Saveutasp.org - Home of the Campaign to Save and Continue Audiology and Speech Pathology at the University of Tennessee

Home Media Updates and Web Links *Save Site Guestbook* *How You Can Help* Contact Decision Makers ASP Key Facts ALL Should Know *Letters from Supporting Institutions* The 1966 HSC/UT Agreement *The October 23/24 Trustees Meeting* *Contact Save UT Leaders* *Learn More About Communication Disorders* *News and Updates* Background *Website Disclaimer* *Save Site Statistics*	Join The Growing Movement to Save University of Tennessee Audiology and Speech Pathology In June, UT proposed severely scaling back, or eliminating, the ASP academic and clinical programs. We are working with the UT Board of Trustees to show the critical need for the ASP programs and ensure the long-term continuation of the programs. State legislators, local government officials, and a host of concerned physicians, students, parents, and clients are now working together to support the UT ASP programs. We need YOUR help as well! On August 19 and 20, UT press releases indicated that the University had come up with a plan to 'continue' the ASP programs. However, without further information from UT, Save UT ASP cannot accept or endorse these statements. We are continuing with all advocacy efforts on behalf of the programs.
	"What about my speech?" Speech and hearing problems are now a major national health issue in this country. They affect people and families of ALL ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. The need for trained hearing and speech professionals has never been greater. The need for high-quality services provided by our graduate students in training is also growing and is barely being met now. For fifty-five years, the UT Department of ASP has been meeting the need for qualified professionals and providing affordable, quality speech and hearing services to thousands of Tennesseans. Slashing the ASP program is a budgetary response by the University that is short-sighted and unacceptable. There ARE alternatives. Losing this program would severely lessen the quality of life for many in Tennessee, as well as contribute to the growing shortage of audiologists and SLPs nationwide. Let's work together to ensure the survival of UT ASP!
	Save Site News and Announcements August 22: Brittany Rinehart took the Save UT ASP petition to UT President John Petersen's office. August 21: The third Save UT ASP rally took place at Scottish Rite. August 19: UT officials spoke out in the Knoxville media, indicating that the Audiology and Speech Pathology programs have been "saved". Supporters of the UT Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology have learned some progress is being made to find an alternative to the University Administration’s original proposal to eliminate the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology and all clinical services. We currently do not have answers to very important questions and therefore, cannot fully evaluate the announcement by the University Administration. Please read our official August 19 press release. We are NOT viewing this as a victory for the campaign to Save UT ASP until the University is willing to release more details, which are as yet unavailable. Only one more day - Deadline is TOMORROW, Friday, Aug. 29! NAFDA at UT is selling T-shirts with the Hear/Speak/Save logo as seen to the upper left. Click here for more info and ordering details.
	What's new on the Save site? August 28: New letters from supporting institutions The American Academy of Audiology: AAA President Patrick Feeney, Ph.D. Northwestern University: Dr. Sumitrajit Dhar
	An Important Note to Save Site visitors: The Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology and the Hearing and Speech Center want to reassure the public that they are continuing all academic and clinical operations, despite the various press reports that have come out this summer.

Join The Growing Movement to Save University of Tennessee Audiology and Speech Pathology