Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC) acknowledges the unjust treatment and barriers to opportunities that some people face due to individual and societal discrimination. As a national organization that aims to support and represent speech-language pathologists, audiologists and communication health assistants, we must work to dismantle systemic bias and discrimination in our society, our profession and our organization.

At SAC, we know that a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion will enrich our culture, our employee experience and enable us to better service our members and associates. In line with our mission and values, we will continue to hold ourselves accountable to learning and seeking feedback from one another through open and honest conversations. We know that we will support growth in our membership and our organization when we make intentional efforts to remove barriers for marginalized groups.

At SAC, we commit to:

• Listening to and supporting our membership and employees – By continuously seeking feedback and learning from others, we can better identify changes that will enhance inclusion and encourage more diversity in the way we operate, in the professions we serve and ultimately in our membership.  
• Building our awareness and knowledge – Through ongoing education and training, our members and associates and operational teams will have the opportunity to learn about themselves and others to create a culture of inclusion and belonging.
• Evaluating and revising existing processes and practices – In an intentional and informed way, we will examine our current processes and practices. We will seek to remove barriers to participation and support more diversity and equity in the professions and in the operations of our association.

We know that advancing equity, diversity and inclusion won’t always be straightforward or comfortable and that it will take personal and professional perseverance, humility and honesty. Collectively our efforts can positively impact our members and associations and the diverse populations they serve.