Speak Out February 2019

FEBRUARY 2019

THE MAGAZINE FOR AUSTRALIAN SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS

JOINT NATIONAL CONFERENCE Registrations open 13 Feb!

HAVE YOUR SAY Aged Care Royal Commission

CBOS Review update Celebrating the highlights of 2018 Awards to recognise excellence and...

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Conte n ts in focus...

February 2019

National Office Level 1/114 William Street Melbourne VIC 3000 T 1300 368 835 F 03 9642 4922 E office@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Chief Executive Officer Gail Mulcair T 03 9642 4899 E execassist@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Speech Pathology Australia Board Gaenor Dixon – President

Belinda Hill – Vice President Communications Brooke Sanderson – Vice President Operations Chyrisse Heine – Director Tim Kittel – Director Marleen Westerveld – Director Maree Doble – Director Follow Speech Pathology Australia via:

SpeechPathologyAustralia

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@SpeechPathAus

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Copyright © 2019 The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Speak Out is the official bi-monthly magazine of The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Ltd. Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) owns the copyright to Speak Out and no part of this magazine may be reproduced without the explicit permission of SPA. Write to us Letters can be sent to pubs@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Letters may or may not be published in future issues of Speak Out magazine at SPA’s discretion. Advertisements Please refer to the “Publications” menu at www.speechpathology australia.org.au to view the 2019 Speak Out ad kit. Any queries may be directed to SPA Publications Manager T 1300 368 835 E pubs@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Advertising booking dates for April 2019 Speak Out. The official booking form must be received at National Office by COB 5 March January 2019 . New South Wales – Emma Arazzi Northern Territory – Megan Redway Queensland – Leanne Sorbello, Catherine Hicks, Erika Campbell and Rebecca Sexton South Australia – Cathy Clarke Tasmania – Rachael Zeeman Victoria – Shane Erickson Western Australia – Jahde Sumner Please see the website for Branch Editor contact details. Disclaimer To the best of The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited’s (‘the Association”) knowledge, this information is valid at the time of publication. The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content or accuracy of the material in this publication. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of the information provided. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this publication. Print Post Approved PP349181/01711 Print ISSN 1446-053X Digital ISSN : ISSN 2208-7125 Speak Out Branch Editors ACT – via pubs@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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President’s report

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SPA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee report

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SPA Award nominations

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National Guidelines: Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Australia

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Celebrating the highlights of 2018

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Book of the Year Awards 2019

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Have your say into the Aged Care Royal Commission

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Joint conference: Registrations to open

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Professional practice: Support, learning and new resources .

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CPD Live webinars

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Ethical Reflections

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Branch news

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From the President

2019 has well and truly launched-with record temperatures recorded over the southern mainland and into central Australia, bushfires in Tasmania, and severe flooding in the north of Queensland, January and early February has been full of warnings. I hope that any members affected by these events have been safe. For those of you who may have been involved in any community recovery efforts-thank you. For any of you impacted by the events please know our thoughts are with you, and if there is anything that we can do to support you professionally please do not hesitate to call national office. As I was reading through the draft edition of this Speak Out in preparation for writing this introduction, it struck me that we had a theme emerging for the year “reflection” or “reflective practice”. On the world stage many of this year’s big events seem to have been decided in haste without reflection (at this stage, Brexit is looking a great deal like that!) Nationally I couldn’t help thinking that the recent controversy between Kerri- Anne Keneally and Yumi Stymes could have played out differently if a reflective rather than defensive response had been used. Within our little corner of the world this year we are continuing with our review of the CBOS, commencing a review of the Code of Ethics, finalising our first Reconciliation Action Plan (reflect), preparing a response to the Aged Care Royal Commission and preparing a new strategic plan. There’s a great article in this edition of Speak Out talking about how to use the Code of Ethics as a reflective tool for you to use in those day-to-day ethical dilemmas that arise. For those states and territories that have not yet had the Cultural Responsiveness Training, I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity to take a day that guides your reflection on your practice and how you may be better able to meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. And of course, our continuing professional development program allows you to continue to reflect on your professional practice-including the Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech Pathology , the International Journal of Speech Language Pathology. Conference is a great time to hear world- class national and international speakers, and to meet colleagues from across the country, this year many colleagues from “over the ditch” as we are co-hosting our conferences and other international colleagues. Conference registration opens on Wednesday 13 February and the early bird rate closes on 17 April. Brisbane is a fabulous city to hold a conference (OK I may be biased), I look forward to meeting you here. While you are reflecting take the opportunity to think about the speech pathologists who may have shaped your practice and consider nominating them for an award. Award nominations for the 2019 awards are open and will close on 28 March. More information about the awards can be found on page 5 Enjoy taking some time to read about Association activities this month. Until April

