Culturally safe speech-language supports for First Nations children: Achieving Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4, 8 and 10.
Andrea SalinsKai NashRona MacNivenLuke HalvorsenNoeleen LumbyCatherine M McMahonPublished in: International journal of speech-language pathology (2022)
Purpose : Self-determination is foundational to health and well-being for First Nations people. Colonisation has undermined self-determination and widespread effects are observed as disparities in health and well-being. Chronic middle ear disease is more highly prevalent in First Nations children, is associated with delays in speech and language and lower levels of educational readiness. However, there is a paucity of culturally and linguistically sensitive speech-language assessments and habilitation services globally. Focussing on high-income colonial-settler countries (including United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand), where health disparities are significant, we aim to discuss the importance of and the challenges in providing culturally safe care to First Nations children with communication disabilities. Result : To be effective, both cultural and linguistic diversity and cultural safety must be considered in all aspects of assessment and intervention. Furthermore, speech-language pathologists must be equipped to work with First Nations children with communication disorders. Conclusion : To optimally support First Nations' children with communication disabilities, services need to be culturally safe, family-centred and strengths-based. This commentary focuses on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)3, 4, 8 and 10.
Keyphrases
- healthcare
- young adults
- mental health
- public health
- autism spectrum disorder
- randomized controlled trial
- primary care
- health information
- physical activity
- risk assessment
- affordable care act
- pain management
- human health
- hearing loss
- health insurance
- climate change
- solid phase extraction
- social media
- tandem mass spectrometry