Serving a Multicultural Population

Classrooms are becoming more diverse with increasing numbers of children from various racial and ethnic minority groups. Approximately one in four Americans is a minority and this proportion is growing. Bilingual children and children with limited or no proficiency in English have special communication needs. Some of these children also may have a speech, language, or hearing disability that is not related to their use of a foreign language or dialect.

Speech-language pathologists and audiologists are becoming more responsive to the communication needs of children and adults from diverse cultural and language backgrounds. Concerned parents and teachers should seek needed services for minority children from professionals who have special characteristics necessary to best serve a multicultural population. Three major qualities appear to characterize the "culturally competent" professional.

Awareness

Is familiar with cultural differences in customs, values, beliefs, and behaviors pertaining to communication.
Uses tests or procedures that will not unfairly penalize a child from a specific minority group or specific language background.
Has knowledge about communication problems that are unique to or more frequently found in certain minority groups. For example, the occurrence of middle ear infections is highest among Native Americans and lowest among American Blacks.
Acceptance

Demonstrates an appreciation for the customs, values, beliefs, and attitudes of people from different cultural and language backgrounds.
Is comfortable working with individuals from different backgrounds and cultures.

Adaptation

Uses treatment materials that present positive images of the culture and background of the child
Speaks the language used by the child and family or uses the assistance of trained interpreters
The communication skills of children from different racial/ethnic minority groups can be enhanced by professionals who show awareness, acceptance, and a willingness to adapt to their diverse needs.

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