Self-Identify as a Bilingual Service Provider (BSP)
Bilingual Service Providers (BSPs) like you are in increasing demand. Take a moment to self-identify and broaden your professional reach—making a lasting difference in the lives of your clients and your community.
* Source: US Census Bureau: "Language Use in the United States: 2011, Population Older Than 5 Years Old."
Benefits of Being a BSP
- Increased marketability with a distinct competitive advantage
- Access to a broader set of clients/patients
- Potential for increased earning
- A listing in ASHA's ProFind referral service (ASHA’s directory of over 15,000 ASHA-Certified Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists who are accepting referrals)
Benefits To Your Clients
By self-identifying as a BSP, you can let the public know that you are uniquely qualified to help underserved communities:
- You are put in a stronger position to serve as a community resource
- You increase the likelihood that clients will receive services they might not otherwise access
- You provide a meaningful extra layer of care by communicating in clients' native languages
Bonus Resources for BSPs
Once you've self-identified, check out the resources beneficial to BSPs that ASHA offers:
- Practice Portal topic on Multilingual Service Delivery
- Multicultural Affairs and Resources
- Special Interest Group (SIG) 14, Cultural and Linguistic Diversity
Podcast: ASHA Bilingual Members, It’s Time To Self-Identify
Language diversity in the United States is increasing rapidly. So, too, is the need for the services of bilingual communication professionals. ASHA encourages its bilingual members to self-identify as offering these services. This podcast covers details on how to do so and resources available to bilingual members.
