The theme for this SIG 17 activity is Global Perspective: Cultural/Linguistic Adaptation & Access in SLP & Audiology. The articles in this activity highlight the dual importance of adapting speech-language pathology practices to be culturally and linguistically relevant while also addressing the challenges of accessibility for marginalized and underserved populations across Asia, Australia, Palestine and the United Kingdom.

Kong and Ng delve into the psycholinguistic adaptations required for the Comprehensive Aphasia Test (CAT) to be effectively used with Cantonese speakers, ensuring that cultural nuances are respected in the assessment process. Saylor et al. focus on the adaptation of the Functional External Memory Aid Tool (FEMAT) for UK and Australian (AU) contexts, showcasing how even within English-speaking regions, cultural differences can significantly impact the effectiveness of clinical tools. Lee et al. provide an overview of the development of speech-language pathology and audiology professions across Asian countries, emphasizing the importance of culturally informed practices as these fields expand in diverse cultural contexts.

In addition, Pakulski Camps sheds light on the unique challenges faced in delivering hearing services in conflict-affected areas, where both cultural and socioeconomic barriers must be navigated to provide effective care.

By focusing on adaptation and access, this activity aims to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to improve service delivery and outcomes for all individuals, particularly those in culturally diverse or socio-economically disadvantaged settings across Asia, Australia, Palestine, and the United Kingdom.

Learning Outcomes
You will be able to:

• describe what psycholinguistic variables specific to Cantonese Chinese one should consider when developing, translating, or adopting a clinical assessment of language disorders
• identify cultural differences in the FEMAT-English-US, FEMAT-English-UK, and FEMAT-English-AU
• list Asian countries where the SLP profession is fully developed, in development, and emerging
• list two causes for relatively high incidence and prevalence of hearing loss among Palestinian people living in refugee camps

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. Psycholinguistic Considerations for Adapting the Cantonese Version of Comprehensive Aphasia Test (Cant-CAT): A Feasibility Study by Anthony Pak-Hin Kong and Cindy Yee- Ting Ng, published in SIG 17, Volume 7, Issue 4, August 14 2022
2. Cultural Adaptation of the Functional External Memory Aid Tool for Use in the United Kingdom and Australia by Anna K. Saylor, Sarah Appleton, Catrin Rees, Siobhan Tracey, Tom Mendelovits, Faith Stagge, Matthew L. Cohen, and Alyssa M. Lanzi, published in SIG 17, Volume 9, Issue 3, June 3 2024
3. Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Professions in Asia: Past History and Current Status by Sue Ann S. Lee, Chloe Hui Min Ang, Elizabeth Chafcouloff, Seong Hee Choi, Kenneth Wei De Chua, Carla Krishan Cuadro, Fatimah Hani Hassan, Makoto Kariyasu, Krisna Lertsukprasert, Snithin Sasheendran, Upik Supiaty, Meng-Ju Tsai, Shu- Chuan Tseng, Rumi Wang, Min Ney Wong, and Sun Yuan, published in SIG 17, Volume 9, Issue 4, August 1 2024
4. Addressing Hearing Loss of Palestinians Living in Refugee Camps by Lori A. Pakulski, published in SIG 17, Volume 9, Issue 4, August 1 2024