Overview
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The purpose of this research is to identify facilitators and barriers to equitable service delivery for children with communication disorders of diverse backgrounds by gathering the perspectives of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and administrators.
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This study is open to SLPs and administrators in public schools or early intervention in King or Pierce counties.
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Participation is voluntary. Participating in this research involves completing a brief screening form, completing an individual interview about experiences and perspectives on SLP service delivery, and briefly reviewing researchers’ interpretations of that interview for accuracy.
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to identify individual and institutional facilitators and barriers to equitable service delivery for children with communication disorders of diverse cultural, racial, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds from the perspectives of SLPs and administrators working in school-based or early intervention service-delivery models in King and Pierce counties. This research is designed as one foundational step toward increasing equitable SLP service delivery and addressing individual- and systems-level barriers by hearing the voices of (1) SLPs who directly serve children with communication disorders of diverse backgrounds and (2) administrators navigating service delivery implementation from leadership positions. This work aims to understand SLPs’ and administrator’s perspectives and experiences around equitable service delivery, identify why disparities persist, and then disseminate information on those barriers and thereby, potential solutions - with the goal of building community partnerships to drive future research on this topic.
Additional Details About Participation
We will ask interested individuals to complete a brief screening questionnaire to determine eligibility for this study (approximately 5 minutes). If eligible, we will ask you to complete an individual interview lasting approximately 1 hour. Questions will be about your background and professional role, your experiences and perspectives on SLP service delivery, perspectives on equitable service delivery for children with communication disorders from diverse backgrounds, and barriers you might have faced in delivering SLP services in terms of access or quality. We will video and audio record the interview. You may refuse to answer any question in any questionnaire or interview. Data will be coded (e.g., using pseudonyms). Finally, you will be given the opportunity to review the researchers’ interpretation of your interview and provide feedback or corrections (less than 30 minutes). You may refuse to participate and are free to withdraw at any time without penalty. You will receive a $50 electronic gift card for your participation in the interview.
This research was reviewed by the University of Washington Institutional Review Board (IRB) and determined to be exempt.
Questions
For questions about this research or to request a link to the screening questionnaire, please contact Sara Kover at skover@uw.edu.
This research is funded by a University of Washington Population Health Initiative Pilot Research Grant award.
Research Investigators: Natasha Arora, M.S., Sara Kover, Ph.D. (Speech and Hearing Sciences), Carly Roberts, Ph.D. (College of Education)
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