Name
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)About
Location
MarylandOrganization/Facility
Health CareWebsite
ASHAMultilingual Service Provider Resource Collection
Initiative Categories
Focus Areas
- Cultural Responsiveness
- Health Equity
- Language access/inclusion
- Metrics and Accountability
- Multilingualism
Summary
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) created the Multilingual Service Provider (MSP) Resource Collection to support audiologists, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and assistants who provide services in more than one language. Launched in 2025, it brings together practical tools, guidance, and clinical resources that support language-matched service delivery. ASHA created the collection in response to MSP calls for resources to improve access and quality of care.
The MSP Resource Collection supports health equity, language access, and inclusion by amplifying multilingualism as an asset in communication sciences and disorders (CSD). The collection is designed for current MSPs and clinicians who are looking to strengthen their skills. The webpage includes
- simple steps for self-identifying as an MSP,
- language-specific clinical resources,
- the first ASHA Journals Special Collection focused on service delivery with Spanish–English-speaking children and families,
- tools for professional growth and networking, and
- a guide to workplace self-advocacy for fair compensation and manageable workloads.
The initiative was shaped directly by ASHA member feedback. ASHA’s Ad Hoc Committee (AHC) on Bilingual Service Delivery (2023) reported that MSPs often carry heavier workloads; provide informal interpretation and translation; and face unique challenges related to compensation, time, and professional stress. Although MSPs are not solely responsible for language access, their skills greatly expand language-matched care, reduce system costs, and improve outcomes. The Committee recommended more focus on retention—including advocacy tools, workload management strategies, and tools to support fair compensation.
ASHA also gathered input through a survey of MSPs and user experience research in 2023 and 2024. MSPs reported needing better assessment materials in multiple languages; opportunities to connect with peers; and clear guidance on providing speech, language, hearing, and related services using more than one language. Many of the responding MSPs preferred video-based learning and said that they wanted advocacy resources related to workload, training, and pay. Users also wanted clearer calls to action, more visual and descriptive content, and easier access to multilingual materials on ASHA’s website.
ASHA continues to promote this resource across communication channels, events, and related webpages. These efforts promote recruitment and retention of MSPs and help build a workforce prepared to deliver high-quality, language-matched services in communities nationwide.
For More Information
See the Multilingual Service Provider Resource Collection or contact Andrea Pluskota at apluskota@asha.org.
This initiative was submitted on March 13, 2026.