Elvia Lopez-Morales

she/her

Education: Bachelor of Science in communication sciences & disorders (May 2024)

Mentor: Mary Kohn, Ph.D.

McNair Project: Analyzing Speech-Language Pathologist Cultural Competency & Material Access in the State of Kansas (2023)

Growing diversity in the United States has corresponded with increases in the number of culturally and linguistically diverse clients that are being treated by Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) in the public school setting. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has called for culturally appropriate interventions leading Speech-Language Pathologists to recognize the need for additional cultural competence training and access to culturally appropriate materials for students. Lack of training can lead to issues with under and over diagnoses and intervention difficulties. After reviewing curricula from graduate programs in Kansas, there was a need shown to develop curriculum before entering the field. The aim of this study is to analyze the confidence of Speech-Language Pathologists in the State of Kansas when treating clients from limited English Proficiency and multilingual backgrounds. A survey was constructed and distributed via Qualtrics throughout the state of Kansas. A total of 11 participants completed the survey. The data showed that although the participants rated their confidence highly, they recognized the need for accessible training and materials for clients of all backgrounds, ELL training and programs, and a need for more multilingual SLPs in educational and clinical settings. Additionally, SLPs in the state of Kansas stated the need for training on working with different student groups such as limited English proficiency (LEP) and English Language Learners (ELL). The results of the study indicate that ASHA must implement and increase accessibility to necessary trainings so all SLPs can feel confident and equipped when providing intervention to culturally and linguistically diverse students.