Adaptation of Systems Thinking by Academic and Clinical Educators in the Field of Communication Sciences and Disorders Following the Pandemic

Abstract

This chapter will provide readers with how a systems based approach was established and implemented during and post pandemic to maintain educational and clinical services for graduate students studying to become speech-language pathologists and the clients they provide care. Achieving a master's degree is essential to becoming a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist (SLP). A board accredited program in communication sciences and disorders has specific standards that must be met to ensure all students gain comprehensive knowledge and skills across all domains within an SLP's scope of practice. Working directly with clients requires a systems approach whereby the SLP recognizes the relationship between culture, environment, language, and disability. The unprecedented nature of the pandemic had a profound impact on approaches used to meet student learning outcomes as well as provision of services for those clients receiving their therapeutic services.