Why Does Multilingualism Matter in CSD?

Multilingualism matters in CSD because multilingual people experience communication disorders. Like all people seeking hearing, language, and speech services, they deserve linguistically appropriate, culturally responsive care.

Multilingual Services Are in Demand

• The multilingual population is growing.
  • Of the estimated 69 million multilingual Americans, the most common spoken language (besides English) at home is Spanish (61%), followed by Chinese (5%), Tagalog (3%), Vietnamese (2%), Arabic (2%), and French (2%). 
  • As many as 500,000 to 1 million individuals use non-spoken, signed languages at home.
  • During the 2020–2021 school year, 11.78% of elementary and secondary students with disabilities served by individualized education programs (IEPs) were identified as English Learners.

Multilingual Skills Are Assets in CSD

• As a multilingual service provider (MSP) or a researcher, you can advocate for the benefits of multilingualism and—in the process—combat persistent myths. Did you know that using more than one language has intellectual and social advantages? It doesn’t confuse or harm children to learn multiple languages.
• MSPs contribute to greater inclusivity in CSD services. You can use your skills to create treatment tools and educational materials in more languages.

Multilingual clinicians support multilingual clients and communities by providing language-matched services. By working in CSD, you can serve underserved populations, create positive health care experiences, and promote better outcomes.

Listen to Career Origin Stories—Multilingual Service Providers
ASHA Voices Podcast

Read CSD Student Experiences