3 April 2025
A new report published today ‘SLTs on the tight rope: Learning from the experiences of disabled SLTs in the workplace’ explores the experiences of disabled SLTs and what we can do to promote disability inclusion in the profession.
Coinciding with the Global Disability Summit, the new report is a powerful account of the challenges faced by disabled SLTs, as well as the opportunities that exist to address them, and highlights the urgent need for system-wide change to promote equity, diversity, and belonging within our profession.
Keen to explore the experiences of disabled SLTs within the workplace, the RCSLT Disability Group conducted a survey to gather information. The analysis carefully considers the perspectives of disabled SLTs and SLT students, as well as non-disabled colleagues. It presents, in their own words, what 254 SLTs with a range of disabilities told researchers about their experiences.
Key findings indicate that approximately half of disabled SLTs reported encountering discrimination. About one-third reported that their requests for reasonable adjustments had been denied. Additionally, SLT students experienced similar negative encounters, with one in three reporting negative experience or discrimination during placements.
Despite these challenges, many participants expressed pride in their background and value in their lived experiences, stating that their disabilities enrich their practice and enhance their empathy towards clients.
The potential to advance social justice has been central to the analysis and as such, key recommendations are presented for: healthcare systems and governments; managers; disabled SLTs and students; colleagues and allies; and the RCSLT.
We very much look forward to being part of the solution to support the adoption of these powerful ideas, coming together to promote genuine change for disabled SLTs and the SLT profession.
