Leanne Duston

To ensure that speech-language pathologists and audiologists are understood for their role in the national early learning system. To be involved in the training and programming of early childhood educators Taxation and Finance - Changes to the disability tax credit for hearing including advocacy to amend the Income Tax Act. Qualitative and quantitative study of speech, language and hearing for First Nations, Inuit and Metis populations. Seeking funding for Qualitative and quantitative sstudy of speech, language and hearing for First Nations, Inuit and Metis populations. Source of funding to be determined. National Seniors Strategy-to discuss the role of communication health professionals in a national seniors strategy. National Concussion Strategy-The need for a national strategy on concussion and the role of SAC's member profession. National Autism Strategy-The need for a national strategy on autism spectrum disorder and the role of SAC's member professions in such a strategy. Introduction of Acoustical Standards for Classrooms in Canada or adoption of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards (US). Include the services of audiologists and speech-language pathologists in an aging at home tax benefit Include Speech-Language and Audiologists in the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness Program Health - to discuss improved policies around audiology benefits through the federal health care partnership Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Department of national Defense (DND) and Health Canada) Guidelines for Children's Hearing Health- National guidelines for early hearing detection and intervention. Budget - include a national program that ensures universal access to newborn hearing screening and include programs to facilitate the early identification and intervention of speech and language disorders in young children. Be involved in the regulation of over-the counter hearing aids.