Monique Waite

I am a speech pathology and hearing researcher specialising in equitable access to early communication intervention. My work focuses on improving how services are designed, delivered, and experienced to support better outcomes for children, families, and underserved communities. My research sits within health services research and implementation science, with a strong emphasis on real-world impact. I am particularly interested in understanding and addressing disparities in access and engagement across diverse populations. Key areas of expertise include: Early intervention for children who are deaf or hard of hearing and/or other communicaiton disability Access to services and service engagement Health equity for culturally and linguistically diverse and rural populations Communication participation and inclusion Stigma in hearing loss and communication disability Telehealth and innovative models of care I use a range of approaches, including mixed methods research, co-design, and large-scale data analysis, to work collaboratively with communities, clinicians, and service providers. My goal is to generate evidence that informs policy and practice, leading to more accessible, inclusive, and effective communication services across the lifespan. Telepractice and digital health in communication disorders: Including the development and evaluation of telepractice models for assessment and intervention in children with communication disorders. My work examines implementation, service quality, and outcomes of telehealth in speech pathology and audiology, with a focus on equitable access. This includes workforce capability, service design, and scalable models of care for diverse and underserved populations. Service delivery and access in speech pathology and audiology: Focusing on health services research to improve access, engagement, and outcomes in communication services. This includes person- and family-centred models of care, culturally responsive practice, and service provision for culturally and linguistically diverse and rural populations. My work aims to address disparities and inform inclusive, effective, and sustainable service systems. Early intervention and engagement in communication services: Exploring factors that influence access to and engagement in early intervention for children with communication needs, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. My research uses mixed methods and large-scale data to identify barriers and facilitators to participation. The goal is to inform service design and policy to improve early communication outcomes and lifelong participation. Health professional education and workforce development: Including simulation-based education, interprofessional education, and preparation of the speech pathology and audiology workforce. My work focuses on developing communication skills, clinical readiness, and culturally responsive practice. This includes preparing clinicians to deliver services in diverse contexts, including telehealth and community-based settings.

[2026] Book Chapter: Establishing a Person-Centered Communication Environment for Hearing Care. Waite, Monique, Foley, Jasmine and Scarinci, Nerina (2026). Establishing a Person-Centered Communication Environment for Hearing Care. Person- and Family-Centered Care in Audiology. (pp. 1-1) Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/oso/9780198935223.003.0006 [2025] Conference Publication: Engaging families of children aged 0-7 with communication difficulties in telepractice: Five-year insights. Retamal-Walter, F., Waite, M., Melvin, K. and Scarinci, N. (2025). Engaging families of children aged 0-7 with communication difficulties in telepractice: Five-year insights. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention, Washington, DC, United States, 20-22 November 2025.