Assessing Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Student Clinicians' Services With Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Clients

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences and knowledge of speech-language pathology graduate student clinicians in relation to service delivery to culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) clients in clinical practicum. Method: A survey was administered to 125 speech-language pathology graduate student clinicians enrolled in communication sciences and disorders (CSD) graduate programs throughout the United States. Results: Overall, speech-language pathology graduate student clinicians were not confident in providing services to CLD clients, which was significantly correlated with their linguistic background, general clinical experience, and specific clinical experience with the CLD population. Among the various assessment and treatment procedures, speech-language pathology graduate student clinicians most frequently used informal assessment procedures and CLD-appropriate therapeutic materials. The lack of appropriate formal tests and available professionals for consultation were the biggest barriers for speech-language pathology graduate student clinicians in serving CLD clients. They also sought to improve their services for CLD clients by utilizing professional resources such as online webinars. Conclusions: The findings indicate that graduate student clinicians in speech-language pathology generally require additional practical training to effectively serve clients from CLD backgrounds. Enhancements in curriculum design and resource availability are necessary to equip these students with better service to the CLD population. Recommendations for addressing this issue are discussed. Supplemental Material: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.28861304