Education and Human Sciences, College of (CEHS)
First Advisor
Judy Harvey
Date of this Version
8-2023
Citation
A thesis presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Science
Major: Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Under the supervision of Professor Judy Harvey
Lincoln, Nebraska, August 2023
Abstract
Purpose: The present study explored current speech-language pathology service provision for aging individuals with intellectual disabilities in the United States, including areas and domains of services, factors restricting service provision, and reported knowledge and confidence of individuals within the field of speech-language pathology in providing services, to identify possible gaps of service and needed improvement.
Methods: Participants (n = 272) from across the United States completed an online survey to gather descriptive information about current speech-language pathology service provision for aging individuals with intellectual disabilities. Participants were recruited through state speech-language hearing associations and universities with speech-language pathology clinics by email. Descriptive statistics, analysis of qualitative information, and nonparametric tests were used to report on the research questions.
Results: Participants reported providing speech-language pathology services to aging individuals with intellectual disabilities in all areas and domains; however, when asked to report areas and domains participants would address more often if they had the resources to do so, all areas and domains were again identified by participants with varying frequencies. Participants identified factors that restricted their ability to provide services to aging individuals with intellectual disabilities. A majority of participants reported feeling confident and prepared to serve aging individuals with intellectual disabilities. Participants’ reported training and confidence in assessing and treating aging individuals with intellectual disabilities had a significant relationship. Participants’ reported experience and confidence in assessing (i.e., swallowing disorders and dementia) and treating aging individuals with intellectual disabilities had a statistically significant difference.
Conclusion: The results of this study show speech-language pathology services are being provided to aging individuals with intellectual disabilities in the United States in all areas and domains by prepared and confident individuals within the field of speech-language pathology. However, the results also revealed possible service inequities for aging individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Advisor: Judy Harvey
Included in
Adult and Continuing Education Commons, Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching Commons, Disability and Equity in Education Commons, Health and Physical Education Commons, Language and Literacy Education Commons, Medicine and Health Commons, Other Public Health Commons, Other Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons, Special Education and Teaching Commons, Speech Pathology and Audiology Commons
Comments
Copyright 2023, Claire H. Gatewood