The Swedish Speech Interpretation Service: An Exploratory Study of a New Communication Support Provided to People With Aphasia
By Larsson, Inger; Thorén-Jönsson, Anna-Lisa; Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Vol. 23, No. 4, pp. 312-322Publication Date: 2007
Study of the use and effectiveness of a professional interpreting service for people with aphasia. Twelve persons with aphasia, 7 men and 5 women aged between 33 and 74 years, participated in this qualitative study by the Swedish Speech Interpretation Service (SSIS). One interview per participant was used to determine the purpose of using an interpreter, as well as perceptions of interpreter quality of service. Results showed an overall need expressed by participants for professional interpreters. Participants agreed that using an interpreter contributed to increased autonomy when communicating with others, enhanced the ability to control dissemination of information, and circumvented the need to ask for assistance from family members, which was sometimes seen as putting a strain on family relationships. Key interpreter skills and qualities identified were the ability to adapt to different settings, being properly prepared for appointments and meetings, knowing about the affects of aphasia and ensuring that individuals have enough time to express themselves, and behaving in a professional manner at all times. Five participants stressed the importance of interpreter accessibility. The study concludes that an impartial interpretation service represents a strategy for enhancing activity and participation among people with aphasia.
Published by: International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC) (Website:http://www.isaac-online.org)
Link to text: http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content?content=10.1080/07434610601180026
