Every Voice

Dear Adelphi Community,

It is my pleasure to highlight the remarkable ways that our students, faculty and staff demonstrate and honor the ideals we share for diversity, inclusion, equity, accessibility, and social justice.

In February, I was awed by the numerous ways we observed and honored Black History Month. This March, Women's History Month, I was inspired by Adelphi's extraordinary Women's Leadership Conference that continues to lift others up through connection, learning and mutual support. Next month, during this tenth anniversary year of the Bridges to Adelphi program, we will share an appreciation for the unique ways that our neurodiverse community members contribute to the University and the world.

Thank you for your dedication to making the world a better place for every individual and for recognizing and appreciating what makes us each unique.

The Hy Weinberg Center, home to our University’s Speech and Communication Disorders program, was decorated last year with culturally inclusive and diverse artwork created by our own community members. The effort was spearheaded by Kayla Williams (pictured left), a graduate student of speech-language pathology and president of the Adelphi Chapter of the National Black Association for Speech Language and Hearing (NBASLH). Kayla partnered with NBASLH, the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, and Artivism, an interdisciplinary, multi-institutional collaboration with a mission to engage people in changing society through the power of art with a presence at Adelphi.

This month, we’re pleased to spotlight a Q&A with Kayla Williams.

What inspired you to create the art-making event?
As a speech-language pathology student, I understand the significance of creating inclusive environments that cater to the various backgrounds and experiences of the people we serve. I wanted to help incorporate diverse artwork into the areas that our clients, students, and faculty members experience daily at the Hy Weinberg Center. We brought individuals together to create art with the power to promote cultural appreciation and foster a sense of belonging. This April, I will present our effort at the NBASLH convention to highlight the impact our new art has had on the feelings and perspectives of those who have experienced it. I hope to inspire other student leaders to increase diversity and inclusivity at their Universities and clinics.

What takeaways do you hope participants walked away with?
I hope they left feeling empowered, as active contributors to our University’s environment, and knowing how big an impact their creations have on people. Diverse artwork is known to enhance overall outcomes when placed in shared spaces.

What challenges will future speech-language pathologists need to overcome?
Future speech-language pathologists face a lack of public awareness about the profession, which results in a lack of resources, research support, and recognition for these professionals in the healthcare system. The best way to address this is to actively engage in community outreach and advocacy.

What do you see as the next steps for student leaders pursuing your profession?
Student leaders pursuing speech-language pathology should prioritize professional development and encourage their student members to do the same—attend conventions and workshops and participate in meetings for student leaders. In addition, they should strive to bring awareness to the field by engaging their communities through organizing outreach events, volunteering at clinics and/or schools, and collaborating with other organizations to address broader needs related to our scope of practice.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Bridges to Adelphi program. Celebrations will take place later in 2024.

Bridges to Adelphi is dedicated to providing individualized academic, social, and vocational support services to our neurodiverse students.

Our Bridges program offers a variety of services designed to help students maximize their individual strengths and creativity and endeavors to increase community awareness to foster appreciation for every student’s unique experience of the world.

Resources for Support and Connection

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) — Support resources are free for all employees. Call 877.622.4327 or visit MyCigna.com.

Interfaith Center — A welcoming space for individuals of any faith who seek spiritual guidance and support. Call 516.877.3113 or email auinterfaith@adelphi.edu.

Multicultural Center — An inclusive environment for cross-cultural interaction that fosters and affirms all individuals, the center is open to all community members.

Student Counseling Center — Call 516.877.3646 or email scc@adelphi.edu for counseling or support.