Volume 15, Number 3, Winter 2020

Addressing the Effects of Racism in SLP Graduate Students: The Impact of a Dynamic Response Approach

AUTHOR(S):

  • Lollie Vaughan-Robinson, Ph. D., CCC-SLP, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
  • Amira C. Jessie, B.A., Jackson State University, Jackson, MS

ABSTRACT

The lack of diversity in the field of SLP has created a dramatic mismatch between the clinicians providing services and the clients served. Such a mismatch contributes to racism even if unintended. To address this issue, we utilized a dynamic response to address this issue with our students and future clinicians. This qualitative paper describes an innovative approach, which included the viewing of a documentary on racism, implicit bias activities, and guided discussion to address the impact of racism on current SLP students and faculty with a longer-term goal of raising awareness about racism among all racial-ethnic groups. We believe this type of dynamic approach is effective, sustainable, and applicable to SLP programs nationwide.

DOI:

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