1717L - Disrupting Inequities: SLPs Engaging in Social Activism Through Critical Self-Reflection in Picture Book Selection

In this interactive session, speech-language pathologists who embed picture books in therapy sessions will collaborate to explore selection of therapeutic picture books as an opportunity to engage in social activism. As clinicians committed to equitable literacy access for all citizens, we will consider our roles in systems of oppression by evaluating the multiple oppressive influences affecting book content and book choices. Session participants will learn and enact cultural humility strategies while paging through old favorite and contemporary picture book collections. Participants will be invited to employ critical self-reflection to notice implicit biases, share observations and intentions, and consider adoption of a personal self-reflective book choice practice as an intentional means of disrupting systemic inequities in literacy access.