Challenges Faced by Speech and Language Pathologists in Special Education Schools of Students with Hearing Impairment Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract The study aimed to explore the challenges faced by the speech pathologist in special education schools of students with hearing impairment in Punjab Pakistan. The study was based on descriptive methodology. All the male and female speech and language pathologist working in public special education schools of the students with hearing impairment of comprised of the population of the study. Convenient sampling technique was used to select the sample. A sample of 56 Speech and Language Pathologists was chosen from district Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Chiniot, Jhang, Gujranwala, Layyah. A structure questionnaire containing 30 statements was framed for the speech and language pathologists of the public special education schools of the students with hearing impairment. Researcher visited the govt. special education schools of students with hearing impairment personally for the data collection. The collected data was recorded carefully and was described in the form of tables. The data was analyzed in terms of frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. The study revealed that speech-language pathologists faced administrative challenges such as lack of special rooms, internet, telephone, and projector/LED services. Many also reported absence of attendants, inadequate furniture, and poor coordination from teaching staff. Speech-language pathologists faced intervention challenges like limited time, poor parental coordination, excessive paperwork, lack of sound systems, and communication barriers during speech therapy for students with hearing impairment. Speech-language pathologists faced personalized challenges like exhaustion, burnout, and boredom, but remained confident and motivated to handle issues effectively. Speech therapists were facing administrative challenges at a higher level as compared to the intervention and personalized challenges. The study will help to provide more effective and suitable service deliver environment for the speech therapists in Punjab Pakistan.