Ethics, Allies, and Advocacy: Redefining the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Role

Course Number: ABIO2519

When: Available October 20, 2025 – October 20, 2030

Where: Available under “Course Content” at the bottom of this page.

Description: This course explores the evolving role of speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs) through ethics, advocacy, and collaboration. Participants examine common ethical challenges and strategies, learn how SLPs can support SLPAs, and recognize the unique benefits SLPAs bring to the field. The session also highlights how The SLPA Network (TSN) promotes ethical, collaborative practice.

Who This Course Is Good For:

Any ASHA member, CCC holder, or licensed SLP working with or supervising SLPAs.
Current SLPAs seeking guidance on navigating ethical challenges and advocating for their role.
Graduate students or professionals interested in understanding the evolving scope and impact of SLPAs.
SLPs and administrators aiming to build stronger, more ethical and collaborative SLPA partnerships.

Who This Course Isn’t Good For:

Professionals who do not work with or supervise SLPAs and have no plans to in the future.
Individuals seeking training on direct clinical intervention techniques (this course focuses on ethics, advocacy, and collaboration, not treatment methods).

Presenters:

VENITA LITVACK, M.A, CCC-SLP

Venita is an Assistive Technology (AT) Consultant in south Florida. She has a passion for using AAC, AT, and literacy to support individuals with complex communication needs, autism, and other disabilities. Venita has delivered poster presentations on several topics related to AAC at ASHA and co-presented several ASHA CEU accredited courses. Venita co-authored two articles published in ASHA Leader’s online publication, as well as the Lou Knows What to Do book series published by Boys Town Press. Recently, Venita started utilizing the power of social media to empower and motivate educators across the country through the Speechie Side Up podcast, blog, Instagram account, and YouTube channel.

ALICE L. WILLIAMS, B.A., SLPA

Alice Williams is the creator of The SLPA Network (TSN), the first interdisciplinary online community designed to empower allied health support personnel. As a practicing speech-language pathology assistant, she brings a unique perspective that bridges healthcare and client support. She founded TSN to provide mentorship, professional development, advocacy, and community resources for SLPAs and other support personnel. Passionate about ethical practice, collaboration, and advancing the SLPA role within the field, Alice is dedicated to redefining what’s possible for allied health support personnel through innovation and advocacy.

Disclosure Statements

Venita Litvack has the following relevant relationships to disclose: ownership interest in Speechie Side Up, LLC and Tassel Learning, LLC; royalties from the Lou Knows What to Do book series. Venita is a member of the ASHA Special Interest Group 12.

Alica Williams has the following relevant relationships to disclose: an affiliate with Tassel LLC and the owner of Speech with Ms. Alice, LLC and The SLPA Network (TSN).

Learning Outcomes

As a result of this activity, participants will:

Identify 2 common ethical challenges faced by SLPAs and describe strategies for navigating them effectively.
Describe 2 ways that SLPs can support SLPAs.
Describe at least 2 benefits that SLPAs can bring to the field of speech-language pathology.
Explain 3 ways The SLPA Network (TSN) supports SLPAs and supervisors in building ethical, collaborative work environments.

Agenda

5 min	Introductions and Backgrounds
10 min	Ethical challenges & strategies
15 min	How SLPs can support SLPAs
15 min	Benefits SLPAs bring to the field
10 min	How TSN supports ethical, collaborative work
10 min	Question & Answer Session
5 min	Closing, Discussion, and Resources