspects of hearing healthcare, regardless of where your focus is: Academia, Aural Habilitation, Clinical, Cerumen Management, Cochlear Implants, Dispensing, Educational, Geriatrics or Pediatrics, Hearing Loss Prevention, Manufacturing, Tinnitus Management, Vestibular or any other facets of audiology.  We can all imagine our prototypical client in our own work environments. Instead, think of the people that you are not seeing in your practice and maybe find a way to diversify your setting in order to incorporate them.

The goals for the 2009-2010 year, which are in line with CAA’s mission statement and AAA’s mission of Leadership, Advocacy, Education, Public Awareness and Research, are:

• Increase membership numbers and involvement
• Increase awareness/presence on legislative issues
• Hold a mid-year continuing education/meeting
• Increase public awareness of Audiology in the state (Website, schools)
• Build Relationships with Allied Professionals

This is the perfect time to get involved! Whether you are an early graduate or an experienced audiologist, we need to serve the diverse population that requires us to be the appropriate providers of hearing healthcare information and education to the public. The Colorado Academy is here to serve you, however we need your assistance to truly be the voice of audiology in Colorado!
Please do not hesitate to let us know what issues are affecting you or are of concern to you in your area of practice. The 2009-2010 board holds many years of expertise in many areas of audiology. I welcome your questions, comments and inputs via the many means of technology: “snail” mail, email, voice, or texts (or maybe even “tweets”)!

Enthusiastically,

Theresa H. Small, Au.D. CPS/A
President, Colorado Academy of Audiology