Ensuring Understanding and Incorporation of Cultural Competence, DEI, and Ethical Responsibilities into the Daily Practice of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Cultural Linguistic Diversity across the country profoundly affects the practice of speech-language pathology and audiology, which requires adaptations in our daily work. The demand for assessments and services in various languages far surpasses the availability of bilingual practitioners. This mandate comes from our legal and ethical standards, such as those outlined by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA, 2023), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

This presentation is for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology undergraduate and graduate students, new-to-profession individuals, and professionals who work with culturally linguistically diverse populations in settings such as Home Health, Schools, Private Practice, Tele-Practice, and Hospitals, will meet the professional development requirement for ASHA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education (DEI) which comprises knowledge and understanding of cultural competency, cultural humility, culturally responsive practices, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This session will:

• Review legal standards and the amended 2023 ASHA Code of Ethics regarding Linguistic Access and Services for culturally linguistically diverse individuals and the provision of Cultural Linguistic Appropriate Services (CLAS). Explore ASHA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education (DEI), which allows speech-language pathology and audiology practitioners to recognize their ethical and legal obligations to provide culturally competent care.
• Discuss self-identified levels of confidence and knowledge between multilingual and monolingual speech-language pathologists working with culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) individuals about assessment and treatment considerations when working with individuals who speak a language other than English.
• Explore a course of action that promotes culturally and linguistically supportive discussions of evidence-based, non-biased assessment and interventions and provide practical tools and strategies for their implementation.
• Discuss best practice and evidence-based strategies for the provision of culturally responsive services, alternatives, and resources to standardized testing, such as dynamic assessment, case studies, creating supportive settings for literacy, considerations for the use of an interpreter when one is or is not available, consideration family expectations and the variance of cultures around the world regarding the impact on the effectiveness of intervention

Following this training, participants will be able to: 

1. Define cultural competency, humility, culturally responsive practices, diversity, equity, inclusion, and health literacy.
2. Identify the interpretation and application of the revised ASHA Code of Ethics 2023 laws associated with culturally responsive assessment services.
3. Demonstrate awareness of confidence-related implications of being multilingual versus monolingual speech-language pathologists.
4. List strategies for assessing standardized assessments for cultural linguistic sensitivity and provide guidance for using alternative assessment options.
5. Identify strategies for culturally responsive practices to develop evidence-based interventions in various settings

This course meets the 2 PDH requirement previously referred to as DEI, Ethics, and Professional Development hours towards your ASHA renewal since it is approved by TSHA! You can count these hours towards ASHA renewal when you submit your Compliance Form.