Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do you have a question that you think should be answered on this page? Did you notice any information that needs to be updated? Please let us know at ask@rishaconnect.org!

1. What is RISHA?

2. How is RISHA related to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)?

3. How many SLPs and Audiologists are in Rhode Island?

4. I’m thinking about working in Rhode Island public schools. How may public school districts are there in RI? Where can I find more information about them?

5. I’m thinking about moving to Rhode Island. What is it like living and working there?

6. What are the Department of Health (DOH) licensing requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists?

7. What are the credentialing requirements for working as a speech-language pathologist in RI public schools?

8. What are the special education eligibility requirements/criteria for speech and language impairment in Rhode Island?

9. Is Rhode Island part of the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact?

1.  What is RISHA? (revised 6/19/2024)

The Rhode Island Speech-Language-Hearing Association (RISHA) is a membership-based association for speech-language pathologists, audiologists, students, and related professionals. Membership in RISHA allows your voice to be heard on important issues affecting these professions. RISHA does not govern or regulate licensure for speech-language pathologists or audiologists.

2.  How is RISHA related to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)? (revised 6/19/2024)

RISHA is an independent organization affiliated with ASHA; it does not receive any direct financial support from ASHA. The bylaws of ASHA provide for the recognition of state associations. Recognition is renewed every five years, and is granted (and maintained) by associations that meet certain requirements, which include purposes, membership requirements, code of ethics, and nondiscrimination policy consistent with those of ASHA.

3.  How many SLPs and Audiologists are in Rhode Island? (revised 3/28/2024)

A. As of 3/28/2024, there were 894 active RI Department of Health (DOH) licenses for Speech-Language Pathologists (Please note that SLPs working in RI public schools are NOT required to have a DOH license, but they might choose to maintain one).

B. As of 3/28/2024, there were 127 active RI Department of Health (DOH) licenses for Audiologists.

C. RISHA has requested information on how many SLPs are certified with the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE). We have not yet received that data.

D. The Rhode Island State Flyer produced by ASHA also provides information on the total number of SLPs and Audiologists in RI based on their 2022 survey data.

4. I’m thinking about working in Rhode Island public schools. How may public school districts are there in RI? Where can I find more information about them? (revised 3/28/2024)

A. The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) provides information and links to all of our public school districts: https://ride.ri.gov/students-families/ri-public-schools/school-districts

B. Many Rhode Island SLP jobs are posted on SchoolSpring.com.

5. I’m thinking about moving to Rhode Island. What is it like living and working there? (revised 3/28/2024)

A. The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation maintains two websites that may help you: Living in RI and Visit Rhode Island.

B. Lifespan, Rhode Island’s first health system, also publishes information on living in Rhode Island.

6. What are the credentialing requirements for working as a speech-language pathologist in RI public schools?

7. What are the special education eligibility requirements/criteria for speech and language impairment in Rhode Island? (revised 4/11/2024)

Rhode Island’s definition of a speech or language impairment follows the federal IDEA definition. While some states specify test score cut-offs for eligibility for language disorders, Rhode Island does not.

“(11) Speech or language impairment means a communication disorder, such as stuttering, impaired articulation, a language impairment, or a voice impairment, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance.” (Regulations Governing the Education of Children with Disabilities)

In Rhode Island, the “9 year rule” was put in place by the Board of Regents in the early 2000’s (exact year needed). Under this rule, special education eligibility under the speech or language impairment category was only valid for students through eight (8) years of age (up to the child’s ninth (9th) birthday). After a child’s 9th birthday, speech and language services could only be provided as a related service. We were, unfortunately, the only state to have such a restriction.

On June 20, 2022, however, legislation went into effect to abolish the “9 Year Rule” and to allow speech therapy services to be provided in school to all children who need them, regardless of age:

“For purposes of providing services under this chapter, “special education” shall have the same meaning as used in 34 C.F.R. § 300.39 and includes speech-language pathology services for students among the other services and supports provided for therein. The provision of speech-language pathology services shall not cease or be terminated solely because a child has attained nine (9) years of age or greater, if those services are still warranted.” See press release

8. What are the Department of Health (DOH) licensing requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists? (revised 4/30/2024)

  • Speech-language pathologists and Audiologists working outside of the public schools are required to possess an active license from the Department of Health.
  • Legislation passed in 2023 stipulates that “the licensee must maintain their certificate of clinical competence in their practicing area (speech-language pathology or audiology) in order to renew their license.”
  • See R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-48-7 Qualifications of applicants for a license as a speech-language pathologist for a list of the specific current requirements, which include:
    • Official transcript indicating possession of a master’s degree or a doctorate degree or equivalent in speech-language pathology from an educational institution accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) or other national accrediting association as may be approved by the board.
    • Complete supervised clinical-practicum experiences from an educational institution or its cooperating programs. The content of the practicum shall be in accordance with the current, minimum requirements for the certificate of clinical competence issued by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) or other national accrediting association as may be approved by the board and delineated in the rules and regulations.
    • Pass a national examination in speech-language pathology as required by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) or other national accrediting association as may be approved by the board and delineated in the rules and regulations.
    • Present verification of a certificate of clinical competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) or other national accrediting association as may be approved by the board.
    • If applicable, present evidence from the board of speech-language pathology in each state in which the applicant has held or holds licensure to be submitted to the board of this state, attesting to the licensure status of the applicant during the time period the applicant held licensure in the state.

9. Is Rhode Island part of the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact? (revised 6/30/2024)