The California Speech Language Hearing Association Foundation (CSHAF) will be highlighting consumers of the speech language pathology and audiology profession during its Opening General Session and Celebration of Excellence ceremony.

Convergence 2022 is scheduled for March 24-27, 2022 at the Pasadena Convention Center.

The keynote speaker for Opening General Session on March 24 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. is Jack Gallagher, a well-known entertainer, elementary educator and parent of a son on the autism spectrum. Jack spent four days in the dark with no visual or physical stimulation due to a brain injury caused by an accident. Working through those four days resulted in “Concussed: Four Days in the Dark,” one of eight shows he’s written and performed. Another show, “A Different Kind of Cool,” explores the differences between his two sons and coming to terms with the fact that “coolness” is a matter of perspective. His one-man performances showcase his wide-ranging introspection while providing an emotional and heartfelt appeal. While we may not have lived Jack’s experiences, he makes them real and relevant to our own lives and shows us how his message can be applied to our work and daily interactions.

At the Celebration of Excellence on Friday March 25, from 6-7 p.m., a deserving group of award winners will be recognized.

Our list of 2022 honorees includes:

2022 State Awards

Bill (William) Brummel, Pasadena, CA | Distinguished Consumer

Bill Brummel is a Peabody winner and Emmy-nominated director and producer. He has spent his life bringing attention to challenges of humans and helping the rest of us understand what that means. More than 20 years ago, he had his own challenge, to survive tonsil cancer. As a result of the treatment and the long-term side effects, Brummel found himself once again being challenged. Due to the serious side effects of chemoradiation, Brummel had to undergo a total laryngectomy in 2016. The surgical removal of the larynx often leaves patients feeling that they have lost their identity, the core of who they are when their ability to communicate has changed. Brummel received speech therapy and was able to find his “voice,” a new voice, again. His first film following his life-changing surgery, “Can You Hear My Voice?” brings faces and names to a special population that has received little attention in the general public. The film shares the journey of several patients and culminates with their special performance as part of a choir. In addition to the film, Brummel has shared his story and provided support with many patients at Keck Hospital of USC.

William DelRosario, Orange, CA | Distinguished Consumer

William Del Rosario was diagnosed with apraxia, dysarthria, mitochondrial disease and autism. While working with his speech-language pathologist, he had a drive and determination to become a verbal communicator. Using the PROMPT method and parent involvement, he slowly developed additional sounds and started producing words. He currently speaks in sentences and is able to hold a conversation. During this time, he worked on his AAC and he quickly progressed through low-tech AAC, PECS, an iPod, go-talker, to an iPad and is now communicating with others in a group setting and class. DelRosario has lectured at California State University, Fullerton to discuss his journey through AAC. His lecture, with the help of his parents, was engaging and had the students asking questions about access, limitations and barriers. The impact of his lecture and the message of presumed competence and access to communication really moved the students. DelRosario has presented nationally for TACA and in 2021 the Summer Learning Institute. William is an intern with the Communication Disabilities Access Network which is sponsored by the Communication Disabilities Access Network (CDAN), a project co-led by Disability Voices United and Disability Rights California. The CDAN builds, trains and activates a network so that Californians with disabilities can access communication supports and their communities.

 

2022 District Awards

• Savannah Pearson, Sacramento| Outstanding Student District 2
• Prachi Bulsara, Modesto| Outstanding Student District 3
• Carmina Sanchez, San Jose| Outstanding Student District 3
• Steven Skelton, Clovis| Outstanding Leadership District 5
• Katherine Taylor, Clovis| Outstanding Student District 5
• Anna Beatriz Guerrero, San Gabriel| Outstanding Student District 7
• Sherri Wolff, Chino Hills| Outstanding Achievement District 8
• Rebeca De La Cruz, Fullerton| Outstanding Student District 8

2022 Scholarship Winners

• Lara Crotwell| San Francisco State University
• Haley Hayashi| Cal State East Bay
• Lea Salazar| San Francisco State University
• Angelica Vasquez| California State University San Marcos

Other events during the conference include:

Second General Session, Saturday, March 26, 8:30-10 a.m.

• A Conversation with Licensing Board Leaders -CSHA Policy Consultant Laura Preston will moderate a panel of leaders from the California Speech Language Pathology & Audiology & Hearing Aid Dispensers Board, including SLPAHAD Executive Officer Paul Sanchez and Board Members Gilda Dominguez and Holly Kaiser. The SLPAHAD Board plays a critical role in licensure, oversight, regulation and consumer protection in the profession. The board’s work is critical to members of the community and those served by the community, and has had a heightened impact throughout the COVID19 pandemic. The panel will discuss timely issues of importance to attendees.

College Bowl

• SLP and AuD students throughout the state will compete for the coveted CSHA Cup. The event takes place on Saturday, March 26 from 6-7 p.m. The teams competing this year include:
• California Baptist University
• California State University, Fresno
• California State University, Fullerton
• California State University, Northridge
• Chapman University
• University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

 

About CSHAF

CSHAF raises public awareness of communication disorders and the services available to address them, delivers a range educational programs and conferences, and offers student scholarships to those pursing an education in communication disorders or similar graduate programs.

About CSHA

The vision of CSHA is a world where all people are empowered with the fundamental human right to engage and connect.

As California’s expert leaders in communication, cognition, hearing and swallowing, the mission of CSHA is to serve our profession, members, clients and community through evidence-based leadership in professional practice, strategic advocacy, thought leadership and inter-professional collaboration.

# # #

Contact: Kevin Swartzendruber
Marketing and Membership Director
California Speech Language Hearing Association (CSHA) and CSHA Foundation (CSHAF)
kevins@csha.org, 916/921-1568, ext 1006