Statement of Intent
In the field of speech-language pathology, a therapist needs to be prepared to work with
individuals from diverse backgrounds with respect to language, dialect, culture, socioeconomic
status, religion, and sexual orientation. Describe some potential benefits and challenges to a
speech-language pathologist in working with diverse populations? How would you address the
challenges and benefits you described.
Statement of Intent for an SLP
Best work environment inspires me to gain a well-rounded perspective of the world. This will
serve me well as I continue on my path with the ultimate goal of becoming a speech-language
pathologist who treats clients from diverse backgrounds. Working in environments where
language challenges are always tricky in achieving the purposes of the placement. Understanding
and appreciating the diversity of workplace motivate SLP to learn more. It is also essential to
incorporate American Sign Language to communicate with many deaf people as well as the
prevalent deaf community in workplaces. I consider the opportunity to work in the diverse
workplace a prospect of learning and improving SLP skills to be a lifetime opportunity. The
placement opportunity will expose me to different populations and clinical settings which will
provide the chance to continue working with faculty members who are passionate about their
filed and help to mold future researchers and clinicians (Edwards, Newell, Rich & Hitchcock,
2015).
STATEMENT OF INTENT FOR AN SLP 2
Working in a diverse environment is beneficial because it develops knowledge about
other cultures for optimizing client outcomes. It also facilitates culturally familiar environments
for maximizing success treatments and enhances the skills of the child’s evaluation results and
learning diverse clinical practices. Working as an SLP in a diverse environment there are
increased challenges. These include high caseloads which can be unbearable and there is a lack
of materials to handle speech-language pathologist duties adequately. This is because being an
SLP in a diverse environment will be particularly challenging because the caseloads will be very
diverse. There will be the prospect of people who are NOT SLPs providing speech services. This
is because they are unqualified and cases of bureaucracy in general. There is the inability of
using professional judgment in the workplace and being ruled by guidelines and laws with no
considerations of an SLP. Working in a diverse environment there is increased time wasted in
paperwork and meetings. This interferes with an SLP ability to do their job precisely. This leads
to sacrificing personal time to handle the issues presented in a diverse environment. Scheduling
is another critical challenge in dealing with kids with varying needs and disabilities as well as
varying amounts of speech time. It is also quite challenging to plan and implement therapy for
diverse groups. Establishing a working schedule follows a plan and implementation process
which is never simple for an SLP. AN SLP is faced with fluency and social skills for handling a
diverse group. There is a high possibility of misunderstanding about the roles and expectations
of working outside one’s scope of practice. There is the probability of misperceptions about
public versus private regarding education and training in college ((Edwards et al., 2015).
The identified challenges will be mitigated through various strategies to ensure improved
SLP services. The institutions will increase to solve the problems I will follow the laws to avoid
caseloads and increase resources for handling diverse environment’s expectations. It is essential
STATEMENT OF INTENT FOR AN SLP 3
to abide by the code of ethics to avoid sticky situations and continually educate myself on more
skills for handling SLP services. I will adapt lessons to meet the needs of diverse students or
work environment. I will ensure the scheduling process is creative and painless to clients and
sacrifice personal time to meet the needs of the students. I will work harder to understand diverse
backgrounds to provide accurate services and join various unions to avoid the bureaucratic
process. It is also essential to find an interpreter and establish rules, familiarize them, avoid
humor and plan time effectively. I am eager to continue learning more skills and prepared to
work harder than ever before. My unique perspective together with willingness and
determination to work hard will be a significant contribution to this placement opportunity.
STATEMENT OF INTENT FOR AN SLP 4
References
Edwards, C. M., Newell, J. M., Rich, D. W., & Hitchcock, L. I. (2015). Teaching
interprofessional practice: an exploratory course assignment in social work and speech
language pathology. Journal of Teaching in Social Work, 35(5), 529-543.
