SPA has released its
Culturally Responsive Speech Pathology Practice position statement, reflecting the profession’s commitment to culturally responsive services that recognise and champion diversity, equity and inclusion for all individuals and communities. Culturally responsive practice requires an active anti-racist stance to create change both systemically and interpersonally, as well as within education and research related to speech pathology.
This document was previously titled ‘Working in a culturally and linguistically diverse society’ (2016).
The position statement acknowledges that culture shapes every interaction in speech pathology practice, and that safe, inclusive practice must be guided by the cultural perspectives and needs of individuals and communities. The document also highlights the importance of speech pathologists engaging in critical self-reflection, and recognising that power, privilege and professional culture shape the delivery of and outcomes from speech pathology services.
The position statement recognises the need for culturally relevant research and evidence to inform speech pathology practice and for resources that support the cultural and linguistic diversity of all communities.
The statement also affirms SPA’s commitment to responsibility to lead by example in embedding cultural safety across SPA systems, education and advocacy.
SPA is also developing a practice guideline alongside the position statement and will likely be available early next year.
Read the full
position statement and learn more about the steps Speech Pathology Australia is taking to support culturally responsive speech pathology practice.