AG Bell Academy certification program for Listening and Spoken Language Specialists: Meeting a world-wide need for qualified professionals

Abstract

This article discusses the AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language-an organization designed to build capacity of certified Listening and Spoken Language Specialists (LSLS) by defining and maintaining a set of professional standards for LSLS professionals and thereby addressing the global deficit of qualified LSLS. Definitions and descriptions will be presented as the journey to identifying professionals highly qualified in auditory-based practices unfolds - a journey that will prepare professionals to better serve children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families now and in the future.