Abstract

Health disparities significantly impact access to speech-language pathology services, disproportionately affecting underserved and marginalized populations. This editorial highlights the systemic barriers-including socioeconomic factors, geographic location, cultural and linguistic diversity, and healthcare infrastructure-that limit equitable access to care. Strategies to mitigate these disparities, such as tele practice expansion, culturally competent care, workforce diversification, and policy advocacy, are discussed. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) must actively engage in efforts to promote health equity and ensure all individuals receive the communication support they need.