1992 Omnibus Survey. Portrait of the professions.

The portrait of our professions has changed in recent years, and the changes are quite positive. For example, the number of speech-language pathologists and audiologists who reported that they are unemployed and seeking employment has decreased while salaries reportedly continue to increase. These findings are especially encouraging given the current economic times. They represent a continuing demand for the valuable contributions that speech-language pathologists and audiologists can make in today's society. Caseload characteristics illustrate a different picture compared with data from previous years. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists both reported an increase in service provision to the birth-5 population. In addition, the severity of caseloads for speech-language pathologists has substantially decreased from that of previous years. The issues of support personnel, the AuD degree, and gender discrimination evoked expression of strong opinion. Based on the responses to these questions and the comments that accompanied them, it is apparent that there are many questions that need to be addressed before these issues reach consensus. We must continue to work together until we create a balanced picture. All in all, the portrait of the ASHA membership is both colorful and attractive--definitely suitable for framing. We should be proud of the progress that we have made over the years and of the image that we are creating for our professions. As we continue to take brush in hand, remember that each one of us can make a difference in the direction of our future. So splash on the colors and keep it bright!