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ISHA 2025 Virtual Educational Series: DEI Session

 

DEIAB in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology: Equity in a Time of Challenge

 

Presented by: Angela M. Riccelli & Nicole Bing

Angela M. Riccelli an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at Governors State University and teach in both of our undergraduate and graduate programs. She is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist and a member of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and of the Illinois Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ISHA). She has over 20 years of experience working clinically with the low incidence, early childhood population within the school setting. She also holds a school service personal certificate (Type 73) from the Illinois Department of Education. Her service to the profession includes serving as Track Chair for Voice & Motor Disorders for ISHA, Co-Chair of the ISHA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, and member of the newly formed IPECP (Interprofessional Education & Clinical Practice) Task Force at ISHA, and a former member of the ISHA Telepractice Committee. She coordinates the Knowledge Quest team of students from GovState to participate at annual ISHA conventions. She is also the advisor for GovState’s chapter of the National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA). Her research focus within the profession lies heavily on practice in the areas of interprofessional collaboration and the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) with minimally verbal populations. With over 20 years of experience in the field, she has developed expertise in fostering collaborative approaches to patient care, particularly within interdisciplinary teams involving Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and other allied health professionals. Much of her research primarily explores effective strategies for implementing AAC interventions in minimally verbal children, emphasizing functional communication outcomes and improving quality of life. Her work in this area has been recognized at various professional conventions and has impacted practices in both clinical and educational settings. In addition to teaching and research, she is heavily involved in professional service at the state level. She has held board positions and serves on multiple committees within the Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association, where she advocate for best-practice, continuing education, and initiatives that support the advancement of the profession. Through her service, she is happy to have contributed to the discussions of professional standards and enhanced collaboration among practitioners in the field.

Nicole M. Bing is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Disorders at Governors State University. She teaches courses in child language, literacy, and speech disorders, and supervises student clinicians in community-based clinical settings. Dr. Bing’s research is focused on narrative and expository language, connections between spoken language and reading comprehension in school-age children, and evidence-based language interventions for school-age children. She also explores issues related to multicultural issues and the recruitment and retention of BIPOC students in CSD programs.

Session length: Two hours

Activity Description: Creating healthy work environments in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) and Audiology requires an intentional focus on psychological safety, cultural humility, and equity-centered practices. Professionals in these fields often encounter implicit biases, microaggressions, ableism, and assumptions—both from colleagues and within institutional systems. These "arrows" can diminish professional well-being and negatively impact patient care. Identifying and naming these harmful dynamics is a critical first step toward building resilience and strengthening professional “armor.” Through this lens, practitioners can more effectively direct their energy—deciding whether to educate, confront, shield themselves, or conserve emotional resources. By acknowledging the emotional labor involved in advocating for oneself and others, especially for individuals from historically marginalized backgrounds, the field can move toward a more inclusive and supportive culture. Fostering awareness about microaggressions and systemic inequities, particularly those rooted in racism, linguistic bias, ableism, and classism, helps shape healthier team dynamics and elevates the profession’s commitment to ethical, client-centered care. The narrative encourages clinicians to view advocacy as both a protective and proactive act—one that equips them with boundaries, community support, and tools for sustainable engagement. Moreover, cultivating a reflective practice—where professionals regularly examine their own biases and privileges—strengthens collective accountability. Ultimately, a commitment to DEI is not a one-time initiative but an ongoing practice that reinforces the values of justice, belonging, and dignity within clinical and academic settings. When individuals and institutions commit to understanding the challenges (“arrows”) and actively engage in building protective practices (“shields” and “armor”), the result is not only greater equity, but also healthier environments where all clinicians and clients can thrive. 

 

Session Agenda: 

  • 5 Minutes - Welcome & Objectives 

  • 10 Minutes - DEI & SLP Overview 
  • 15 Minutes - ASHA Guidelines & Code of Ethics Scenarios
  • 15 Minutes - Political Landscape & Demographics 
  • 15 Minutes - Barriers, Best Practices & Model Programs 
  • 15 Minutes - Arrows & Armour Discussion: Building Healthy Work Environments
  • 10 Minutes - Action Steps 
  • 30 Minutes - Navigating Pushback & Language Policing 
  • 5 Minutes - Call to Action & Resources & Wrap Up 

 

Learning Objectives: After attending the presentation, participants will be able to

  • Define DEIAB within the context of the professions of speech-language pathology (SLP) and Audiology
  • Examine barriers to DEIAB in the current political climate
  • Showcase model programs and strategies
  • Share actionable steps and communication tools

 

Disclosure Information:

Angela Ricelli

  • Financial: Angela Ricelli does not have a relevant financial relationship to disclose.
  • Nonfinancial: Angela Ricelli does not have a relevant non-financial relationship to disclose.

Nicole M. Bing

  • Financial: Nicole M. Bing is employed and receives a salary from Governors State University. 
  • Nonfinancial: Nicole M. Bing is a volunteer and a board member of the Illinois Speech-Language Hearing Association. 

 

Ready to register? Click here to sign up!

 

Introductory

.2  ASHA CEUs

 

All courses have been approved for ASHA CEUs. See each course description for the number of ASHA CEUs available. To report your ASHA CEUs or to receive confirmation of course completion, please complete the Participant Form for EACH course. This form can be found in the confirmation email you will receive upon program registration. The participant form will require completion of participant information, assessment of learning objectives and the course evaluation. You are required to attend the entire recorded course to obtain continuing education credit. Each participant form will be cross-checked with the viewing log to ensure participants viewed the entire course. Any individual who did not view the entire course will not receive credit and will be removed from the ASHA course report.  ASHA CEUs will be reported at the end of each month.

If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to ISHA at membership@ishail.org or 312-644-0828.