2023 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 5-7, 2023 • Cincinnati, OH
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Audiology Doctoral Programs: Why Does This Matter?
2020 marked a pivotal year in the timeline of social justice in America. In the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, the United States faced political and racial unsettlement and violence that had not been seen in recent years. Not only did the pandemic highlight deeply rooted social injustices, but it also shined a light on the need to educate the nation on health care equity. While it would be a daunting task to combat every healthcare disparity that is seen in the country, we can initiate a systems-level change starting with identifying health care needs in our communities. While there is minimal literature examining diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in audiology programs, there is sufficient evidence that the introduction of these core values in graduate program studies can improve patient health outcomes through knowledge of unique needs of specific groups and by providing culturally sensitive care. The purpose of this study is to survey audiology doctoral graduate programs across the nation and identify common themes among these programs as it relates to DEI and healthcare. A series of questions will examine how programs have adapted DEI trainings into their curriculum. We will also reflect on how DEI initiatives as well as cultural factors can influence the communities served by audiologists. Additional elements for examination will include barriers to recruiting and retaining diverse students and faculty in audiology doctoral programs.
- Audience will be able to give examples of DEI initiatives.
- Audience will be able to identify common themes among audiology programs with regards to DEI initiatives.
- Audience will be able to identify current limitations and barriers to diversity in audiology program recruitment and student/faculty retention.
Poster:
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Presenter: Aliana Romero
Aliana I. Romero, AuD is a pediatric audiologist at the University of Miami Mailman Center for Child Development. In the outpatient clinic, she is responsible for performing diagnostic hearing evaluations, immittance and otoacoustic emissions testing, auditory brainstem response evaluations, and Auditory Processing Disorder evaluations. She also performs hearing aid consultations, fittings, verification and troubleshooting. As an audiology extern, she completed the curriculum in Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities (LEND) at the Mailman Center for Child Development. She works with Early Steps, Florida’s early intervention system and participates in the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program at Jackson Memorial Hospital. She has completed the University of Miami Emerging Transformational Leadership Program and is currently a member of the AUCD Leadership Academy 2022-2023 cohort. Aliana is dedicated to educating and mentoring students/future leaders and transforming systems of care for people with developmental disabilities in the community.
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