Gaenor Dixon

Gaenor Dixon National President

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Association news

SPA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee Report - January 2019

THE ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER ADVISORY COMMITTEE was formed in October 2017 to ensure that the values of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in relation to culture, language, land and history are embedded in the values and business of Speech Pathology Australia now and into the future. The committee held its first meeting for the year on 21 January, 2019 from10am–4pm. This first meeting was a face-to-face meeting, hosted at the SPA National Office in Melbourne with two teleconference meetings and a second face-to-face meeting planned for the year. There was a full agenda, with productive discussions and specific actions to further the work of the committee of the Advisory Committee: Review of the Competency Based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologist (CBOS): Young Futures, the consultants undertaking the review have sought input from the Committee. Tara Lewis is the Committee representative on the CBOS Advisory Committee.

underpinnings of Indigenous Research Methodologies, two 20-minute presentations highlighting research or clinical projects which provide models of good practice in the area, and a panel discussion and open comment session, ‘Where to for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island research in speech pathology?’ This is an important session for the Association as it moves to focus on increasing cultural awareness in the membership, and in ensuring culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Cultural awareness and cultural safety/responsiveness training: Feedback was provided to the Advisory Committee on the roll-out of the free face-to-face cultural responsiveness training that was sponsored by SPA and delivered by Indigenous Allied Health Australia in 2018. While feedback from the workshop participants was highly positive, attendance numbers were disappointing. The Association remains committed to delivering Cultural Responsiveness training to remaining states in 2019. Discussions took place around the need to differentiate between the concepts of cultural awareness and cultural responsiveness

and the need for different levels of

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee discussed the need for a dedicated focus group for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as part of the CBOS review, to ensure cultural safety for participants in open communication. This was subsequently

training for members. Possible options for how members could access different levels of training into the future were suggested, and will be further investigated. Communication Plan: The Advisory Committee

raised with the consultants and National Office Staff, and a dedicated focus group will be convened. A second dedicated focus group will also be convened with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Curriculum. Reconciliation Action Plan (Reflect RAP): A report was provided to the Advisory Committee on the recent work of the RAP Committee. The RAP Committee has collected and reviewed feedback on the draft RAP from relevant external organisations, SPA branches across Australia and through an online survey available to both Association members and non-members with an interest in the area. The Plan has been refined based on the feedback and was shared with the Advisory Committee. The draft plan will now be submitted to Reconciliation Australia before the end of January 2019. The subsequent process involves iterative feedback and revisions, until a final plan is endorsed. The Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan is on track to be launched during the Speech Pathology Australia National Conference 2019, which fortuitously takes place during Reconciliation Week. 2019 National Conference Workshop: Aligned with the launch of the Reflect RAP, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee has developed a workshop entitled Working Proppa Way: Engaging, Collaborating and Empowering at this year’s Conference. The workshop will focus on culturally sensitive approaches to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and aims to engage both researchers and clinicians. It will include a 30-minute presentation on the theoretical

recognised the need for development of a communication plan to promote good practice in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as well as to demonstrate the Association’s commitment to cultural safety in the profession. A number of strategies were discussed for action including a recommendation from the Committee that the Association consider a specific strategic statement around its commitment to Reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Draft Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Grant: Aligned with the Association’s Strategic Plan, which calls for a focus on the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the Association has proposed introducing a research grant to focus on communication and swallowing issues in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The application guidelines for the research grant were discussed and recommendations made for the revision of the draft. Details of the grant will be released once approved by the committee. The committee looks forward to another productive year in working with the Association to meet its objectives and commitments.

