Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) is committed to fostering diversity in all aspects of the department, from education to research to clinical services and training.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

We, the SLHS department, aspire to create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment in which all individuals – students, clients, faculty, staff, visitors, and others – can thrive.  Each of us has a unique identity, background, and set of life circumstances that shape our experiences and perspective.  Because of this, we have much to teach and learn from one another, especially from those whose identities and background are different from our own.  We are enriched by a diversity of identities and backgrounds.  

We recognize, however, that people of minority status face institutional and personal challenges that people in the majority do not face or, in some cases, even recognize.  These challenges arise from differences in gender, sexual orientation, racial and/or cultural identity, economic background, disability status, mental health status, or other stigmatized identities.  Knowing this, we strive to create an equitable environment in which individuals disadvantaged by identity or background are able to reach their full potential.  

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not boxes to be checked.  We are morally/ethically obligated to engage with our fellow human beings and other living creatures with respect and embracement.  The SLHS department welcomes, respects, and values individuals from a wide diversity of backgrounds.    

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

The department’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee develops department-wide practices of equity mindedness and inclusivity in order to support increased diversity in the fields of speech, language, and hearing.

Our most recent accomplishments include:

  • SLHS hosted a workshop on Microaggressions with guest speaker Noma Anderson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP.  The event was funded by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences DEI initiative.  Attendees included students, faculty, staff and clinical educators from the community.
  • SLHS voted to add the new diversity chair for the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA) to the department DEI committee in order to increase the representation of undergraduate, MA, Au.D., and Ph.D. students.
  • The department became an institutional member of the Northeast Alliance for Speech Language and Hearing.
  • We established a department bulletin board for DEI-related information and updates, which will be monitored by the NSSLHA diversity chair and student workers.
  • Jennifer Mozeiko was selected by the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CAPCSD) to attend their Admissions Summit, which seeks to “bring together faculty members who are interested in deepening their knowledge of holistic review procedures for Communication Science Disorders (CSD) graduate admissions processes.”
  • Christine Njuki was selected by CAPSCD to attend their DEI Academy, which “seeks to develop knowledge and skills related to DEI issues specific to CSD and to equip individuals to facilitate conversations within their programs as well as at other institutions.”
  • The committee is collecting University and external resources for faculty on DEI-related issues in our profession for self study.

For more information, please contact the committee chair.

Members

Professional Affiliations

UConn is an institutional participant in the Northeast Alliance of Speech, Language, and Hearing (NEASLH). An affiliate of the National Black Speech Language Hearing Association, NEASLH promotes the interests of Black CSD professionals, students, and consumers. UConn’s affiliation with the organization gives SLHS students free access to participate in NEASLH activities and committee membership.

For more information, contact NEASLH via their website.