As the first of its kind in the United States, the Davies School of Communication Sciences & Disorders’ emphasis in bilingual speech-language pathology (EBSLP) program addresses the unique challenges faced by Spanish-speaking individuals with speech and language disorders, offering specialized training for future bilingual speech-language pathologists.
The EBSLP program has served culturally and linguistically diverse populations for over 40 years, providing speech, language, hearing and swallowing services that cater to the needs of Hispanic/Latino individuals.
The Hispanic/Latino population is the fastest-growing group in Texas and across the country, a demographic shift that underscores the critical need for bilingual speech-language pathologists.
TCU’s program not only equips students with advanced skills in bilingual clinical care but also emphasizes cultural competency, a necessity for effectively serving this diverse community.
Partnerships that Drive Impact
“Students in our program are fully immersed in clinical settings with the Spanish-speaking or bilingual population in the community,” explains Assistant Professor of Professional Practice and Coordinator of the EBSLP program Irmgard Payne.
She highlights the importance of gaining practical experience under the supervision of bilingual speech-language pathologists. This immersion helps students build the skills necessary to accurately assess and treat communication disorders.
Founded in the late 1970s with a federal grant from the Department of Education, the EBSLP program was developed to meet the specific needs of Spanish-speaking individuals.
The program began under the guidance of Manuela Juarez, Ph.D., a renowned bilingual speech-language pathologist recruited from Boston. Since then, TCU has graduated over 100 bilingual speech-language pathologists who have gone on to serve in diverse settings, from schools to health care facilities.
Today, the program continues to thrive under the direction of esteemed faculty members.
A cornerstone of the program is its partnership with the BEaR Lab, led by Jean Rivera-Perez, Ph.D., associate professor in the Davies School.
“Our lab focuses on creating and testing computer-based applications that enhance clinical training,” Dr. Rivera-Perez shares.
“For example, students participate in Spanish dialectal training modules that teach them to differentiate between dialectal variations and true communication disorders. This is crucial for accurate diagnosis and culturally responsive practice.”
Paving the Path for Future Leaders
Students in the EBSLP program benefit from a curriculum that incorporates both linguistic and cultural perspectives, ensuring they are prepared to meet the needs of diverse clients.
“Our collaboration with the Fort Worth Independent School District, called Ranitas en El Campo, allows our students to assess and treat preschoolers and school-aged children,” Payne adds.
This partnership offers a unique opportunity for students to acquire the required clinical hours and gain hands-on experience with younger clients.
The BEaR Lab also equips students with research opportunities, from working on thesis projects to serving as participants in clinical studies.
"Participation in these projects allows our students to gain practical experience that enhances their ability to become skilled bilingual clinicians,” says Rivera-Perez.
Alumni of the program continue to make a significant impact in various fields, reinforcing TCU's legacy of excellence in bilingual speech-language pathology.
Looking to the future, TCU remains committed to addressing the growing demand for bilingual speech-language pathologists who can serve the expanding Hispanic/Latino community. With a history of advocacy and leadership in bilingual education, the EBSLP program exemplifies TCU's dedication to cultural diversity and academic innovation.