Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging: Resources for Class and Clinic

There are many definitions for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). For this post, the definition for diversity is the representation of different cultures or identities; equity is the equal treatment or opportunities for all individuals; and inclusion is the sense of belonging or acceptance. All three values are important to the profession of audiology, with belonging being a key factor of engagement within DEI. In the past, DEIB has been a small topic of discussion in audiology, but recent initiatives in outreach and education programs have called attention to the need for increased DEIB action and awareness in all areas.

Part of the national Student Academy of Audiology’s (SAA) mission is to serve as a collective voice for students and advance the rights, interests, and welfare of students of all backgrounds pursuing careers in audiology through the promotion of diversity and inclusivity. National SAA is committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the audiology student community through diversity and cultural competency. Numerous resources, blog posts, articles, and projects have been published and created over the past couple of years through national SAA. In this post, a core collection of these tools and resources are provided to help you promote DEIB in your classes and at the clinic.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging At the Clinic

Tips

• Recognize diversities in patients, preceptors, and coworkers.
• Avoid microaggressions and biases.
• Accommodate the patient’s needs.
• Utilize best practices when collaborating with patients, interpreters, and other healthcare workers.
• Try to understand perspectives and ways of living that might be different from yours.
• Understand that patients may not agree with your findings and recommendations for a variety of reasons, including cultural differences.

Resources

• Cultural and Linguistic Competence and Responsiveness in Audiology
• CLD Mindfulness in Everyday Practice
• Join the Discussion Series: Moving from Microaggressions to Cultural Humility (Free for national SAA members)
• Recognizing the Diverse Cultures of Patients and Their Families in the Clinic
• Supporting Diversity in the Workplace
• Supporting Diversity in Healthcare Settings
• The Perils of Using Untrained Interpreters and Translated Materials with Spanish Speakers (National SAA members receive a discount on registration)

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging In the Classroom

Tips

• Embrace the diversity of your cohort or university as diverse student populations can share unique cultural experiences with each other and patients.
• Recognize diversities amongst peers, cohorts, and preceptors.
• Avoid microaggressions and biases.
• Try to understand and accept others’ perspectives and ways of living that might be different from yours.
• Join or start a student group to meet and connect with other students like you, as well as students from different backgrounds.

Resources

• National SAA DEI Web Page
• Students Community: Audiology Community (National SAA member benefit)
• Supporting Diversity in Higher Education
• Teaching the Alphabet: Support LGBTQ+ Students in the Classroom and Clinic (National SAA members receive a discount on registration)