Joint Statement: Characterizing the Roles of Voice Professionals
This month, instead of our typical research review, we wanted to make you aware of a new joint statement defining and characterizing the roles of professionals in voice care. This statement, developed by leading organizations like ASHA, NATS, PAVA, and VASTA, outlines how speech-language pathologists, singing teachers, voice trainers, and medical professionals can work together to provide the best possible care for individuals with voice challenges.
Access to the article can be found here.
For those of us who work with voice users, understanding these roles is critical to ensuring we provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to voice care. Today’s best practices call for collaboration across disciplines! Whether you are a speech-language pathologist, a singing teacher, or a voice trainer, knowing when and how to involve other professionals can make all the difference in achieving the best outcomes for your clients. This knowledge not only helps improve treatment effectiveness but also ensures that professionals stay within their scope of practice, protecting both themselves and their clients.
Key points in the article include:
Habilitation vs. Rehabilitation: The article distinguishes between voice habilitation (building, maintaining, and enhancing a healthy voice) and rehabilitation (restoring function after injury or illness). This distinction is essential for professionals working in both speaking and singing voice contexts.
Interdisciplinary Approach: The traditional separation between voice professionals (speech pathologists, voice trainers, singing teachers) has given way to a more integrated, team-based approach. This collaboration aims to ensure a seamless recovery and optimization of voice use for individuals with voice disorders. Dual-trained professionals (e.g., SLPs with vocal training backgrounds) are especially valuable in clinical settings, as they can bridge gaps between disciplines.
Broadening Skills: Speech-language pathologists working with singers and other performers are encouraged to broaden their knowledge in voice habilitation, while singing teachers and voice trainers should deepen their understanding of voice disorders to better inform their practices and make appropriate referrals.
Scope of Practice and Collaboration: It is crucial for professionals to respect legal boundaries related to voice care and ensure they operate within their licensed scope of practice. When a vocal pathology is suspected, medical evaluation is always recommended.
At VoiceProEd, we believe this joint statement speaks directly to our mission: empowering voice professionals of all disciplines with the skills and knowledge they need to work confidently and competently with their voice clients. This continued move toward interdisciplinary care is exactly what we aim to support through our courses and educational resources. Whether you’re honing your skills in voice rehabilitation, learning more about habilitation techniques, or striving to integrate these practices into your work with singers or speakers, this is the future of voice care—and you’re a part of it. Let’s continue to break down barriers between disciplines, share knowledge, and lead the charge in creating healthier voices together!
Check out our other blog posts or visit our courses page for additional learning resources.
