Feeling excluded in financial environments: challenges and strategies to promote financial inclusion for adults with post-stroke communication disabilities
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Date
2023-12-18
Authors
Keshavarz, Elaheh
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Abstract
Background: People with stroke-related communication disabilities often have challenges participating in social environments, which might include challenges in financial environments. Despite the importance of financial participation of people with stroke-related communication disabilities, this topic has not yet been studied. Understanding the experiences of this group of people in financial environments can improve their financial activities and participation.
Objectives: This research study explores the experiences of people with stroke-related communication disabilities in financial environments with two main objectives: 1. to examine challenges experienced by adults living with stroke-related communication disabilities in financial environments; and 2. to identify strategies for improving financial inclusion for this group.
Methods: I conducted a qualitative descriptive research study and recruited four adults (18+; three women, one man) who self-identified with stroke-related speech and language disabilities in Manitoba. I used semi-structured individual interviews with open-ended questions to explore their experiences in financial environments and analyzed the data using the thematic analysis approach.
Results: The four themes and four subthemes that I developed highlight that stroke-related communication disabilities made financial participation more challenging and led to financial exclusion. Most of these challenges were associated with institutional structures and the social environment. Ableism, represented by others' attitudes and reactions, affected participants’ mental well-being and financial inclusion. However, participants also identified individual and environmental strategies to improve financial inclusion. One individual strategy is practicing and being prepared in a financial environment. An environmental strategy is raising staff’s awareness about stroke-related communication disabilities.
Conclusion: The findings of this research study highlight that financial environments are not inclusive for people with stroke-related communication disabilities. Rehabilitation professionals and researchers need to be aware that environments have a key influence on financial inclusion and participation. Financial professionals and policymakers could improve policies and practices, ensuring that financial services and environments are accessible and inclusive.
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Keywords
Stroke, Communication disorders, Speech disorders, Social participation, Economics, Disability studies