Episode 94: More than Lip Service: Steps to Dismiss Racial Barriers in Speech Pathology with Marilouise Nichols, M.S., CCC-SLP and Stephanie O’Silas, M.S., CCC-SLP
Racism, discrimination, and bias have recently become topics at the forefront of conversations across the country. Inevitably, these conversations have also reached the field of Speech-Language Pathology. From ASHA’s position statement on racism, multiple petitions and calls-to-action for anti-racist clinical practice and academia, ASHA and NSSLHA’s virtual listening sessions on race in CSD, and NBASLH Talks 4-part series, there is a much-needed and timely movement gaining momentum at the national, state, and local levels to improve diversity, inclusion, and anti-racist efforts.
This two-part episode will discuss some of the racial barriers and implicit/explicit biases that that have played a role in the homogenous racial and ethnic make-up of our field. Additionally, this episode will brainstorm ways to overcome these barriers in the future, and identify simple steps that every person can take to move towards anti-racist and culturally competent clinical practice.
~ Marilouise Nichols
topics covered:
Creating the change we need to see to dismiss racial disparities in our field.
Personal Level: Awareness/introspection: You can’t fix a problem you don’t acknowledge
System Level: Changing workplace/education culture : Creating a safe space for clinicians and students.
Steps to make “good trouble.”
“Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.”
Resources mentioned in the episode:
Follow up on the progress of petitions:
Petition for ASHA to Increase Cultural Sensitivity by Cara Walton, MA, CCC-SLP
Follow Cara for updates on Instagram: @thebuckeyeslp
Petition for CAA Antiracism Task Force by Reem Khamis-Dakwar PhD, CCC-SLP
DotCom Therapy Blog--Steps for Culturally Competent Clinical Practice
ASHA Self Assessment for Cultural Competence
ASHA Leader: Standing Up and Speaking Out for Racial Justice, by Belinda Daughrity
ASHA Campaign: That’s Unheard Of
Follow Stephanie on Instagram: @csuiteslp
Follow Marilouise on Instagram: @m.e.theslp
Stephanie O'Silas, M.S., CCC-SLP is a medical speech language pathologist and business development expert. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences from Case Western Reserve University. She received her master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from MGH Institute of Health Professions. She is the founding director of Champion Rehabilitation and Support Services PLLC in Dallas, TX. Her company specializes in direct-bill outpatient services and high-volume, managed interdisciplinary therapy services. Stephanie is currently a member of the Business Management Committee of TSHA. She has presented on numerous topics including ethical dilemmas in business, quality reporting throughout the post-acute continuum, and leadership pathways. She formerly served ASHA’s Committee on Leadership Cultivation and Next Generation Committee. Stephanie is also an MSLP alumna of ASHA. Her clinical interests include leadership/administration and treatment for dysphagia, cognitive-communication, voice, and language disorders in adults and children.
Marilouise E. Nichols, M.S., CCC-SLP is a medical Speech-Language Pathologist, who has focused her career on dysphagia and neurogenic communication disorders in adult inpatient rehabilitation and acute care. She currently works full-time in adult acute care—evaluating and treating neurogenic communication disorders and dysphagia in patients with a variety of acute and complex medical diagnoses. As an Early Career Professional, Marilouise is passionate about mentoring students and pre-professionals in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, as not too long ago, she once faced similar challenges and had many of your same questions. She is an active member of National Black Association of Speech Language and Hearing (NBASLH), serves as a discussion leader for my local community stroke support group, supervises and mentors graduate clinicians, and is the founder and writer of a professional blog, www.MEtheSLP.com, aimed to empower and engage young minorities in the field of Speech-Language Pathology.
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