Understanding adults with communication disorders in Ghana: Accessing rehabilitation and support systems

Abstract

Communication is pivotal to our societal experiences; therefore, the onset of a communication disorder will negatively affect an individual's social capabilities. However, in sub-Saharan African countries, there is limited public discourse on the development of individuals with communication disorders. From the perspective of critical disability theory, there have been few opportunities for adults with communication disorders to share stories about their experiences and their developmental progress. A semi-structured interview guide was designed to collect data from 23 adults with communication disorders recruited from 10 communities in three districts in a region in Ghana. The findings are thematized under the following criteria: diagnosis and rehabilitation, familial support and impact on development. The study concludes with an invitation to policymakers to prioritize the rehabilitation needs of individuals with communication disorders and a discussion on additional study implications.