VIDBE-Q Volume 65 Issue 3
degree of similarity across the two assessments presents strong initial evidence for
the concurrent validity of the AARP. Studies with small sample sizes risk not
having enough participants to uncover strong relationships. However, despite the
small sample size of the current study, there appears to be a very strong
relationship present.
Based on these early results, an auditory measure appears to be a promising
method for speech evaluation. The high correlation between the results of the
auditory assessment and the adapted GFTA-2 suggests that both assessments yield
similar results. However, the auditory assessment method is preferable for use with
children with VI. The American Speech-Language and Hearing Association
(ASHA) implores speech-language pathologists employ evidence based methods
(American Speech-Language and Hearing Association, 2005). Evidence-based
methods in speech-language pathology include recognizing the unique needs and
abilities of individuals, and integrating this recognition with current research
evidence in making clinical decisions. As Kesiktas (2009) argues, "assessment
tools should not by their characteristics inhibit children's performance" (p. 5). The
current selection of published speech sound production assessments, all based on
visual cues, are inadequate due to their lack of representation of children with VI in
the norm sample. They are also inherently insufficient because the dependence on
visual cues render them inaccessible for children with VI. Speech-language
