The role of speech therapists for children with visual impairment: A thematic analysis

Abstract

Background: Visual impairment creates adverse effects on the affected individual and on his family. Speech therapists played an essential role in the development of children who had communication problems. Objective: To explore the perceptions of special education teachers and speech pathologists about role of speech therapists in children with visual impairment. Methodology: A qualitative study on exploring the role of speech pathologists in visual impairment was conducted in Rawalpindi and Islamabad region in 2022. Purposive sampling was used to include 8 speech therapists and 7 special education teachers. Speech pathologists having minimum qualification of MS/SLP or PGD and Special education teachers with minimum qualification of master’s in special education with a minimum two years of experience were included. Open-ended questions were developed, and data was gathered by using semi-structured interviews. Recordings were done after informed consent. Thematic analysis was done to generate the themes. Results: Four major themes were identified by both professionals. These include 1) the need for guidance for professionals 2) auditory and tactile orientations for the development of language 3) scarce resources in therapy, 4) the need for training for professionals who are working with visually impaired children. Conclusion: Speech therapists had a vital role in developing communication of children with visual impairment. Professionals suggested that speech therapists should work with children with VI as they work with sighted children. Keywords: Speech therapistsspecial education teachersvisual impairment