ASHA-CULTURAL — ASHA Cultural and Linguistic Competence
What does ASHA-CULTURAL say?
Speech-language pathologists must demonstrate cultural competence in all professional activities. This includes understanding and respecting cultural and linguistic diversity, recognizing the impact of culture on communication behaviors, providing culturally responsive assessment and intervention, using interpreters and translators when needed, avoiding bias in assessment materials and procedures, and advocating for equitable access to services for diverse populations. Bilingualism and dialectal differences are not communication disorders. SLPs should distinguish between communication differences and communication disorders, particularly when serving individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Per Rule C of Principle I, practitioners shall not discriminate on the basis of national origin, including culture, language, dialect, and accent.
Official source: read the full text in the ASHA Code of Ethics (2023) (official document).