LGBTQ+ students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in communication sciences and disorders are at risk of bullying, harassment, and discrimination related to their identity. Such discrimination is inconsistent with the principles of inclusivity and diversity that should be upheld within educational programs as defined by ASHA. Universities have a responsibility to thoroughly investigate and address incidents of discrimination, ensuring that all students can pursue their…
A New Kind of Classroom: Enhancing Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Education With Cadaver Labs
Pictured: Graduate students at Appalachian State University in the Speech-Language Pathology master’s program who participated in a cadaver lab during the summer of 2023. Students in speech-language pathology graduate programs welcome every opportunity to expand their knowledge beyond the classroom. Although the academic curriculum is critical to becoming a competent clinician, real-world experiences allow students to expand their critical thinking skills and solidify the application…
Meet the Native American Caucus of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Pictured: members of the Native American Caucus The Native American Caucus of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology was established in 1986 with the purpose of increasing and improving quality speech, language, and hearing services to Indigenous people who have communication disorders. While the specific Caucus objectives have evolved over the years, the Caucus regularly works to increase the number of Native American speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and…
How to Unleash Your Advocacy Superpowers
Communication disorders touch millions of lives, from hearing and speech sound disorders, balance or voice challenges, to swallowing disorders, stuttering, and language delays. As aspiring professionals, a significant portion of our time will be dedicated to advocacy—for ourselves and for our clients and their well-being. Our profession is shaped by state and federal laws and using our voices is crucial in driving the future of the…