Advocacy & Education: Using Our Voice to Make a Difference
At Sound Speech & Hearing Clinic, we know that communication is powerful, and so is advocacy. This National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, we’re using our voice to speak up for greater access, equity, and awareness in the fields of speech, language, and hearing care. Because supporting our patients doesn’t stop at the therapy room, it extends into systems, policies, and communities.
Throughout May, we’re spotlighting important issues that impact our patients and the providers who serve them. From insurance barriers to early intervention access, from hearing aid coverage gaps to the need for multilingual, culturally responsive care, we’re raising awareness and starting conversations that matter.
One of the biggest areas we’re focused on is early identification and intervention. Too often, speech and hearing concerns are dismissed as something a child will “grow out of.” But research consistently shows that earlier is better, and that timely support can make a lifelong difference. Our clinic works with our local agency, the Golden Gate Regional Center, to offer assessments and treatment to children age 0-3. We continue encouraging families, educators, and physicians to trust their instincts and seek evaluations sooner rather than later.
Advocacy can feel overwhelming, but it starts with small, everyday actions:
Educating families about their rights under IDEA and Section 504
Helping patients navigate insurance denials
Writing letters to legislators or signing petitions
Simply sharing stories that humanize the challenges our clients face
We’ll be sharing more resources on our blog and Instagram, including how to connect with local lawmakers, get involved in state-level initiatives, and amplify the voices of those impacted by communication challenges.
Because when we raise our voices together, we make communication more accessible for everyone.
