The development of the website was funded by the Office of Multicultural Affairs of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The purposes of the website are to:

1. organize and develop resource materials on speech/language development and disorders for Chinese-speaking families and for professionals (e.g., speech-language pathologists and early childhood educators) serving the children of these families.

2. provide support and networking among non Chinese-speaking professionals who work with the increasing Chinese-speaking populations across North America

People who may find this website useful:

• Chinese-speaking families and care-takers

• speech-language pathologists and other service providers who work with children of Chinese-speaking families

• students of communication disorders and sciences

Future Plan of this website:

• Continue to provide information related to communication development and disorders in children, and in particular children raised in bilingual environments.

• Inputs and suggestions are welcome from consumers and professials. You can contribute to the growth of this website by

  • sharing your experience as a professional working with Chinese-speaking children/families, or as a Chinese-speaking parent/caretaker raising a child who has special needs in communication

  • posting questions and/or responding to questions posted

  • commenting on information you see in this website

  • letting us know good links you found

  • giving us suggestions on how to improve/expand this website

The Chinese-speaking populations:

According to US Census 2000, the Chinese represented the largest contributors to the nation's Asian-born citizens. This foreign-born population estimated at 1,391,000, larger than other Asian immigrant groups such as Indian, Korean, the Philippine and Vietnamese. This demographic trend can be seen in other North American cities such as Vancouver, where "Chinese-speaking Canadians form the second largest client base for speech-language pathologists after English speakers," according to Feb. 13, 2001 issue of UBC Public Affairs. Over the past 10 years, the Chinese-speaking population has grown tremendously in the upper mid west as well as in the west coast. For example, in the state of Minnesota, the Chinese-speaking population was estimated at 15,484 according to Minnesota Census 2000. This represents an increase of 79% from 1990 to 2000. The changing demographics has created an increased need for both parents and service providers to get more information regarding the range of problems and issues they have encountered in children raised in a Chinese-speaking background.

This webstie is produced by

Tao-yuan Li, PhD, CCC-SLP

Under a grant issued by
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Office of Multicultural Affairs
Sponsored by
Minnesota Speech-Language-Hearing Association

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