Professional associations' role in advancing the ICF in speech-language pathology

Abstract

The ICF framework reflects a conceptual change in the approach to diagnosis and intervention across the spectrum of speech-language pathology services. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), the professional association of speech-language pathologists and audiologists in the United States, has adopted this framework in its cardinal policy documents and sought to provide information and resources to its members about the ICF. This chapter discusses the history of ASHA's involvement in the ICF and its continued role in promoting the adoption of the ICF framework. It therefore highlights how the ICF can influence policy.

Keywords:

• World Health Organization
• ICF
• scope of practice
• professional association
• ASHA
• policy documents