Disability certification awareness in Indian audiologists and speech-language pathologists ASLP professionals: Gaps, challenges, and implications for practice

PURPOSE: Disability certification is crucial for ensuring statutory rights and benefits for persons with communication disorders in India. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists play a key role in assessment, certification, and counselling; however evidence regarding their awareness of certification procedures and entitlements is limited. This study assessed audiologists and speech-language pathologists' awareness of disability certification and its association with selected demographic and professional factors. METHOD: A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted among audiologists and speech-language pathologists across India using a 31-item questionnaire (23 awareness items and 8 demographic items), following the CHERRIES guidelines. Content validity was evaluated, and internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Descriptive statistics summarised awareness levels, while non-parametric tests examined associations with demographic variables. RESULT: A total of 519 audiologists and speech-language pathologists responded to the survey. The questionnaire demonstrated excellent validity and high internal consistency. Overall awareness was moderate. Higher awareness was observed for legislative provisions and general certification processes; while gaps existed in certificate validity, specific benefits, and clinical calculation procedures. Awareness was significantly associated with age, workplace setting, and experience. CONCLUSION: Audiologists and speech-language pathologists demonstrate moderate awareness of disability certification; however, critical gaps in procedural, benefit-related, and clinical knowledge persist, underscoring the need for targeted training and integration into professional curricula.