Student Academy of Audiology Recognized by Public Outreach Spotlight Initiative

Posted by Leah Abounader on

The Florida State University chapter of the Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) was recognized by the Public Outreach Spotlight Initiative for its commitment to humanitarian efforts and hearing health. The SAA displayed its humanitarian work through a multitude of outreach programs throughout the Tallahassee community as well as the international community.

The club’s faculty advisor, Dr. Selena Snowden, is proud of her student’s recognition.

“I think it is important for students to understand the value of humanitarian work and how important it is to educate the public about the impacts of hearing loss and factors that place them at risk for hearing loss,” said Dr. Snowden. “I love that our students are being recognized for their efforts despite the limitations COVID-19 has placed on them.”

In October of 2020, the SAA participated in the National Ask Me About Audiology Campaign. Through this initiative, students informed the surrounding FSU and Tallahassee communities about hearing health through online activities, challenges, and informational graphics. The SAA also participated in the Healthy Hearing Special Olympic, Florida, where students identified hearing problems in athletes that would have otherwise gone undetected.

The SAA also participates in the annual Help Guatemala Hear service trip in collaboration with Porch De Salomon, a non-profit organization that facilitates service trips to Guatemala. As part of their volunteer work, students participate in three to four days of hearing clinics and serve about 250 people. The trip was canceled for the Spring 2021 semester due to COVID-19, however, the organization plans to reinstate the annual trip once travel is safe again.

“This past year, SAA was committed to increasing awareness about the profession of Audiology and hearing health as a whole,” said former SAA President Amanda Prozeralik. “As a club that is based on a relatively small and unrecognized profession, this recognition is crucial for the growth and increased public awareness we want to create for our profession and student organization.”

To read a previous CCI News story about SAA’s previous humanitarian efforts, click here.

To donate to the SAA’s Help Guatemala Hear Trip, click here.