SPH2000 · Speech pathology in a diverse society

You will examine the impact of cultural and linguistic diversity on communication, health, and service delivery within speech pathology practice. You will explore frameworks for culturally responsive and person-centred care to work effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This unit will also support your developing practice to work with culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Key topics include multilingualism, cultural competence, and health disparities, with an emphasis on ethical and inclusive approaches to assessment and intervention. You will also explore the complexities of multilingualism and its implications for speech pathology, including language development, assessment, and intervention in multilingual individuals. You will consider sociolinguistic, cultural, and cognitive factors that influence communication and learn to distinguish language differences from language disorders. Through case-based learning and reflective tasks, you will develop practical skills in adapting clinical practices, collaborating with interpreters and community resources, and designing equitable interventions tailored to diverse populations.

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

1. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health framework analysis (2,000 words)

   Written

   20%

2. Advocacy in diverse communities (2,000 words)

   Written

   30%

3. Multilingual Assessment and Intervention (2 hours)

   Examination

   50%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

1. Describe cultural similarities and differences in the perception and participation of health and health service delivery.
2. Apply inclusive, person-centred, family-centred and community-centred approaches to assessment and intervention with diverse populations.
3. Reflect on personal and professional responsibilities in delivering equitable and culturally safe services.
4. Demonstrate skills in collaboration and advocacy for clients and for the role of speech pathology in diverse communities to relevant stakeholders.
5. Reflect on the impacts of colonisation, historical and current injustices, and intergenerational trauma on the health, language survival, and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to inform ethical speech pathology practice.
6. Explain key processes underlying language development in multilingual individuals across the lifespan.
7. Analyse sociolinguistic, cultural, and cognitive factors that influence multilingual communication.
8. Apply culturally and linguistically appropriate methods to assess language abilities in multilingual clients.
9. Distinguish between language differences and language disorders in multilingual populations using relevant clinical criteria.

12 hours of teacher-directed study per week, including 2 hours of online lectures, 6 hours of online learning activities, and 3 hours of workshops. 12 hours per week of self-directed study. Total per week = 24 hours

Credit points

12

Level

Level 2

Faculty

School of Primary & Allied Health Care

School

Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Student contribution band

Band 2

Study abroad

Not available

Handbook version

2027.04

These are students' own experiences, not official rules. Go by the Handbook.