Struggling in Silence: A Qualitative Study of Six African American Male Stutterers in Educational Settings

• In Event: 42.083 - Roundtable Session 17
  In Roundtable Session: 42.083-14 - Special Education Research SIG Roundtable Discussion 2

Abstract

Stuttering places students at-risk for being stereotyped and experiencing identity difficulties in school. Six African American adult males who stuttered and lived in Washington, DC; Maryland; and/or Virginia participated in this study. Three research questions directed this study: (1) How do speech or language impaired African American males describe their educational experiences?; (2) What coping strategies do African American males who stutter use in educational settings?; and (3) In what ways do educational experiences shape the lives of African American males who stutter? Life history methodology were used when examining these males’ experiences. Findings suggest that stuttering had a significant impact on the lives of the African American males, particularly within educational settings/contexts.

Authors

• Antonio Latrell Ellis, College of Charleston

• Nicholas Daniel Hartlep, Metropolitan State University

• Eddie Vanderhorst, Capella University