Environmental barriers to communication for individuals with dysarthria

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), disability represents a dynamic interaction between an individual's health condition and his or her personal and environmental factors. The impact of dysarthria on communication is well known. The aim of this study was to investigate environmental barriers to communication from the perspective of both individuals with dysarthria and professionals who work with this population. A qualitative approach, with group discussions structured by nominal group technique, was used to elicit responses from participants. Twelve individuals with dysarthria (eight with mild-moderate dysarthria and four with severe dysarthria) and six professionals who had experience interacting with clients with dysarthria participated in the study. Environmental barriers to communication were categorized under five domains, according to the ICF framework. A list of environmental barriers to communication for people with dysarthria was thus created, and subsequently rank ordered by participants. The results of this study offer healthcare workers information to develop strategies for the removal of barriers in a communication environment. Differences in the responses of the groups provided additional information that can assist in the greater participation of individuals with dysarthria in society. Copyright © 2010 Delmar Cengage Learning.