Eddie Ong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee Representative

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Association news

Do you know someone who deserves recognition? Call for nominations: Speech Pathology Australia Awards

Early Career Award This award is open to new graduate practising members in recognition of ongoing, valuable and voluntary service to the Association at either a National or Branch level. Nominees may have contributed to Branch Executives, Task Groups, Conference Planning Committees, etc. In most cases, nominees will have held Awarded by the Association to recognise outside agencies, which have made a significant and valuable contribution to speech pathology. If you know of someone who deserves the honour and recognition of an Association award, applications must be submitted on the official award nomination forms. Awards for 2019 close on Monday 28 March 2019. Late submissions will be considered for 2020 awards. positions on committees as students. Community Contribution

SPA acknowledges excellence in speech pathology practice and the voluntary work undertaken by members (and others) through nationally recognised awards. Life Membership Life membership is the highest honour accorded by the Association and confers Practising or Non Practising membership on a person for the rest of their life. It recognises outstanding leadership and committed service to the Association and the profession over many years. Fellowship Fellowship of Speech Pathology Australia is a public professional honour awarded to a member with considerable experience, responsibility and standing within the speech pathology profession. The award recognises and celebrates members who have achieved excellence in a field of speech pathology practice. Fellowship is a membership category, and an ongoing honour. Service to the Association Awarded by the Association to up to three members annually in recognition of ongoing, valuable and voluntary service to the Association. Nominees may have contributed to the Board, Branch Executive, Conference Planning Committee, etc.

For more information visit the website or email execassist@ speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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Association news

THE NEXT PHASE OF THE CBOS REVIEW WILL COMMENCE THIS MONTH AS FOCUS GROUPS EXPLORE KEY ISSUES IDENTIFIED IN THE FIRST TWO STAGES OF THE REVIEW PROCESS. CBOS review update

rural and remote locations. The CBOS review is being facilitated by Young Futures. Gretchen Young is leading the team. She has significant experience in health and human service policy and program development and evaluation. Gretchen previously worked as a speech pathologist and much of her current work focuses on developing allied health professions across diverse contexts. Angela Murray and Katy O’Callaghan are working with Gretchen on the review. Angela has experience working in vocational and higher education, including developing competency standards, reviewing higher education curriculum, and developing accredited Bachelor and Masters degrees. Katy’s expertise is in research, evaluation, policy development and professional writing. She has extensive experience in the education and training, health, and community services sectors. The 2019 SPA Conference in Brisbane will provide a valuable opportunity for the consulting team to report on the progress of the review. To find out more about the CBOS review, contact Dr Simone Arnott on sarnott@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au . Or go www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Resources for speech pathologists CBOS or click here.

OVER A TWO-WEEK period in February, 12 online focus groups will be conducted. The focus group discussion topics will help to further explore the key issues identified in the literature review, the benchmarking and the survey feedback gathered in the previous two phases of the CBOS review, which began in mid-2018. Participants of the focus groups include people with different demographics, years of experience, and the diverse practice areas relevant to the profession. The specific focus group questions were developed with guidance from the SPA Professional Standards Advisory Committee (PSAC) and the Competency Standards Advisory Committee (CSAC). Once the focus groups are completed, the consulting team will work with the PSAC to confirm the overall framework and nomenclature for the revised standards before the next consultation stage begins in June 2019. The first phase of the CBOS review involved a team of contracted consultants who reviewed published literature relating to competency standards. This was followed by discussions with other allied health professions, who had recently reviewed their standards, to learn from their experiences and insights. A benchmarking exercise was then completed, which investigated the structure, content and application of competency standards for speech pathology in Canada, the USA and the UK as well as for occupational therapy, physiotherapy, social work, teaching, and engineering in Australia. The second phase commenced in late-2018. This involved a survey of speech pathologists, final year speech pathology students, and managers and educators of speech pathologists who are not speech pathologists. Extensive information was gained from nearly 1100 contributors. Every State and Territory was represented, including individuals from metropolitan, regional,

Go to the CBOS Review webpage

Speech Pathology Australia CODE OF ETHICS REVIEW

GO TO THE CBOS REVIEW WEB PAGE Activities to contribute to the review will include: • broad consultation within the profession; • consultation with external stakeholders including consumers; • a member survey; • focus groups, to be held in various locations around the country; and, • a lunchtime forum at the 2019 National Conference. Keep an eye out for opportunities for you to participate in the review – your contributions will be crucial to developing a version of the Code that is relevant to our profession and consumers, today and into the next 10 years.

