A patient’s culture, beliefs, and values must be considered when assessing and treating voice disorders. This SIG 3 forum explores justice, equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives, discusses considerations for providing gender-affirming and neuro-affirming voice therapy, and proposes applications of the Self-Determination Theory as a framework to guide culturally responsive voice care.

Learning Outcomes
You will be able to:

• identify how issues of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion impact evaluation and treatment in voice and upper airway disorders
• describe how three common intersections with the transgender and/or gender-expansive experience can be supported in your practice
• summarize rationales for developing cultural responsiveness with regard to neurodivergent populations to facilitate a more inclusive voice practice
• define the basic tenets of Self-Determination Theory and main findings in cross-cultural research

DEI Professional Development Requirement

This course counts toward the ASHA certification maintenance professional development requirement for DEI (which encompasses cultural competency; cultural humility; culturally responsive practice; and diversity, equity, and inclusion). See more courses that count toward this requirement or read more about professional development requirements for certification maintenance.

Assessment Type
Self-assessment—Think about what you learned and report on the Completion Form how you will use your new knowledge.

Articles in This Course

1. Exploring Culturally Responsive Voice Care: Introduction by Lauren Timmons Sund, Mariah E. Morton-Jones, and M. Eugenia Castro, published in SIG 3, Volume 9, Issue 5, October 2024
2. Proactive Strategies for Breaking Barriers: Advancing Justice Initiatives in Speech Language Pathology for Diverse Populations in Voice Management and Upper Airway Disorders by Sean U. Moonsammy, Teresa Procter, Maurice E. Goodwin and Phoebe Crumpton, published in SIG 3, Volume 9, Issue 5, October 2024
3. Doing the Inner and Outer Work: Culturally Responsive Practices in Gender-Affirming Voice Care by Wynde Vastine and Lisa Butcher, published in SIG 3, Volume 9, Issue 5, October 2024
4. Neuro-Affirming Practices for Voice Care by Ruchi Kapila, Caroline Gaddy, and Ry Pilchman, published in SIG 3, Volume 9, Issue 5, October 2024
5. Self-Determination Theory Applications in Culturally Responsive Voice Therapy by M. Eugenia Castro, Hillary Enclade, and Michael Biel, published in SIG 3, Volume 9, Issue 5, October 2024