The world’s leading cleft organization, Smile Train, supported the virtual participation of Filipino Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) at the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) conference this year. During the three-day convention, participants were provided opportunities to learn new skills as well as given access to new research for continued learning that would allow them to further develop their skills in their respective fields.
“While it is our goal to provide cleft-affected individuals with comprehensive cleft care, we also want to support our partner SLPs and help them gain more knowledge and expertise in their field. By providing opportunities for learning and development for our partners, Smile Train will also be able to provide better services for our beneficiaries,” said Kimmy C. Flaviano, Smile Train Vice President, South East Asia.
The American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) conference is the premier annual professional development event gathering speech-language pathologists (SLPs), audiologists, and professionals from all over the world. Led by ASHA President Lynn Williams, the annual convention offers more than 2,500 sessions (Master Classes and Oral Seminars) eligible for continuing medical education credit covering the latest research, clinical skills, and techniques in communication sciences and disorders.
Smile Train not only supported the participation of the SLPs in the conference, but also their membership to the ASHA.
“We are very grateful to receive support from Smile Train Philippines. As professionals who want to be able to provide the best service to our Filipino patients, support from partner organizations is crucial,” said Speech Language Pathologist and Smile Train Partner, Ms. Veronica S. Yu. “Being able to attend the conference and learn from experts from all over the world allows us to expand our knowledge and better learn how we can help Filipinos in need of comprehensive cleft care in the Philippines.”
Smile Train also supported the participation of Speech Language Pathologists in the Chang Gung Forum 2020, Comprehensive Cleft Care Workshops 2020 and 2021.
In the Philippines, Smile Train continues to deliver comprehensive cleft care during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the launch of the first Filipino mobile Smile Train Speech App and the Virtual Telehealth Program, Smile Train was able to provide Filipinos with access to speech therapy sessions from the safety of their homes. Despite lockdown restrictions, patients still have access to Smile Train’s services and are able to schedule surgeries in partner hospitals.
For more information about Smile Train’s global efforts and to donate, please visit smiletrain.org. To learn more about Smile Train’s local programs in the Philippines, please visit smiletrain.ph, follow Smile Train Philippines on Instagram @SmileTrainPh, and like us on Facebook at @SmileTrainPhilippines.