SPEECH PATHOLOGY AUSTRALIA initially developed a Code of Ethics (the Code) for members in 1976, to support speech pathologists to demonstrate professionally acceptable behaviour and provide benefit to the consumers of speech pathology services and the wider community. The Code was created with a plan for regular review, to ensure currency and relevance for the profession and community. Regular review also ensures that the role and function of the Ethics Board and the Association’s Ethics Procedures are linked with the Code. A major review of the Code of Ethics is underway and will be undertaken during 2019, for publication of the revised version in 2020.

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Association news

National simulation project completion and availability of simulation resources

AFTER FOUR YEARS the national Embedding Simulation in Clinical Training in Speech Pathology project was successfully completed in November 2018. Funding from this project was received from the Department of Health (Commonwealth) under the Simulated Learning Environments Program with support from Speech Pathology Australia as the funded organisation. A collaboration of researchers from six universities across Australia, led by Dr Anne Hill from The University of Queensland, conducted a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to determine whether students could achieve a comparable level of competency if a portion of their traditional clinical placement was replaced with simulation-based learning activities. The results of the RCT indicated that student competency outcomes were similar in both traditional placements and placements which included a five day simulation-based learning program. Research outcomes from this project are being prepared for publication.

In addition, a significant outcome of this project is the development of resources for implementation of the simulation-based learning program. The project team are proud to have these resources now freely available to you on the Speech Pathology Australia website to enable the embedding of simulation into other programs. Please visit this link to access all resources: https://www. speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/SPAweb/Resources_ For_Speech_Pathologists/Simulation-based_Learning_ Program The project team would like to acknowledge the Department of Health (Commonwealth) and Speech Pathology Australia for their ongoing support of this project over the past four years. Questions regarding the project or resources can be directed to Dr Anne Hill ae.hill@uq.edu.au

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Association news

A changing of the CPD guard… Farewell to Sharon Crane and welcome Maree Brown

Some further staff farewells Meredith Prain, Professional Support Advisor After 18 years of involvement in leading and supporting the Association’s mentoring and professional support program, we say farewell to Meredith Prain. Meredith’s passion and commitment to member support through both the mentoring program and professional supervision guidelines, originally commenced with Meredith taking on the role of the Vic Branch Mentoring Coordinator in 2000. She then went on to be the speech pathology lead in the MentorLink Allied Health program. Following this Meredith became the National Mentoring Coordinator in the Association’s own dedicated mentoring program. After a short break, and as the program and our members’ needs evolved, Meredith returned to the Association in the role of Professional Support Advisor, developing the mentoring program and its online resources, providing clear guidelines on the distinction between mentoring and professional supervision, and contributing to policies and documents which guide the profession on minimum standards of professional supervision. Meredith has supported countless members and in recent years also provided targeted support for our early career members, particularly in their transition from provisional to full CPSP. Meredith will be greatly missed, however we wish her every success in the new opportunity with Able Australia, to establish a National Centre of Excellence in the area of Deafblindness. Joanna Shorland, PSR Advisor Joanna Shorland will shortly be leaving SPA at the end of February to take up further PhD studies. Joanna has provided excellent support in relation to self-regulation functions of the profession, including coordinating the documentation for application for full NASRHP membership, as well as ensuring member compliance with the PSR program through advice and undertaking random audits of members. Joanna has been a great asset to the Association with her knowledge and thoroughness and we wish her every success in her PhD candidacy.

FOLLOWING THE CELEBRATION of Sharon Crane’s 20 years of working at SPA last year, it was with sadness that we have had to say farewell to Sharon who resigned from her position as Senior Advisor Professional Education and Certification, as of the end of January. Sharon has been an integral member of the SPA team over the past two decades and has led the development of both a high quality professional education program and a rigorous self-regulation scheme (in the PSR program). Sharon’s knowledge, dedication and passion for

Sharon Crane

the profession has been highlighted through all of what she achieved and she will be sorely missed by members and her colleagues. Our best wishes Sharon for a successful and fulfilling next venture – one we are sure will include lots of travel and fun times with your family. With the changing of the guard, we warmly welcome Maree Brown into the role of Manager Professional Education. Maree comes with a wealth of knowledge and skills, and is passionate about supporting our members in their professional development and career growth. Here are some words of introduction from Maree: “I have over 25 years’ experience working within the adult learning sector, initially within aviation before moving across to medical. I am a passionate advocate of high-quality adult education and am committed to continuous professional development, both professionally and personally. Most of my experience within medical education relates to continuous

professional development delivered to practitioners and their staff on behalf of organisations such as AHPRA, the Rural Workforce Agency of Victoria (RWAV), WorkSafe and TAC as well as various professional colleges and associations. What I find particularly rewarding about working within this sector is the intrinsically motivated learners it attracts. My personal commitment to professional

