Disability in Speech and Hearing Sciences: Reflections on Representation

Purpose: This article reflects on a diversity and equity view of disability and offers a perspective on the representation of disability within speech and hearing sciences in terms of membership, research, and pedagogy. Conclusions: All areas of representation can be improved to support American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's strategic objectives of increasing diversity of membership and improving cultural competence. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association is encouraged to collect data regarding disability status to inform understanding of disability representation and potentially increase positive exposure, retention, and recruitment of disabled professionals. Research can be impacted through use of participatory models and focusing on community experiences, diversity issues, and increased understanding of the impact of ableism on clinical practice. Finally, curriculum specific to disability issues is needed to support students' understanding of the variability inherent within the disability community and their role as clinicians in partnering with the disability community.