Perspectives Relating to Multicultural Training With Speech-Language Pathologists

Abstract

Purpose: The goal of this project was to assess whether speech-language pathologists (SLPs) feel adequately prepared and comfortable interacting with multicultural clients. To determine whether an SLP feels prepared to interact with, to assess, to teach, or to treat a multicultural client, a 25-question survey was developed and administered. Method: The survey included questions pertaining to the SLPs' experiences with other cultures, both professional and personal, if the SLP speaks more than one language, and if the SLP has received any formal training on how to interact with multicultural clients. The survey was sent out via e-mail to 814 licensed SLPs practicing in preschool, elementary, and secondary school settings in Mississippi and Alabama. A total of 38 surveys were returned, and 36 complete responses were obtained. Results: Preliminary results indicated that many SLPs received minimal multicultural training and felt prepared to work with multicultural clients based on personal and professional experiences; however, they also believed that they could benefit from additional formal multicultural training. Conclusions: Surveyed SLPs do not report receiving adequate training for serving multicultural clients. Many reported that they would benefit from additional formal training in multiculturalism to better serve clients. Further research is indicated to determine the effectiveness of graduate-level training in multiculturalism.