Maree Brown

development has seen me attain a qualification as a primary school teacher, a Certificate IV in Training & Development, Diploma in Vocational Education & Training, and Diploma in Training Design and Development. I am currently working on my Honours year in Adult & Applied Learning where I am expanding my knowledge of contemporary andragogical theories and practices. On a personal note, I live in Essendon (but am not a supporter) with my husband Jason, my two children Adam (15) and Sandrine (12) and (most importantly) our darling dog, Lottie whom we adopted from Lort Smith. I love feedback as it strongly informs continuous improvement, so if you have feedback you’d would like to forward, or have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.”

Recruitment is underway for the above positions with an option for the appropriate candidate to take on both roles.

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Association news

Same people – new titles

As part of a review of the Association’s organisational structure, it was considered that some of the national staff titles may have been causing ambiguity or confusion. We therefore embarked on a review of the senior and supporting speech pathology roles within the national office and have made some adjustments to

titles only–with no change to roles and responsibilities. Updates have appeared on the SPA Website but see the particular changes below.

New title

Old title

Incumbent

Managers Manager Professional Practice

Senior Advisor Professional Practice

Nichola Harris Trish Johnson Stacey Baldac

Manager Ethics and Professional Issues

Senior Advisor Ethics and Professional Issues Senior Advisor Professional Standards

Manager Professional Standards Manager Professional Education Senior Advisors Senior Advisor EBP/Research

Senior Advisor Professional Education and Certification Maree Brown

no change

Cori Williams Cathy Olsson

Senior Advisor Disability

National Advisor Disability

Senior Advisor Justice and Mental Health

National Advisor Justice and Mental Health

Mary Woodward

Senior Advisor Aged Care

National Advisor Aged Care

Kym Torresi Mary Gornik

Senior Advisor Early Childhood, Education and Projects National Advisor Early Childhood, Education and Projects

Advisors NDIS and Practice Advisor

no change no change no change no change

Erin West

Ethics Advisor

under recruitment under recruitment Joanna Shorland

Professional Support Advisor

PSR Advisor

Social media round up 2018 More posts, more likes, more videos, more engagement.

On the socials

In 2018 the Association’s social media channels grew and engagement increased across all of our digital platforms. Whether it’s conversations on Twitter, photos on Instagram, watched videos on Facebook and YouTube or sharing a good article on LinkedIn, it’s clear that more and more interest is being shown in speech pathology! The private member communities also showed robust engagement throughout the year with more members than ever participating in them. Videos produced by the Association were also viewed more than 235,000

times across the various platforms. Our reach goes well beyond our membership. Get online and share today! Some stats: 1 Jan 2018 – 31 Dec 2018 (Followers/page likes)

Facebook : 17064 to 19495 Instagram : 2937 to 4326 Twitter: 8958 to 10136 LinkedIn: 1500 to 2698

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Association news

National Guideline Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Australia

Recommendations for the assessment process The assessment should include a comprehensive needs assessment and a diagnostic evaluation. Comprehensive needs assessment At the initial identification of possible ASD features, the comprehensive needs assessment should include a medical examination relevant to neurodevelopmental disorders, and an assessment of function. The comprehensive needs assessment may or may not support the provision of a diagnostic evaluation. Speech pathologists are listed as one of the professions whose information and observations can be used to support the comprehensive needs assessment and diagnostic evaluation. Speech pathologists have been identified as one of the professions able to undertake an assessment of functioning as part of the comprehensive needs assessment. Recommendations regarding the assessment of functioning are on pp28-32. The relevant information in the report is outlined on pp12 to 21 of the PDF version of the guideline. Diagnostic evaluation The diagnostic evaluation may be provided by a single clinician where high diagnostic confidence can be achieved. Single clinician diagnosis can be provided by selected medical practitioners or selected psychologists (recommendations 37 to 40, pp37-38). Where a single clinician is unable to provide a high level of diagnostic confidence based on their assessment, a consensus team diagnostic evaluation is recommended. This may be in the case where the presentation is more subtle or complex. Speech pathologists are included among the professions that are identified to be part of the consensus team diagnostic evaluation. Recommendations 47-50 are about the diagnostic consensus team and those about the process of information collection by the Consensus Team are numbers 52-56. Initiating a referral The guideline seems to assume that primary health care providers will provide the first point of contact for community members who have “health concerns” (6.1, p25). GPs are identified as the most likely primary health care provider to offer primary health care, but allied health practitioners are also listed. The guideline provides recommendations regarding the professional training that primary health providers should have to enable them to support a referral for an ASD Assessment (Recommendation 17, p25) as well as for information collection, decision making, and outcomes, including information to include in a referral. The role of the NDIS Early Childhood Early Intervention Partner (as a potential referrer) is unclear.

