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From: Joe Donaher
Date: 12 Oct 2009
Time: 14:02:48 -0500
Remote Name: 159.14.241.250
Ed, Before establishing a dedicated ombudsman, we would need to show the need for such a position. My guess is that ASHA does not receive a large number of complaints dealing with the “violations of ASHA standards including the failings and deficiencies” that you outlined. This is not because services are lacking at times but because consumers are not aware that they have an avenue to follow. This is most apparent when families tell me things like “speech services are not offered at our school” or “the school said that we do not qualify for services for stuttering.” To me, the first step is educating the public that they have rights and that there are ways for them to report concerns. Perhaps instead of an ombudsman for stuttering, we would be better off starting a parent-advocacy position that could walk parents through the various processes while outlining their rights.