Why do you think it is important for Indigenous people to be involved in the field of speech-language pathology?
Vining and Guiberson: The involvement of individuals from Indigenous backgrounds in the field of speech-language pathology is essential to promote the profession, support recruitment and retention efforts, and contribute to the growing body of knowledge in various communication disorders. Creating awareness of the SLP profession in Indigenous communities and actively participating in professional development opportunities can support community engagement, workforce development, and the advancement of the field.
What are your hopes for the future for members of the Indigenous community? What can positively impact change for the better?
Vining: As an SLP professional working with Indigenous populations in rural and underserved communities, it is imperative that we engage with these communities to enhance service delivery. We must support coordinated efforts to make our services accessible, provide culturally and linguistically responsive services, and integrate feedback from community stakeholders to improve education and systems of care.
What kind of articles do you enjoy reading in Seminars in Speech and Language?
Guiberson: I genuinely appreciate reading both review articles and tutorial articles featured in Seminars in Speech and Language. Review articles offer a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in a specific area, shedding light on the latest developments in the diagnosis and treatment of speech and language disabilities. Tutorial articles are equally invaluable as they delve into the practical aspects of clinical treatment, providing insights and procedures to follow. I find that both review and tutorial articles in Seminars in Speech and Language significantly contribute to my professional growth and my ability to mentor others in our field.
Is there any specific area in which you would like to see more articles published?
Vining and Guiberson: In general, there is a shortage of research describing language and literacy treatment approaches for children with language disabilities or at-risk populations. Even more striking is the limited availability of articles describing interventions tailored to the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse children, such as Indigenous children and Dual Language Learners. We would greatly appreciate seeing more articles and, perhaps, even entire issues dedicated to these critical topics.