Oral histories: bridging misconceptions and reality in brain injury recovery.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation is to show that listening to oral histories (OH) told by survivors of acquired brain injury (ABI) can influence the attitudes and beliefs held by practicing Speech-Language Pathologists, and graduate and undergraduate students studying communication sciences and disorders.

METHOD: Eighty-seven subjects participated in this investigation. Subjects consisted of 27 certified Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), 21 graduate students (GS) and 39 undergraduate students (UG) enrolled in a Communication Sciences and Disorders program. Participants responded to a 10-item questionnaire before and after exposure to OH. The questionnaires assessed amount of exposure to adults with ABI, and attitudes and beliefs about the ABI recovery process.

RESULTS

Findings indicate that exposure to OH resulted in a significant change in attitudes and beliefs among the participants. UG demonstrated significant changes in all questionnaire items. GS were most influenced on items related to the role of speech therapy in the rehabilitation of speech, language, and cognitive deficits. SLPs were influenced on issues related to social and vocational attainment following ABI.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral histories detailing the life-changing effects of ABI and arduous journey to overcome deficits associated with ABI may have an impact in better understanding these issues.