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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The goal of ISHA's DEI Committee is to amplify the voices of the minorities within our profession, while bringing attention to inclusivity. Create safe spaces to discuss issues pertaining to DEI in the workplace, classrooms, and clinics.

Hear from Dr. Suzanne Williams, PhD, CCC-SLP, and Clinical Assistant Professor at DePaul University. Dr. Williams created this video for ISHA about her experience and identity as a Black SLP in our field.  

 

Current committee initiatives underway include:

School-To-Professional Pipeline

Developing a systematic outreach, recruitment, retention, and mentoring initiative for students in the communication sciences and disorders professions from underrepresented backgrounds, with particular support for students who are BIPOC (Black, Indiginous, People of Color) and with culturally and linguistically diverse experiences.

Important elements will include:

  • Pre-college career education (middle school and high school)
  • College-level outreach, particular opportunity with community colleges and HBCUs
  • Support and/or mentoring program to assist with college preparation, graduate school education, graduate training, early career navigation
Professional Development and Training
  • Connecting Conversations Series
  • Professional development year-round and at ISHA's Annual Convention 
  • In partnership with the Multicultural Issues Committee, investigate creation of an ISHA certificate of cultural competency.
  • Partner with ISHA Mentorship Program for Minority emphasis if needed/desired
  • Partner with other committees, events within ISHA/ASHA and other State Speech and Hearing Associations
  • Monthly/quarterly videos from DEI Committee highlighting issues/topics within our field 
  • Interview minorities within ISHA and highlight their journey and or contributions to the field
  • Investigate Minority scholarships for students
  • Creation of how to videos:
    • How to better communicate with diverse colleagues
    • How to better communicate with diverse patients/students/clients
    • How to deal with microaggressions
    • How to hold uncomfortable conversations
    • How to address uncomfortable/unwarranted behaviors in the workplace