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Speech-language pathologists’ perceptions and experiences when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
Zingelman, Sally Pearce, Wendy M. Saxton, Kate
Zingelman, Sally
Pearce, Wendy M.
Saxton, Kate
Abstract
Purpose
This study explored the perceptions of speech-language pathologists with regards to culturally responsive service delivery, assessment practices, and confidence when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Method
An online survey was used. Descriptive statistics were analysed with SPSS. Themes were derived from text responses using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis method.
Result
The 48 respondents were almost all non-Indigenous, equally spread across metropolitan and non-metropolitan regions, and had varied levels of experience. Respondents reported moderate to high levels of confidence. Identified barriers included accessibility, policy, impacts of colonisation, awareness of services and expectations and speech pathologist knowledge, training and experience. Engagement emerged as a facilitator to provision of culturally responsive services. A variety of speech-language pathology assessment methods were reported, not all of which were consistent with current recommendations.
Conclusion
Identified barriers and facilitators were consistent with previous research exploring work with adults with acquired communication disorders. A need to explore the perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities as users of speech-language pathology services was identified. Clinical implications are described for future training, clinical guidelines, and flexible service delivery.
Keywords
culturally responsive, children, survey, perspectives, barriers, facilitators
Date
2021
Type
Journal article
Journal
International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
Book
Volume
23
Issue
3
Page Range
225-235
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Allied Health
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled