The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among speech intelligibility and communication effectiveness as rated by speakers and their listeners. Participants completed procedures to measure (a) speech intelligibility, (b) self-perceptions of communication effectiveness, and (c) listener (spouse or family member) perceptions of communication effectiveness for speakers with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The results of this study revealed that perceptions of communication effectiveness for speakers with ALS were quite similar for the speakers and their frequent listeners across 10 different social situations. ALS speakers and their listeners reported a range of communication effectiveness depending upon the adversity of specific social situations.
Learning outcomes: (1) As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to identify social contexts that are identified by persons with ALS as difficult for effective communication. (2) As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to describe ALS symptomatology using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. (3) As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to administer the CETI-M as a measure of communication effectiveness for persons with ALS. (4) As a result of this activity, the participant will gain information that will assist them in counseling persons with ALS and their families.