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ONGOING RESEARCH/EVALUATION PROJECTS

"Survey of Egyptian speech therapists' experience with alternative communication"

Institution in Norway: University of Oslo, Department of Special Needs Education
Name of researcher/evaluator: Siri Wormnæs
Name of co-researchers/-evaluators: Yvette Abdel Malek
Year started: 1999
Planned year of completion: 2002
Executive summary of key ideas, context, methods etc.: In a survey study of 30 speech therapists in Cairo, Egypt, we have investigated the therapists' practice with non-speaking clients/students and their self-reported competence in and experience with AAC (augmentative and alternative communication). The field of AAC has developed rapidly and many persons who are non-speaking due to some kind of disability, have experienced how use of manual signs, graphic symbols or high tech devices have enabled them to communicate. However, the majority of published studies and reports about advances in the field are from Western industrialized countries. The main objective of the present study is to gain a better understanding of the situation in Cairo, Egypt and to discuss the needs for training and knowledge in AAC among speech therapists that work with non-speaking persons in Egypt. We also wanted to try out a format for research cooperation across cultures and languages in a situation where the researchers most of the time must rely on long-distance communication.
For further information : siri.wormnas@isp.uio.no


"Special Teacher Education in Cairo. Exploring the Experiences of Egyptian and Norwegian Project Participants."

Institution in Norway: University of Oslo, Department of Special Needs Education
Institution in collaboration: The Right to Live Association, Cairo, Egypt
Name of researcher/evaluator: Siri Wormnæs
Year started: 2000
Planned year of completion: 2003
Executive summary of key ideas, context, methods etc.: For more than ten years, an Egyptian parents' association and several Norwegian partners have worked together in a competence building project in special education in Cairo, Egypt. Norwegian professionals have supported their Egyptian counterpart in establishing and running an institute for special teacher training. This study will attempt to identify and explore perspectives, processes and outcomes in this project, as they are viewed and experienced by the participants, with special focus on the impact and handling of cultural differences.
For further information : siri.wormnas@isp.uio.no

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