Lafayette, IN -The Audiology Foundation of America (AFA) has kicked off its annual fundraiser with an emphasis on supporting state licensure efforts and enhancing professional autonomy for audiologists. Donations can also now be accepted easily and safely online via the AFA website www.audfound.org.
Approximately 20 percent of practitioners, or almost 3,000 audiologists, now hold an Au.D. degree. With a goal to transition at least half the profession during this decade, there is a need for changes in state licensure to incorporate the Au.D. as the basic standard. These changes will help ensure quality patient care and ensure that all practitioners have the right education and skill base. Licensure changes are already on the books in Ohio, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Indiana, and the AFA will allocate funds and resources to support other state licensure efforts that reflect changes in favor of the Au.D.
"We've come a long way since the founding of the Au.D. movement in 1989, and our next hurdle is changing licensure laws to incorporate the Au.D. degree for entry into practice," said Eric Hagberg, Au.D., AFA director.
The AFA has also upgraded its website. Other donation opportunities, including memorial donations and pin sponsorships, can now be made online. In addition, model licensure laws, scholarship information, articles, an Au.D. directory and Au.D./symbol gear are available. Donors win by supporting their profession and patients while reducing their tax bill with a deductible contribution.
Visit www.audfound.org for more information.
