Kieran Sutton

Senior Project Advisor

Lindsay Foreman-Murray

Document Type

Project

Publication Date

Spring 2024

Keywords

disability, speech-language pathology, ableism, anti-ableism, education, speech therapy, intersectionality, person-centered care, neurodivergent, neurodiversity-affirming care, SLP

Abstract

This Zine investigates the treatment of clients with disabilities within the field of speech-language pathology (SLP). Speech-language pathologists support individuals with communication challenges such as individuals recovering from a stroke, Autistic people, or people who stutter. Many SLP clients are disabled, therefore understanding ableism (discrimination against disabled people or people perceived as disabled) is essential to a successful and ethical SLP clinic. This Zine compiles and summarizes relevant sources relating to ableism and speech-language pathology. In addition, outreach was conducted to hold interviews with SLPs and SLP clients. The primary finding of this project is that ableism can be perpetuated by speech-language pathologists who reinforce the idea that "normal" communication is superior to "abnormal" communication. Further, there are ways to combat this ableism. Some examples are practicing person-centered care, neurodivergent-affirming care, and centering intersectionality. Limitations of this study include that the author of the Zine is non-disabled, only three speech-language pathologists agreed to interview, and no SLP clients were interviewed due to confidentiality guidelines.

Department

Special Education and Education Leadership

Type

Text

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

Download

Share

COinS