Brilliant references Russel - many thanks - I have passed them on to
Barry :)
Here is another study that has attempted to map the population of adults
with severe speech & language problems:
Knight, B et al (2003) "Breaking the Silence: Identification of the
communication and support needs of adults with speech disabilities in
Newcastle"
http://communicate-nhs.bravepages.com/breaking_the_silence.doc
Page 4
1. Rates of prevalence of people with speech disability
The prevalence of adults aged 16-65 with speech disabilities affecting
spoken communication to the extent that they have difficulties accessing
statutory services is estimated to be 0.4 per cent from the total of 1,000
household interviews. This compares with other studies in the UK that
give the prevalence at 0.6 per cent.
We believe that our figures may be an underestimate. Interviewers reported
meeting people on the doorstop who appeared to have a severe speech
impediment but which they themselves did not acknowledge. Data collected
elsewhere in the study suggested that people with severe speech
disabilities were likely to avoid contact with strangers, and would be
reluctant to respond to sample surveys.
Page 13
Household survey
From the total of 1,000 interviews, four people were identified as having
a serious speech disability. This yields a prevalence rate of 0.4 per
cent. This compares with other studies in the UK that give the prevalence
at 0.6 per cent (5).
We believe that our figures may be an underestimate. Interviewers reported
meeting people on the doorstop who appeared to have a severe speech
impediment but who, when asked, denied that they had one. Moreover, data
collected elsewhere in the study suggest that people with severe speech
disabilities are likely to avoid contact with a stranger. For this reason,
they are less likely than other segments of the population to open their
front door to respond to sample surveys.
The prevalence rate detected here may seem insignificant in relative
terms. However, when this is translated into absolute terms, the
significance grows. In a city like Newcastle upon Tyne with a population
of 250,000, even a conservative estimate of 0.4 per cent, translates into
1,000 people with a severe speech disability. Nationally, this would mean
170,000 men and women over the age of 16 in England and Wales with a
severe speech disability.
(5) A review of the main findings on the prevalence of severe speech
disability may be found on the Internet at http://aac.unl.edu/AACdemog.html
Liz Panton
Communicate
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