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3/05/2019  |   10:15 AM - 10:40 AM   |  Breaking Down Barriers: Assessing the Need for Audiologists to have Access to Clinically Relevant Signs   |  Paris

Breaking Down Barriers: Assessing the Need for Audiologists to have Access to Clinically Relevant Signs

Establishing rapport when working with Deaf patients requires different considerations than when working with hearing patients. Deaf individuals have a long-standing negative history when accessing healthcare. One way to bridge communication would be for audiologists to learn clinically relevant sign language. This study evaluates audiologists’ comfort and knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Culture. This is assessed by distribution of a survey to audiology students and audiologists. Results from this study suggest that although the majority of participants have taken either a Deaf culture or ASL course, many are still unable to effectively communicate with Deaf patients. Further, when working with Deaf patients, almost a quarter of audiologists complete appointments with no interpreter or signing. The survey suggests current audiologists have a perceived need to improve their signing abilities along with a high motivational level to do so. With this level of motivation, along with the current shortcomings in effective communication, there is a significant need for resources to educate and better support audiologists and students when serving Deaf patients.

  • At the completion of this presentation, learners will gain an understanding of audiologists’ lack exposure to clinically relevant sign language.
  • At the completion of this presentation, learners will gain an understanding of audiologists’ current knowledge of ASL and Deaf Culture.
  • At the completion of this presentation, learners will gain an understanding of audiologists’ perceived need to improve signing abilities as well as motivation to do so.

Presentation:
18878_10352SamanthaPanning.pdf

Handouts:
Handout is not Available

Transcripts:
18878_10352SamanthaPanning.docx


Presenters/Authors

Samantha Panning (), University of Wisconsin-Madison, panning@wisc.edu;
I am currently a 4th year student attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison Audiology doctoral program. I am completing my 4th year externship at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit Michigan. The research I'm presenting on is based on my capstone research study completed during my second and third year of graduate school.


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