West Liberty University’s National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) will host its annual autism walk on April 21 at 5 p.m. Students attending the event will meet outside of Campbell Hall on campus. The event is dedicated to spreading autism awareness and uplifting individuals who have autism spectrum disorder.

NSSLHA is the only national student organization for pre-professionals who are pursuing a career in communication sciences disorders (CSD) and their organization is recognized by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. The mission of NSSLHA is to benefit its members and the community by continually providing preparation for pre-professionals in audiology and speech-language pathology. As pre-professionals in the field of communication science disorders, they are responsible for organizing fundraisers, community service activities and attending seminars from professionals relevant to their career.

Current officers serving for West Liberty University’s chapter of NSSHLA are Kelsi Hulit, the president, Macy Zeiger who is the vice president, Callie White who is the secretary, Riley Bennington who is the treasurer, Amber Yoho who is their historian and Delaney Bird who is serving as their community service director.

Callie White, the secretary of WLU NSSLHA said, “There is no need to register for this event; any student at WLU who is interested in being a part of the autism walk can participate. This is not the first year that the autism walk has been held on campus but we have been doing everything that we can in order to help spread the news about our event. Our hope is that many students will show up to support our friends with autism.”

“As future speech pathologists and audiologists, it is our job and mission in life to advocate for our patients and individuals with disabilities. Supporting every person we can ensures that we are touching the lives of those who need it most,” said White.

White also said, “It is essential for students in all fields to be aware of autism and embrace everyone’s unique differences. By providing awareness for individuals with autism, students can create a safe space for everyone and prevent bullying.”

NSSHLA is the only club that has organized a walk in honor of autism awareness, but White would love to collaborate with other organizations on campus who also feel passionate about their philanthropic endeavors.

Students can learn more about NSSHLA by following them on their Instagram account, @wlu_nsslha. Their Instagram account highlights events being held and shows appreciation of their members.

If anyone has any questions regarding NSSHLA, they can email Callie White at [email protected]. Students can also reach out to professor Christina Laur for more information regarding WLU’s NSSHLA by emailing her at [email protected] or Dr. Stephanie Bradley by emailing her at [email protected]. Laur and Bradley are currently serving as the faculty advisors for WLU’s NSSHLA.