Perceptions about cultural competency among Speech and Language Therapists in New Zealand

Abstract

International research has explored SLT practice with culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) clients. SLT practice and confidence in working with CLD caseloads in Canada, Australia, the UK and the USA is reported to differ according to variables such as SLTs linguistic background, education and caseload demographics. Perceived barriers to service to CLDs include the availability of assessments and other necessary resources, a linguistic mismatch between bilingual SLTs and SLT caseloads and inadequate training in the area of practice to CLDs. This paper presents the results of a research project which explored the beliefs and degrees of confidence reported by SLTs working in New Zealand with CLD clients, via an online survey. The results indicated that in the NZ context overall clinicians appear to have a higher degree of confidence working with a diverse caseload than studies from other countries have reported. Differences between participants related to a range of factors including SLTs bilingual status, their degree of experience in the field, their educational background, and the characteristics of those on their caseload. Possible explanations for the pattern of responses will be discussed. Issues such as shifts in content of training programmes over time, the implications and implementations of te Tiriti o Waitangi, and the makeup of the unique NZ context are raised . The authors discuss the implications of these results for SLT practice in NZ. Finally, we will present possible future directions for the development of cultural competency in NZ practitioners, and directions for further research.