There is a need for qualified providers in many locations across the United States especially, in rural and urban areas. There also is a desperate need for more bilingual speech-language pathologists. For more information about the need for audiologists and speech-language pathologists contact your state education agency.
The ASHA Schools Survey also contains information on shortages of qualified speech-language pathologists. Data show that over half (51%) of the respondents indicated there is a shortage of qualified speech language pathologist in their school districts.
In addition, to obtain information on personnel shortages from the US Dept. Of Education, Office Special Education Programs, Office of Special Education and rehabilitative Services visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/index.html?src=mr. This site contains the Annual Report to Congress on the Individuals with Disabilities Education act (IDEA).