Lafayette, IN - Individual audiology practitioners and the hearing industry supported the Audiology Foundation of America (AFA) with almost $125,000 in financial support in 2007. Results were recently tabulated after a final end-of-year campaign drive. Financial support in 2007 included individual and corporate donations, corporate sponsorships, memorial and scholarship donations.
This continued support of the Au.D. movement allowed the AFA to maintain its traditional programming of Au.D. scholarships ($27,000), student mentoring programs, white coat ceremonies at Au.D. programs, presentations at state and national conventions, articles, press releases, and advertisements for the Au.D., an online Au.D. directory, and the AFA website.
In addition, it has also allowed the AFA to determine its revised mission, which now includes the goal of empowering audiologists to be independent and autonomous practitioners by supporting their educational preparation, professional practice and leadership development. Specific efforts in support of this mission will continue in 2008, including the staging of the "Conference on Professional Education II: Positioning Audiology for the 21st Century" - a twenty-year follow-up that will look at Au.D. education and propose actionable solutions for the future.
"We are just thrilled to have the support we receive from audiologists all over the country and our wonderful hearing industry," said AFA chair Deborah Price, Au.D. "We take our obligation to our supporters very seriously, and will work diligently to ensure that Au.D. education is at a premier level and that every practitioner receives the encouragement and support necessary to reach new levels of independence and autonomy."
