Time for change : Results of a national survey of SLP practice in CALD aphasia rehabilitation

This study investigated aphasia rehabilitation practices for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations via a national survey of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in Australia. It also investigated the perceived levels of knowledge, skills, education, confidence and satisfaction of these SLPs when working with CALD populations. Respondents (n = 73) reported having limited knowledge, skills, education, confidence and satisfaction levels when it came to providing aphasia assessment and intervention for CALD populations. Reported challenges and areas for improvement included the limited availability of CALD assessment and intervention materials, and the limitations in clinical guidelines and information about assessment and intervention procedures. Such issues were reported over a decade ago, yet our findings suggest limited improvement. Increased attention from universities, SLP departments and peak bodies is urgently required – and suggested by SLPs themselves – if the quality of service provision for CALD populations in aphasia rehabilitation is to improve, and disparities between CALD and non-CALD services are to be addressed.