THE NATIONAL GUIDELINE aims to support improved diagnostic practices and consistency nationally, and ensure that future diagnostic assessments are in keeping with best practice guidelines. The guideline is evidence-based and aims to support equitable and accessible processes for diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Within the guidelines are seventy recommendations for Diagnostic Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Australia and weblinks are provided to relevant resources. Members are encouraged to read the full document at www. autismcrc.com.au/knowledge-centre/resource/national- guideline Speech Pathology Australia’s role Our thanks are extended to Robyn Stephen who was SPA representative on the steering committee for the project, and who was unstinting in the contribution of her considerable time, knowledge and expertise on behalf of the profession. The process and opportunity to provide input and feedback during the development of the guidelines is outlined under feedback and revision, on page 6. SPA provided feedback which influenced the information included in 12.2 Intellectual and/or Communicative Capacity (pp54-56). This section promotes the importance of differentiating between difficulties with verbal communication and intellectual disability, the role and value of providing Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) options, and the involvement of speech pathologists with experience in AAC, “to identify resources and supports that will facilitate the ability of individuals to participate communicatively, including to reflect their thoughts and feelings, indicate their preferences and choices, and make decisions.” There have been concerns from members over the past several months that speech pathologists were no longer recognised as able to contribute to diagnosis of ASD, particularly by the NDIS. This is not the case. The guidelines clearly identify speech pathologists as appropriate members of the Consensus Diagnostic Team. Social interaction and/or communication domains are identified as domains which may be included in an assessment to address areas of uncertainty in the diagnostic decision (Table 7, p44). SPA feedback included concerns from members regarding the appropriateness and reliability of diagnosis based on a single diagnostician’s findings. We would encourage members to share any experiences with SPA, where they feel there are adverse impacts for people with ASD arising from single clinician diagnosis. To be clear, though representation on the steering committee enabled the Association to see and provide feedback on the various iterations of the draft guidelines, the Association was not given the opportunity to officially endorse the final National Guideline.

Cathy Olsson National Advisor Disability

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Celebrating the highlights of 2018

It was another year of stunning achievements for Speech Pathology Australia and its membership. Join us as we celebrate the achievements of members, the Association and industry partners.

Record-breaking membership At the close of 2018, the membership of Speech Pathology Australia was 9176, up from 8409 at the same time in 2017. Digital world What a year digitally! By the end of 2018, the Association had 10,136 followers for its Twitter handle, @speechpathaus, and 19,497 likes on its Facebook page. Add to this the 4326 followers on the Association’s Instagram account. The Association also supports 17 membership Facebook groups or communities. Book of the Year (December 2018) Five books and their author/illustrators were celebrated as part of the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year 2018 awards, held at the State Library of Victoria in Melbourne. Over 200 books were nominated in 2018 – another record year! And Morris Gleitzman, a previous Book of the Year winner, was inducted into the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Hall of Fame. Professional development

during the Association's 2019 National Conference, that will fortuitously take place during Reconciliation Week.

