Asian Pacific Islander Speech-Language-Hearing Caucus
The Asian Pacific Islander Speech-Language-Hearing Caucus (APISLH Caucus) is one of several Multicultural Constituency Groups (MCCGs), which are allied/related professional organizations that are independent of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose primary mission is to make connections among API groups, share common concerns in education, and advocate for quality speech and hearing service delivery for individuals across diverse API communities.
"The Asian Pacific Islander (API) Caucus shares the Pacific Ocean. Asia Pacific is huge, both in area and in population. People from Pacific Asia speak hundreds of languages, have many different cultures, practice a variety of religions, and have huge differences in world view. They are, however, connected by the Pacific Ocean, the largest body of water."
- Dr. Lilly Cheng, Founder
Our Goals
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To be connected with and to support API professionals in audiology and speech-language pathology and support those professionals serving API populations
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To advocate for accessible and high quality speech, language, cognitive and hearing services for API populations including clients who are underserved and who lack equitable access to services
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To facilitate research that advances speech, language, cognitive and hearing wellness within API communities
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To recruit and nurture future API audiologists and speech-language pathologists and offer leadership opportunities
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To work with the ASHA Executive Board, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Multicultural Issues Board, relevant Special Interest Groups (ASHA SIGs), and other MCCGs to pursue the aforementioned objectives
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To provide support for developing cultural humility and cultural competence through activities such as cultural exchange, study/work abroad, and antiracism learning community
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To cultivate global citizenship by supporting international work and by collaborating with overseas professionals and professional organizations.
*The content above was originally published in Cheng, Li-Rong Lilly (1998). The Asian Pacific Islander (API) Caucus. Perspectives in Communicative Disorders and Sciences in Culturally and Linguistically diverse Populations. 4 (4). doi: 10.1044/cds4.1.4-a.