First Advisor

Amy Donaldson

Date of Award

Spring 6-18-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Speech and Hearing Sciences and University Honors

Department

Speech and Hearing Sciences

Language

English

Subjects

Deaf, Speech-Language Pathologist, Oralism, Audism

DOI

10.15760/honors.1587

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HoH) adults and parents of Deaf/HoH children related to speech and language services, and their recommendations for service providers. Historically, professionals have focused on the development of speech and aural/oral skills of Deaf and HoH people. As such, when working with families of newly-identified children with hearing loss, hearing professionals may be ill-equipped to provide culturally-responsive, fully inclusive information and education regarding communication options and opportunities.

Method: This study used a qualitative research design to examine participant experiences related to speech and language services and future recommendations for professionals. Fifteen participants (n=15) completed the open-ended nine-question survey. Data was then analyzed with thematic analysis using an inductive approach at the semantic level.

Results: Six themes were identified and the participants provided several recommendations to speech-language pathologists (SLPs) for their future work with Deaf/HoH people. Although most participants reported that speech-language services were not the right fit for them, they reported that such services could be valuable for other people based on skill profile and/or hearing or speech status. Participants also reported the value of trust within the clinician-client relationship

Conclusion: Historically, professionals have not informed parents of all intervention and language options when children are first identified with hearing loss. Ensuring that families receive access to inclusive, culturally-responsive education and information for all communication options is necessary.

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/42194

Download

Share

COinS