Stuttering As a Disability in Pakistan; Policies and Its Implementation

Abstract

Objective: Stuttering is a disorder of speech fluency not only includes academic and social consequences but also has emotional/behavioral outcomes. Stuttering leads to negative emotions and feelings i.e., low confidence, frustration, shame, embarrassment, poor self-image, and negative social identity. The present study was aimed at incorporating the definition of disability in Pakistan policy and determining the position of stuttering in it. Materials and Methods: The nature of the current study is qualitatively conducted on 10 Participants approached through convenient sapling and exploring their responses through Thematic analysis. Participants falling in this category were recruited into the study from SLPs, Lawyers, disability advocates, and CSPs as per inclusion criteria. Common masses were excluded from the study. A Self-Developed Questionnaire/structured interviews were conducted. Questions developed by the Lawshe method. The tool was validated through content validity by 10“experts”. Results: Thematic analysis was done and the findings of the study indicated an individual’s negative reaction towards association with any kind of disability and communication barriers are also the main source of not fitting disability as a definition. Results also showed that lack of assessment and screening tools are the main barrier, however, Visibility as per data in research publications also consider a barrier towards recognition of it. Conclusion: The study has practical implications regarding stuttering as a Disability in Pakistan.