NASRHP full membership In 2018, Speech Pathology Australia secured full membership with the National Alliance of Self Regulating Health Professional (NASRHP). Full membership of NASRHP is an acknowledgement that the Association’s self-regulation processes met the high standards set by NASRHP, which also mirror the standards of registration boards. A speech pathology first

In June 2018, Professor Leanne Togher became the first allied health researcher and speech pathology recipient of the Elizabeth Blackburn Fellowship-Clinical. Professor Togher was one of 20 of Australia’s finest health and medical researchers, honoured at the National Health and Medical Research Council’s annual Research Excellence Awards. Clinical Education in Australia (August 2018) In 2017, Speech Pathology Australia commissioned a national report to provide an overview of current speech pathology clinical education in Australia. Released in 2018, Clinical Education in Australia: Building a profession for the future provides information about best practice and new and innovative recommendations for future developments in clinical education. Dr Sally Hewett and Ms Joanne Walters were the project leads. Online campaign awards The Association’s online campaign for Speech Pathology Week in 2017 won the Victorian State Award for the Social and Digital Campaign category at the Public Relations Institute of Australia Awards announced in 2018. The Association’s campaign was nominated by Pesel and Carr, the public relations company that the Association collaborated with for the campaign. The awards recognise the strength of using video storytelling to spread the word on communication access. Juvenile Justice Video launched The launch in September of the Association’s youth justice video, Communication: Unlocking the potential of young people in custody, provided a tremendous opportunity to raise awareness of the communication needs of young people who come into contact with the justice system. The new video was formally launched in the offices of the New South Wales Department of Justice. The event was formally opened by the Association’s National President, Gaenor Dixon, and was attended by a range of key stakeholders, including Professor Pamela Snow; the Association’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gail Mulcair; Australia’s Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Alastair McEwin; and Mike Wheaton, Acting Director of Policy and Practice, NSW Juvenile Justice.

Dr Natalie Munro presented a sell out 2018 Speech Pathology Australia National Tour, around two workshops: Preschool and Early School-age Language Update: Assessment and Intervention Intensity and Pragmatic language assessment and intervention: A contemporary approach (with Associate

Professor Reinie Cordier). National Conference

Dr Natalie Munro

The Speech Pathology Australia National Conference was held in Adelaide in May at the Adelaide Convention Centre, South Australia, and drew over 800 delegates from across Australia and

the world. Awards In 2018, the Association awarded Life

Membership to Dr Roslyn Neilson. Fellowship of Speech Pathology Australia was awarded to Ms Alison Smith and Ms Helen Smith. The Service to the Association Award was granted to Ms Robyn Stephen. Dr Caroline Bowen AM In the Australia Day awards in January 2018,

Dr Roslyn Neilson

Dr Caroline Bowen was made a Member of the Honorary Division of the Order of Australia. Dr Bowen has the distinction of being the only Australian to be awarded Fellowship/Life Membership of Speech Pathology Australia, American Speech-Language- Hearing Association, and the Royal College of Speech Language Therapists. Reconciliation Action Plan Arising from the adoption of the Speech Pathology Australia Strategic Plan 2017-2019, in late 2017 the Association established a Reconciliation Action Plan Committee to draft the Association’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Through the course of 2018 the committee undertook the task of drafting and liaising with key stakeholders about the plan’s contents, including conducting a survey of Association’s membership and a forum at the National Conference. The aim is for the plan to be launched

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Celebrating the highlights of 2018

Olga and Margot were featured in a video for

Speech Pathology Week 2017. The video was part of a Victorian State Award winning campaign in 2018.

Communication Access status (October 2018) In 2018, Speech Pathology Australia was successful in achieving the communication access standards and was awarded the communication

BOOK OF THE YEAR 9

access symbol by SCOPE’s Communication and Inclusion Resource Centre.

Speech Pathology Australia

UDHR 70th Anniversary (December 2018) On 10 December, Speech Pathology Australia celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The Association, along with the other founding members of the International Communication Project (ICP), actively worked to use the anniversary as an opportunity to promote communication as a basic human right and to advance the ICP’s advocacy agenda. In 2018, Gail Mulcair, the Association’s CEO, Cori Williams (SPA) and Arlene Pietranton (ASHA) authored an article that appeared in the special edition of the International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. Professor Sharynne McLeod was guest editor for this special edition. Throughout 2018 members of the Association attended a number of workshops and forums to promote communication as a human right and celebrate 70th anniversary of the UDHR. In addition, the Association’s communication and marketing team were active in the lead up to 10 December, managing and overseeing the production of a video and a range of social media collateral to promote the anniversary. CBOS Review In 2018, the Association commenced a project to review the Competency Based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists (CBOS). CBOS details the minimum standards for the profession of speech pathology, as well as defining the profession’s range of practice and expectations about competency. The CBOS review is an important initiative of the Association. It will support the development of a future ready workforce capable of delivering best practice and fulfilling the vision and aspirations articulated in Speech Pathology 2030: making futures happen project.

