TC’s Communication Sciences and Disorder Program is among the recipients of the 2026 Excellence in Diversity Award by the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CAPCSD). The award will be formally presented at the CAPCSD Honors and Awards Ceremony in Denver, Colo. on April 10.
The award from CAPCSD — an international organization of more than 350 communications sciences and disorders programs — recognizes individuals and academic programs that have made a significant contribution to increasing representation among underrepresented populations in the field.
“For decades, our program has maintained a strong and sustained commitment to increasing representation of underserved populations, expanding equitable access, and promoting excellence in diversity within the field,” said Michelle Troche, CSD Program Director. “We are honored to receive this recognition of our efforts from CAPCSD.”
The bilingual/multicultural focus of TC’s master of science in communication sciences and disorders, which celebrates 25 years in 2026, has helped to foster a diverse student body:
Seventy percent of CSD students and faculty are bilingual and 65 percent identify as Latine, Black or Indo-Pacific. Program faculty also bring a wealth of bilingual and multicultural expertise to the program, which they infuse in their coursework and in their labs, providing students with many opportunities to acquire skills needed to provide culturally and linguistically responsive services.
Many TC CSD program students participate in annual service learning trips where, working closely with faculty and local practitioners, they hone these skills while supporting the needs of international communities in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Founded 30 years ago, the Bilingual SLP Extension Institute was designed for practicing speech language pathologists (SLP) who are seeking to develop skills to provide quality services to bilingual and multicultural populations. More than 1,000 bilingual SLPs have completed the Institute, which draws SLPs from across the country and the world. The program matches students with master clinician mentors who work with them to integrate what they are learning into their current caseloads.
Other efforts to expand care access include the Edward D. Mysak Clinic for Communication Disorders, an on-campus clinic that offers services to thousands of New Yorkers from all backgrounds through a variety of programs and community partnerships. Core offerings include weekly aphasia groups and cognitive groups for Parkinson’s Disease where students and faculty create inclusive spaces for participants to practice communication. The range of cultural, linguistic and socioeconomic backgrounds of TC students strengthen the clinic’s ability to provide culturally-responsive care.