Qualitative analysis of caregivers’ perspectives regarding using Auslan within a Bilingual-Bicultural (Bi-Bi) approach with their children who use cochlear implants

Abstract

ABSTRACTWhen caregivers decide to use Auslan within a Bilingual-Bicultural (Bi-Bi) approach with their children who use cochlear implants (CI/s), the feasibility aspect is more easily addressed for caregivers who are deaf or hard of hearing who are, themselves, fluent in Auslan. Some caregivers who have hearing within the typical range who may have no prior knowledge of Auslan also choose to use Auslan within a Bi-Bi approach. Of 168 caregivers who completed a Parental Views about Communication (PVaC) Questionnaire, 34 were identified who used Auslan within a Bi-Bi approach with their child both pre- and post-CI. This study aimed to understand the underlying themes and perspectives regarding their choices to use Auslan, with reference to child and family characteristics. Caregivers’ open-ended written comments in Section 3 (perspectives on communication) and Section 5 (open comments) of the PVaC were subjected to qualitative content analysis with post-hoc NVivo analysis. Caregivers commented on the benefits of using Auslan within a Bi-Bi approach and their satisfaction regarding significant changes in their child’s post-CI communication. Other themes included: dissatisfaction with clinicians’ suggestions to prioritize speech as the mode of communication; significant listening gains for children with additional special needs; future expectations regarding Auslan and oral language; child preferences using Auslan within a Bi-Bi approach; and improvements in speech production. Caregivers’ main reasons for choosing Auslan within a Bi-Bi approach were related to present communication needs and preparation for future communication needs. These data have important implications for the field to guide clinicians working with families; clinicians need to be cognizant of caregivers’ perspectives on Auslan within a Bi-Bi approach for children using CI/s and empathetic to underlying reasons for the choices made.