This study aims to overcome the limitations of conventional speech-language intervention for developmental disabilities, which primarily focuses on structure-based language domains (phonology, semantics, syntax) in childhood. The objective is to devel...
This study aims to overcome the limitations of conventional speech-language intervention for developmental disabilities, which primarily focuses on structure-based language domains (phonology, semantics, syntax) in childhood. The objective is to develop a language intervention program utilizing self-advocacy skills for transition-aged individuals with developmental disabilities, thereby comprehensively supporting the enhancement of their language usage, self-determination, and social communication skills as they transition from school age to adulthood. Furthermore, this research seeks to transform the role perception of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) concerning the transition population and propose a new direction for language intervention by integrating self-advocacy, a specialized educational approach, with language therapy.
The program components (Self-Awareness, Self-Assertion, Communication, Leadership, Participation and Collaboration) were derived through literature review and expert perception surveys. Based on these components, a systematized intervention program was developed, focusing on language utilization, context comprehension, and problem-solving. The program's effectiveness was evaluated through its application to transition-aged individuals with developmental disabilities. The quantitative effects (vocabulary ability, pragmatic language ability) were verified using pre- and post-tests. Qualitative observation data and the discrepancy between participants' self-reported self-advocacy scores and expert-rated scores were also analyzed. Quantitative analysis utilized the Receptive and Expressive Vocabulary Test (REVT) and the Korean Pragmatic Language Test (KOPLAC), and both quantitative and qualitative changes were discussed comprehensively.
The program application resulted in statistically significant improvements in participants' vocabulary ability (REVT) in both receptive and expressive domains. Furthermore, the pragmatic language ability (KOPLAC) showed statistically significant changes across all sub-domains, including communication, narrative, and meta-language, confirming the program's effectiveness. This suggests that the self-advocacy-focused intervention positively impacted not only the structural aspects of language but also its functional utilization. A 'Positive Illusion' phenomenon was observed, where most participants' self-reported self-advocacy scores were higher than the expert-rated scores. Specifically, an outlier (Participant C) exhibited an 'Extreme Response Style' due to low vocabulary and language age, responding with the highest rating for the majority of items. This finding highlights the critical need for additional consideration regarding response reliability and the necessity of refining measurement tools for self-report scales when used with individuals with linguistic and cognitive limitations.
Participants demonstrated individual differences in problem-solving based on MBTI types (Feeling/Thinking), along with high interest and self-determination capacity regarding real-life topics such as housing and finance (loans). This suggests that self-advocacy intervention must integrate individuals' emotional attitudes, personality traits, and real-life context beyond mere technical skill training.
This study holds significant academic and clinical value by successfully integrating the domains of self-determination and self-advocacy, previously unmet by traditional SLP intervention, with language therapy, thereby presenting a new treatment paradigm for transition-aged individuals with developmental disabilities. These findings strongly suggest that the field of speech-language pathology must actively adopt functional, real-life integrated interventions based on pragmatic language and social communication skills to support the successful social inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Future research should prioritize stricter experimental designs, including the expansion of sample size and the introduction of control groups, along with the standardization of self-advocacy assessment tools and the establishment of multidisciplinary collaboration models between SLPs and special educators.