September 7, 2007

Dear Colleagues,

In July 2007, the Board of Directors of the AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language® (Academy Board) announced a new certification program that supports the Academy's mission of promoting the delivery of comprehensive services to children and adults who are deaf or hard of hearing through the certification of professionals who work with them.

The Listening and Spoken Language Specialists® Certification Program (LSLS®) is a commitment to unite and coordinate listening and spoken language professionals around the world who practice in a dynamic field of ever advancing technological advancements and neural-development research. The LSLS® Certification Program focuses on the core tasks, skills and knowledge that Educators (Auditory-Oral Teachers, Early Interventionists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Audiologists, etc.) have in common with Certified Auditory-Verbal Therapists®.

Since the announcement of the LSLS® Certification Program, the Academy Board has received a variety of comments, both supportive and concerned. These have all been given careful consideration. The concept of the LSLS® Certification Program evolved from a job analysis conducted by PrometricTM, the leading global provider of comprehensive testing and assessment services. The PrometricTM analysis demonstrated a significant correlation in the core tasks, skills and knowledge used by listening and spoken language professionals indicating that we have more similarities than differences. Therefore, although the work environments of Certified Auditory-Verbal Therapists®, Auditory-Oral Teachers, Speech-Language Pathologists, Audiologists and Early Interventionists may be very different, the core tasks, skills and knowledge needed to help a child who is deaf or hard of hearing learn to listen and use spoken language and/or to work with his or her family, parent or caregiver are strikingly similar.

By designating a certification for Educators, LSLS Certified Auditory-Verbal Educator® (LSLS Cert. AVEd®), and maintaining the LSLS Certified Auditory-Verbal Therapist® (LSLS Cert. AVT®), the holders of both certificates will be recognized as highly qualified professionals. Principles of both certifications will emphasize listening and using spoken language for immediate or eventual mainstream educational placement.

A LSLS Cert. AVEd® focuses on teaching various sized instructional groups to prepare children who are deaf or hard of hearing to enter mainstream education and to support them there. Since listening and spoken language professionals use similar tasks, skills and knowledge, the same professional examination will be used for the LSLS Cert. AVT® and the LSLS Cert. AVEd®. Comparable and rigorous qualification criteria will be designed specifically for the various sized instructional group experiences for the LSLS Cert. AVEd®.

The Academy Board has established a task force to develop principles and eligibility criteria for the LSLS Cert. AVEd®. In addition, the Academy Board will investigate ways to inform both the public and professionals about the value of the LSLS® Certification Program. The Academy Board will continue to provide updates and information as the LSLS® Certification Program develops. Shantal Hall, Certification Manager for the Academy, is the contact person for the task force. She can be reached by email at shall@agbellacademy.org or at the following address:

AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language®
Attn: Shantal Hall, Certification Manager
3417 Volta Pl., NW
Washington, DC 20007
shall@agbellacademy.org

The LSLS® Certification Program will increase public recognition and demand for listening and spoken language services, create broader opportunities for professional advancement, and ensure greater access to excellent services for future generations of children and adults who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families.

Your continuing support of the LSLS® Certification Program will help to build and unite a worldwide network of listening and spoken language professionals who are dedicated to exceptional spoken language outcomes for children and adults who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Warm Regards,

Carol Flexer, President
AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language®