About Special Interest Group 14, Cultural and Linguistic Diversity

Vision Statement

To be a leading resource for (a) advancing knowledge regarding the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity and its influence on human communication and (b) the infusion of this knowledge into research, education, and clinical practice.

Mission

The mission of the SIG on Cultural and Linguistic Diversity (SIG 14) is to provide leadership and advocacy for best practices relating to culturally and linguistically appropriate audiology and speech-language pathology services. SIG 14 seeks to promote research and to provide networking, collaboration, education, and mentoring opportunities for its affiliates, students, and related professionals.

Study Areas

Bilingualism
Multilingualism
English language learning
Procedures for least biased/alternative assessment and intervention
Sociocultural factors that may affect the cultural and linguistic appropriateness of audiology and speech-language pathology services
Etiologies of specific speech, language, and hearing disorders that have a greater or differing impact between individuals and across groups
Professional and public policies

Goals

To promote clinical and continuing education in the area of communication disorders and sciences relative to cultural and linguistic diversity.
To promote research in the areas of normal communication and communication sciences and disorders relative to cultural and linguistic diversity.
To promote the development and application of best practices for audiologists and speech-language pathologists and the culturally and linguistically diverse populations they serve.
To serve as an advocate regarding cultural and linguistic diversity in the areas of prevention, identification, treatment, and education.
To provide audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and students with support, including networking and mentoring opportunities, in scientific and clinical endeavors relating to cultural and linguistic diversity.
To increase participation of diverse professionals and those interested in topics related to the intersection of communication and cultural and linguistic diversity.
To facilitate communication with other SIGs and encourage the study of cultural and linguistic diversity as it relates to their areas of professional interest.
To serve as a resource for the Association and its committees and boards on matters relating to cultural and linguistic diversity.
To facilitate the exchange of information among professionals who are working with, interested in, or representative of populations concerned with cultural and linguistic diversity.

Affiliate Benefits and SIG Programs

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups is the online peer-reviewed scholarly review journal of the SIGs. SIG 14 offers new self-study CE activities through Perspectives each year.

Continuing Education

Earn ASHA continuing education units (CEUs) through

Self-study of Perspectives and pay the lowest processing fee to take the learning assessments
SIG sponsored Master Classes and one-hour sessions at the annual ASHA Convention.

Networking

SIG 14 Affiliates have access to exclusive discussion forums/groups, which provide the opportunity to interact with other SIG Affiliates who share interest in communication disorders and sciences in culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Use ASHA's Member Directory to search for individuals by SIG affiliation. In addition, SIG 14 Affiliates can meet in person and online at an ASHA and SIG sponsored events; typically each SIG hosts an Affiliates meeting at Convention and sponsors a virtual open house.

Representation Within ASHA

The SIG 14 Coordinator represents the Special Interest Group within the ASHA Board of Special Interest Group Coordinators.
The Coordinating Committee responds to ASHA requests for input regarding policy, guidelines, committees, and other issues.
Affiliates have the opportunity to provide input to the SIG leadership and ASHA.

Additional Resources

Policies and Procedures

ASHA practice policy documents that relate to the service and delivery to culturally and linguistically diverse populations.

Language Interpreters and Translators

Cultural Competence: Issues in Ethics policy document

Coordinating Committee Members

2022–2024 Coordinator: Giselle Núñez, Saint Xavier University
2021–2024 Editor: Danai Kasambira Fannin, North Carolina Central University
2024–2026 Professional Development Manager: Brenda K. Gorman, Elmhurst University
2022–2024 Member-at-Large: Cavin Fertil, Private Practice
2024–2026 Member-at-Large: Fe D. Murray, Northern Arizona University
2022–2024 Member-at-Large: Mahchid Namazi, Kean University
Ex Officio: Samantha Moats Moore, Associate Director, Multicultural Practices, ASHA