Volume 12, Number 2, Fall 2017NBASLH Members' Perceptions of Communication Services to Transgender Individuals AUTHOR(S):
ABSTRACT People who are transgender often seek resources to help them express their preferred gender identity. These resources include pursuing the services of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) for communication and voice therapy. However, there are few clinically and culturally competent SLPs who are able to serve the transgender population. An important aspect of cultural competence is the assessment of attitudes toward culturally diverse populations. Few studies have explored how SLPs view their professional role and ethical obligations in providing services to transgender people. The purpose of this article is to assess how SLPs and students of speech-language pathology perceive their responsibilities in the treatment of transgender clients. An electronic survey was completed by 127 students and professionals at the 2017 annual meeting of the National Black Association of Speech Language and Hearing (NBASLH). The results indicated that the majority of respondents agree or strongly agree that serving transgender clients is within their scope of practice, and is their ethical obligation. However, few participants indicated that they had been trained in this area or had plans to pursue training. Implications for ways to increase the number of culturally and clinically competent SLPs serving this population are provided. DOI: DOWNLOAD FULL ARTICLE |