SLPA Advocacy

The effort to establish SLPA licensure has developed over many years in response to the shortage of speech and language services in Vermont, particularly in educational and rural settings. In June 2008, the first VT coalition formed to discuss the impact of the shortage of SLPs in Vermont schools, and from May 2007 to Feb 2008, the second VT coalition (SLP-A task force) examined issues related to the use of SLPAs in Vermont schools, such as use, scope of practice, and supervision. During this period, statewide surveys and research were conducted to gather information from different perspectives. These efforts led to the submission of a Sunrise Application in 2013 seeking legislation for SLPA licensure. In January 2014, the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) completed a Sunrise Review and concluded that SLPAs should be regulated through licensure. 

The 2014 Sunrise Review determined that the lack of regulation of SLPAs can cause real and recognizable harm to the public. The shortage of SLPs in Vermont schools may result in speech and language treatment plans created by SLPS being delegated to unlicensed educational support personnel. Legislation requiring the licensing of SLPAs would benefit the public and prevent harm. The OPR recommended that SLPAs be subject to professional regulation in Vermont.

Although legislation did not advance in 2014 due to concerns raised by the Agency of Education, the shortage of SLPs in Vermont persists. The findings and recommendations from the Sunrise Review remain highly relevant today, and VSHA continues to advocate for the licensure of SLPAs. Today, the OPR intends to conduct a new Sunrise Review before moving forward with legislative action. VSHA supports this second review and advocates for the inclusion of both SLP and SLPA voices to ensure that professional expertise and the substantial work completed during the 2014 review are incorporated. As Vermont continues to face challenges in access to speech-language services, SLPA licensure remains a legislative priority to increase accountability, protect the public, and improve access to high-quality speech and language services statewide. Through continued legislative advocacy, the goal is to advance SLPA licensure into law by 2028.