Speech-Language Pathologists' Preparation, Practices, and Perspectives on Serving Indigenous Families and Children

Area of Science:

• Speech-language pathology
• Indigenous education
• Cultural competency in healthcare

Background:

• Indigenous children face significant educational inequities, including overrepresentation in special education and lower graduation rates.
• Understanding the practices of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) serving this population is crucial for addressing these disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey SLPs in the Mountain West and High Plains serving Indigenous children.
• To understand current clinical practices and inform strategies for addressing educational inequities.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was administered to SLPs serving Indigenous children in the specified regions.
• The survey collected data on SLPs' backgrounds, training, perspectives, and clinical practices.

Main Results:

• Most SLPs recognized educational disparities and valued Indigenous languages and dialects.
• However, a strong reliance on standardized assessments was noted, with limited use of bidialectal or narrative-based strategies.
• Few SLPs reported specific training in serving Indigenous children and families.

Conclusions:

• SLPs demonstrate awareness of disparities but lack tailored training and culturally responsive practices.
• Challenges include relationship-building and access barriers.
• Frameworks like the Indigenous Connectedness Framework and Indigenous pedagogies are proposed to improve engagement and practice.