About Author
My name is Sigyn Jacobs, and I am an undergraduate student at the University of South Florida majoring in Economics with a minor in Criminology. I chose this topic because I am deeply interested in how economic systems, public policy, and access to resources shape real world outcomes for individuals and communities. Through my coursework, I have become especially aware of how structural barriers rather than individual choices often determine who receives adequate care and who does not. In addition, with the follow through of consequences for those who are neglected by the system.
I selected economic barriers to speech and hearing services in the Tampa Bay area as the focus of this project because communication is essential to education, employment, healthcare, and civic participation. It is also a key tool in understanding one another and finding fulfilment in life. From an economic perspective, access to speech language pathology, audiology, and interpreting services is not distributed equally. Income level, insurance coverage, geographic location, and language background all play a significant role in whether individuals are able to receive timely and effective communication support. These disparities disproportionately affect low income families, immigrant communities, and individuals who rely on public insurance programs.
This topic is particularly relevant to Tampa Bay due to its cultural and linguistic diversity, as well as its wide range of socioeconomic conditions. Many families in the region face financial constraints that limit their access to early intervention services, hearing healthcare, and speech therapy. From both an economic and criminological standpoint, delayed or inadequate communication support can contribute to broader social consequences, including educational setbacks, increased system involvement, and long-term economic disadvantage.
By creating this website, my goal is to highlight how communication access functions as both a healthcare issue and an economic equity issue. Understanding these challenges is critical for Communication Sciences and Disorders professionals, policymakers, and community members alike. I hope this project encourages greater awareness of the economic factors influencing communication services and supports more informed discussions about improving access and outcomes for diverse populations in the Tampa Bay area.
