Examining Implicit Bias and Diversifying the Field of Speech-Language Pathology

SLP

According to a demographic profile of ASHA (American Speech and Hearing Association) constituents, a mere 8% of practicing speech-language pathologists (SLPs) indicated that they identify as a person of color. The result of this demographic phenomenon is that there are often profound communication breakdowns and cultural disconnects between therapists and the students, clients, and patients they treat, as well as families and caregivers. The session will discuss how the lack of diversity in the field of speech therapy can result in a fractured patient-provider relationship and treatment inequalities. Attendees will learn about implicit bias, cultural and linguistic sensitivity, and interacting with diverse clients/families/patients. They will examine how implicit biases impact overall assessment and treatment practices in the field of speech-language pathology. Finally, participants will be provided with resources to develop their own action plan to diversify the field, as well as access to templates to get started.

Presenters

Christina Royster
EdD, CCC-SLP
Christina Royster is the owner/founder of Play on Words Therapy, LLC. She is licensed in Maryland and Washington DC and has been practicing for over nine years. Christina specializes in working with complex communication needs, including developmental delays, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and developmental disabilities. She also specializes in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), as she works on an AAC team in the public school setting. Christina attended the University of Maryland, College Park for her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology. She earned her Doctorate in Education in Leadership and Innovation from Arizona State University in 2020. Christina is passionate about increasing diversity in the SLP field, especially related to assistive technology and AAC.

Learning Objectives

Identify current demographics and issues related to diversity in the SLP field.
Define implicit bias, microaggressions, and other barriers students of color face when pursuing an SLP career.
State solutions to reduce implicit bias.
Discuss actionable steps to increase diversity in the field.

Agenda

5 minutes	Introduction
5 minutes	Demographics in the field
5 minutes	Barriers to entering the field
10 minutes	Implicit biases & microaggressions
3 minutes	Patient/provider team approach
5 minutes	Solutions to reduce implicit bias
2 minutes	Identifying speaking contacts
10 minutes	Overview of presentation
2 minutes	Mentorship & followup
3 minutes	Supporting equity as an SLP
2 minutes	Conclusion
8 minutes	Q & A

Disclosures

Speakers - Financial	Christina Royster is the owner/founder of Play on Words Therapy, and an employee in public schools. She is receiving an honorarium as compensation for leading this workshop.
Speakers - Nonfinancial	Christina Royster has no relevant non-financial relationship to disclose. <br><br>Christina Royster is a member of DiverseAAC, a collaborative group aimed at increasing diversity within AAC applications and devices. She is also a member of ASHA SIG #12: Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
Course - Content	Christina Royster has no relevant content information to disclose.
Course - Financial Support & In Kind	This course, and all courses in the Equity Series, are being sponsored by Having Our Say and SLP Toolkit.

ASHA

This course is offered for 0.1 ASHA CEUs, Introductory Level, Professional Area

Examining Implicit Bias and Diversifying the Field of Speech-Language Pathology: $25.00
Your purchase includes access to (1) recorded course and submittal of your participation to the ASHA registry. *You must opt-in and add your ASHA credentials after completing all course steps by the 15th of the next month after you start the video.

Examining Implicit Bias and Diversifying the Field of Speech-Language Pathology