Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, and Elizabeth Nielsen, MA/SLP, examine the financial landscape of speech-language pathology, highlighting ASHA's $65 million in cash reserves and $71 million in investments. They critique ASHA's spending priorities, including minimal investment in lobbying, and question how these funds could better support clinicians and the profession. Jeanette provides updates on the Fix SLP team's CCC and ASHA membership status, illustrating the team's commitment to autonomy and professional choice. This episode emphasizes the importance of systemic change, transparency, and grassroots advocacy to build a stronger future for SLPs.

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In this episode, Colleen Ashford, MS/SLP, joins Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, to share her first-time experience at the ASHA convention. She takes us inside the ASHA leadership Q&A at this year’s convention—where only a small handful of attendees showed up out of 13,000.

From overhearing conversations about extravagant dinners to realizing how disconnected leadership is from the membership, Colleen takes us inside a space most clinicians never see. Her journey led her to a powerful decision: dropping the CCC.

If you’re rethinking your ASHA membership, the CCC, or your role in shaping this field, this episode offers hard truths and a fresh perspective. Tune in as we challenge the systems holding clinicians back and prove that change doesn’t happen by waiting. It happens by fixing it.

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Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, and Elizabeth Nielsen, MA/SLP, dig into ASHA’s revenue streams, breaking down key categories such as member dues, convention profits, and special interest groups while highlighting the ongoing lack of financial transparency. A powerful minivan meltdown story illustrates the importance of knowing your worth and standing firm against unfair opportunities. The team also celebrates a significant win for the Fix SLP community: ASHA restoring membership benefits for those opting out for 2025, thanks to collective advocacy. They round out the discussion with actionable strategies for redirecting CEU spending toward state conventions and small businesses, empowering clinicians to make meaningful changes in the field.

If you love our work, please rate, review, and share this essential podcast with your colleagues!

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In this episode of Fix SLP, Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, discusses the hot topic of ASHA's finances, joined by Elizabeth Nielsen, MA/SLP, and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP. The trio unpacks key insights from ASHA's 2023 Form 990, discussing eyebrow-raising numbers like the $1.3 million catering bill and the hefty salaries of executives. They also explore the transparency (or lack thereof) surrounding member dues, the CCC, and how ASHA allocates its revenue.

Listen in as they address frustrations from SLPs nationwide, share actionable steps to advocate for change, and reveal how grassroots efforts are reshaping the field. Don't miss the Minivan Meltdown segment, where real stories from SLPs highlight the need for systemic reform.

Rate, review, and share this essential podcast with your colleagues—let's fix SLP together!

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Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, tackle common myths in speech-language pathology, focusing on the necessity of the CCC. They debunk the misconception that the CCC is required to bill Medicare, emphasizing that Medicare policy is federal and does not vary by state. They clarify that reinstating the CCC involves only a fee, a passing Praxis score (if needed), and professional development—no college courses or back pay. Additionally, they confirm that only two and a half states (Nevada, Delaware, and Virginia) require the CCC for initial licensure. They discuss the role of the CCC in completing AAC assessments and dispel fears that removing the CCC requirement will hinder Medicaid reimbursement efforts, sharing real-world case studies to prove otherwise. Through their discussion, they empower SLPs to challenge misinformation, advocate for transparency, and make informed decisions about their professional credentials.

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Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, share their reactions the morning after receiving the ASHA Board's decision not to amend Section 3.2 of their bylaws, despite significant support for the 2% bylaws petition, including 50,000 followers and nearly 2 million Instagram views in the last 90 days. The board cited the need to establish standard operating procedures for such petitions, prompting transparency and financial accountability concerns. They emphasize the importance of fair pricing for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) and share that legal counsel has been engaged to continue advocating for change, urging SLPs to stay informed and united in this fight for autonomy and equity.

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In this special Thanksgiving episode, Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, discuss the latest updates from the Fix SLP movement, including a marathon trip to Delaware to advocate for fair licensure practices. They also discuss the importance of showing up for state boards, the ongoing fight against restrictive CCC requirements, and how Fix SLP fixers are making a real impact.

This episode also features heartfelt messages from Fearless Fixers sharing what they’re thankful for in the field of SLP. From patient victories to professional growth, it reminds us why we do what we do.

Tune in for advocacy insights, gratitude, and inspiration. Together, we don’t wait for change; we make it.

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In this urgent and eye-opening episode of the Fix SLP Podcast, Dr. Jeanette Benigas welcomes guests Jamie (Instagram: @straightupslp) and Lacey, two passionate advocates, and providers in New York’s Early Intervention (EI) system. Together, they expose critical failures in the state’s newly launched EI Hub platform—a case management and billing system riddled with technical issues, including non-functional billing, workflow disruptions, and alarming HIPAA and FERPA violations.

Key topics include:

• The devastating impact of the EI Hub's failure on providers and families, with providers unable to bill for services and facing financial insecurity.
• The severe privacy breaches, allowing access to sensitive information across state lines, violating federal laws, and undermining trust in the system.
• Grassroots efforts to raise awareness, including contacting state representatives, the Attorney General, and pursuing class action lawsuits.

Listeners will find resources and call to action at www.fixslp.com to join the fight for immediate change. Share this episode widely to support the providers and families who are directly affected by this crisis. Together, we can fix what’s broken.

Catch this critical episode and help amplify the voices calling for reform!
Check the Save EI Now website for the latest developments.

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In this episode, co-hosts Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, and Elizabeth Nielsen, MA/SLP, continue the discussion on the impact of ASHA's membership and certification costs, examining alternative paths for SLPs and exploring ways clinicians can take ownership of their professional journey. They focus on key challenges within the field, such as certification, licensure, and autonomy. The episode also celebrates an advocacy win in Michigan that could positively impact hospital-based clinicians and address ongoing efforts in Delaware to prevent restrictive licensure requirements.

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Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, announced that ASHA has responded to Fix SLP’s petition to amend its bylaws, noting a delay in the response despite the petition being received before the last board meeting. They shared Fix SLP's next steps and highlighted the challenges SLPs face with ASHA’s membership fees, emphasizing the need for better communication and transparency. Preston and Jeanette also reviewed ASHA’s membership options, explaining each in detail, and outlined practical steps for clinicians considering separation from ASHA, including formal resignation through ASHA’s resigned affidavit or adjusting renewal options to exclude membership fees.

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Find all of our information at fixslp.com and sign up for our email list to be alerted of new episodes and content.
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Leave us a message on our Meltdown in the Minivan line.