Communication Self-Assessment Scale Inventory for Deaf Adults

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Communication Sciences
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Effective communication is crucial for deaf adults' quality of life.
• Existing assessment tools may not fully capture the nuances of communication challenges faced by deaf adults.
• A validated scale is needed to evaluate communication experiences in this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate the Communication Self-Assessment Scale for Deaf Adults (CSDA).
• To assess difficult communication situations, their importance, communication strategies, and attitudes among deaf adults.
• To provide a psychometrically sound instrument for research and clinical use.

Main Methods:

• Development of the CSDA using simple, active declarative language.
• Inclusion of multiple subscales within the CSDA.
• Response format utilizing a three-point semantic differential scale (frequency or importance).
• Psychometric evaluation including item analysis, factor analysis, and internal consistency reliability.
• Data collection from a sample of 290 deaf adults.

Main Results:

• The CSDA effectively evaluates communication situations, importance, strategies, and attitudes.
• Psychometric analyses confirmed the reliability and validity of the scale.
• Normative data were collected from a representative sample of 290 deaf adults.

Conclusions:

• The CSDA is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the communication experiences of deaf adults.
• The scale can be utilized to identify specific communication challenges and inform interventions.
• Findings contribute to a better understanding of communication in the deaf adult population.