2008 Proceedings - St. Cloud State University

Abstracts
Session A All Disciplines Ballroom
Speech-Language Pathologists’ Perceptions of Multicultural Issues Affecting Service Delivery
An emerging issue in the field of speech-language pathology is service delivery to individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds. Due to
changes in the U.S. population, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are serving more multicultural individuals. The purpose of this study
was to find out what multicultural challenges are being faced by SLPs working in the clinical setting. Thirty-six SLPs from the upper
Midwest who were working with clients in the educational or medical settings participated. Work experience ranged from 10 to 35 years.
Open-ended interview questions and follow-up survey questions were administered to each participant. Responses to interview questions
were categorized based on themes that emerged. Responses to survey questions were grouped as ―agree,‖ ―disagree,‖ ―neutral‖ and ―not
applicable‖. For the open-ended interview question ―What has been the most challenging multicultural issue you have faced on the job?‖,
five themes emerged: (1) Interpreter Challenges, (2) Client Challenges, (3) Professional Challenges, (4) Family Challenges, and (5)
Cultural Difference Challenges. When asked what they had to learn over the past ten years in order to remain effective in their positions,
many SLPs indicated they had to learn about working with English Language Learners (ELLs), interpreters, and about cultural diversity.
Survey results indicated that half of the SLPs felt they received adequate training on multicultural issues. When asked about how many
English Language Learners (ELLs) were on their caseloads, nearly all SLPs indicated that ELLs made up 25% or less. The results suggest
that SLPs may need more training in the major issues affecting the implementation of effective service delivery. Of particular note is the
area of working with interpreters. Although guidelines and strategies for working with interpreters are widely available to professionals, it is
unclear if these are adequate to address the pressing needs of SLPs in the field.
Presentation Index: A51
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Department: Communication Sciences and Disorders
Project Sponsor(s):
Student Presenter(s): Starz, Kimberly
Whites, Margery
Factors Affecting the Use of Evidence-Based Practice by Speech-Language Pathologists
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (Asha) promotes using Evidence Based Practice (EBP) as a vital part of providing
the best service possible to clients and their caregivers. What is not clear, however, is how consistently speech-language pathologists
(SLPs) are using EBP in their clinical work. A number of factors may affect its use, including workplace factors, SLP knowledge about EBP,
and perceptions about rewards of using EBP as vital parts of their jobs. This study sought to find out (1) what SLPs perceive as rewards for
using and consequences of not using EBP, (2) job factors that may affect the use of EBP by SLPs (e.g., financial incentives, supervisor
factors – knowledge, requirements, performance appraisal, time, insurance reporting), and (3) what SLPs perceive as most helpful in
increasing their knowledge and skills in EBP. The participants for this study included a random selection of 36 SLPs primarily from the
Midwest; 23 worked in the school setting and 13 in the medical setting. Participants answered open-ended interview questions then
completed surveys. The SLPs stated that the top reward for using EBP was client progress due to using effective therapy techniques. The
number one job factor affecting the use of EBP is the lack of having sufficient time during the workday to do research on therapy programs.
Most SLPs did not receive financial incentives for using EBP. The SLPs perceived that continuing education and collaboration with other
SLPs were the most helpful factors in increasing knowledge and skills in EBP. Results suggest that a whole range of factors may affect
the use of EBP on the job.
Presentation Index: A52
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Department: Communication Sciences and Disorders
Project Sponsor(s):
Student Presenter(s): Westling, Heather; Vandenheuvel, Laura; Perez, Nichole; Whites, Margery
Braun, Laura
Spatial Analysis of Historic Yellow Brick Houses in St. Cloud
A distinguishing characteristic of historic St. Cloud was the use of ―yellow‖ brick in residential and commercial buildings. By conducting a
visible survey, this study located the existing yellow brick houses within a 1 mile radius of the Stearns County Courthouse. Houses were
classified into four categories by age, utilizing the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps. Spatial patterns of these remaining unique yellow brick
houses were identified and cartographically portrayed. Photographic examples of these categories are also presented. A review of
literature and the records maintained at the Stearns History Museum revealed that currently no maps exist, showing how few of these
unique houses remain in St. Cloud. This research fills that gap.
Presentation Index: A53
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Department: Geography
Project Sponsor(s):
Student Presenter(s): Wixon, Erik
John, Gareth
St. Cloud State University Student Research Colloquium 32
April 22, 2008