Bias

Speech–language pathologists work with people from a wide range of backgrounds. As such, clinicians have an obligation to ensure that their assessment, consultation, and intervention services [Page 270]are equitable and bias-free for all their clients. Biases in professional service delivery can be intentional or unintentional, blatant or subtle, systemic or personal. To reduce or eliminate biases, clinicians must understand, respect, and respond appropriately to clientele from a wide range of sociocultural backgrounds, identify and remedy biases within service delivery, and provide client-centered and culturally relevant services. Likewise, Speech–Language pathologists have the right to enjoy a bias-free work experience.