Hola, BLLINGers: The Podcast

We had the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Allison-Burbank, a public-health worker and speech-language pathologist who works closely with the Navajo Nation. Through our conversation, find out what decolonization and culture preservation can look like, especially in the context of healthcare. Consider holistic care from both the angle of language, the food system, and beyond. Learn about the resilience of Indigenous communities and Native activists like Dr. Allison-Burbank in response to COVID-19 and health disparities.

What is neurodiversity, and how is it different from neurodivergence or neurotypicality?

How does ableism interact with racism, Western hegemony, and more?

How do the SLP and allied professionals foster neurodivergence affirming and disability affirming communication while decentering white Western supremacy?

Clinician-activist V. Tisi (they/them) answers your burning questions on the work of culturally sustaining anti-ableism, highlights the interconnectedness of systems of oppression, and dreams of liberation of all peoples.

When multi-hyphenate Sandy Abu El Adas stumbled upon the Fullbright scholarship web page, she found the resolve to follow through with her daring idea: to uproot her quiet life as a practicing clinician in Jaffa, Israel for the linguistic labs of the University of Delaware. Now a PhD student and researcher at New York University, she recounts her journey back into academia and her transition to the alien landscape of the United States. Seeping through along the way are her incisive insights into research as a tool for transformation, the disconnect between antagonist policies and the unprecedented demands for diverse perspectives in CSD, and the needed fire of activism.

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Does multilingualism encompass language modalities beyond speech? Why is insisting on only an oral language modality so perilous for language development and social-emotional well-being? What are the logistics of raising a deaf or hard of hearing child with an accessible signed language as a hearing parent? How do we weave and advocate for dreams of liberation, and how do we protect ourselves from burn-out in the process? SLP Kimberly Sanzo, a strong advocate for deaf/Deaf and hard of hearing children, draws on her clinical experience to answer all your burning questions about language justice for Deaf and hard of hearing children!

Dr. Megan-Brette Hamilton conceives linguistic codes as ice cream flavors, each complex and delightful. Yep, you read that right!

African American English (AAE), then, is perhaps the divisive mint chocolate chip flavor, garnering both vocal proponents and detractors alike. However, while polarization regarding mint chocolate chip boils down to preference, attempts to denigrate AAE clearly traces to a deeper, more insidious root. Follow us as we unpack the elusive source of AAE, investigate the perils of stigmatizing linguistic codes of minoritized speakers, and translate our understanding of AAE into culturally responsive practice. Or, if you will, join us in inching away from the monotony and rigidity of single flavors in exchange for a vibrant sundae.

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Passions surrounding culturally responsive practices, heritage as a factor in what we do as adults, and much needed spaces in the speech-language and hearing profession are explored with Dr. Telford Rose. Her meaningful messages are essential for the future of SLPs.

Dr. Sulare Telford Rose received her Ph.D. from Howard University with a  specialization in child language disorders and a concentration in  sociolinguistics and psychometrics. She obtained her undergraduate  degrees in Spanish and Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from  Andrews University. Dr. Telford has over seven years of experience  working as a bilingual speech-language pathologist, early  interventionist, and clinical supervisor. She is keenly interested in  exploring and developing effective assessment and intervention methods  for addressing the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse  populations, particularly those from Caribbean English Creole-speaking  backgrounds.

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BLLING's podcast is a space for empowering bilingualism and literacy within the speech-language pathology field. Join us as we interview the brilliant Dr. Fabiano-Smith, a researcher who explores the intricate connections between phonology and bilingualism. We delve into the importance of non-standardized assessment, cultural and linguistic visibility, and much more!

Our Guest: Leah Fabiano-Smith, PhD, CCC-SLP is professor and director of the  PhD Program at the University of Pittsburgh. Her research interests  focus on phonological development and disabilities in bilingual Latinx  Spanish-English speaking preschoolers. Fabiano-Smith's research program  specifically looks at clinical issues related to misdiagnosis of speech  and language disorders in minoritized children. She is dedicated to the  recruitment and retention of minoritized students in clinical and  research programs and dismantling systemic racism in research and  clinical service delivery.