9176 2018

Speak Out membership 8409 2017 13

Michael Kerrisk Communications and Marketing Manager

February 2019 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Association news

2018 in policy & advocacy In June 2018, Speech Pathology Australia’s CEO, Gail Mulcair and National Advisor Disability, Cathy Olsson, appeared before the Joint Standing Committee on the NDIS’s Inquiry into market readiness for provision of services under the NDIS.

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR the Association has focused on engaging with key stakeholders regarding important policy, funding and service issues, in particular those relating to the implementation of the NDIS, aged care reform and advocating for communication intermediaries in the justice sector. The NDIS The roll out of this major reform kept the policy and advocacy team extremely busy in 2018 with a number of ongoing issues and concerns, including third party verification, pricing for therapy supports, assistive technology, developmental language disorder and oral eating and drinking mealtime supports. We expect that our advocacy efforts will continue to be dominated by the NDIS throughout 2019. Policy and advocacy work in a nutshell: Submissions 26 written submissions were made. Meetings The Association met with a number of elected members of parliament and/or their advisors, other government department representatives, commissioners and the NDIA. Hearings In response to our consultation submissions, the Association was invited to appear at the following key committee hearings: • Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport’s Inquiry into the Quality of Care in Residential Aged Care Facilities. • Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme’s Inquiry into market readiness for provision of services under the NDIS. • Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme’s Inquiry into Provision of services under the NDIS Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) Approach. • Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme’s Inquiry into Assistive Technology. Reports SPA was referenced and/or quoted in a number of major reports using details from our submissions and/or evidence given by our

representatives appearing at the above listed public hearings: • Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme report Transitional Arrangements for the NDIS. • Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme report Market readiness for provision of services under the NDIS. • The Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport report on the Inquiry into the Quality of Care in Residential Aged Care Facilities in Australia. • Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme - Provision of assistive technology under the NDIS. Examples of some key outcomes/advocacy successes • An interim solution regarding the responsibility for provision of oral eating and drinking mealtime supports for clients eligible for the NDIS - while we are pleased to finally have a response (albeit ‘interim’) to this issue, which was first raised with the NDIA by SPA two years ago, we are now seeking clarification about what this means for participants who are already part way into a plan but have not been provided with funded supports for assessment, and/or the provision of a mealtime guideline for oral eating and drinking, and how long it will be before a permanent solution is agreed and what that will look like. We have been assured by NDIA that we will have a response to these queries. • Improvements in the provision of Assistive Technology under the NDIS – the NDIA is implementing a series of practical improvements in the first half of 2019 based on recommendations by SPA (and others). The Association welcomes these changes and will continue to advocate for members and their clients regarding the importance of timely access to appropriate AAC/AT items, and workable processes for equipment recommendations and provision. • Input into the Royal Commission into Aged Care - SPA representatives were invited to participate in a roundtable to inform the Terms of Reference for the Aged Care Royal Commission.

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Association news

Call for nominations: Fellowship and Awards Committee Nominations are sought for Ordinary (Voting) Members to join the Fellowship and Awards Committee. The Fellowship and Awards Committee comprises seven members – including the Vice President Communications, three Speech Pathology Australia Esteemed (Life or Fellow) members and three Ordinary Voting Members, who are appointed by the Board of Directors for a three year term. The Committee’s purpose is to review award applications and make recommendations to the Board, as well as to promote Speech Pathology Australia’s awards to members. Nominations for the Fellowship and Awards Committee are sought from Ordinary (Voting) members who have considerable expertise, over a period of time in the profession, through such avenues as clinical practice and leadership, clinical education and supervision and/or academic teaching. The consent of the person who is being nominated must be obtained before the nomination is submitted. Each nominee should include a current CV detailing their professional qualifications and experience. All nominations will be acknowledged.

“Our members and staff have continued to represent the profession on a range of Government and sector working groups, taskforces and alliances...”

SPA Senior Advisor, Ethics and Professional Issues Trish Johnson with SPA Chief Executive Officer Gail Mulcair at the Senate Enquiry into the Quality of Care in Residential Aged Care Facilities.

Keeping a “seat at the table” Our members and staff have continued to represent the profession on a range of Government and sector working groups, taskforces and alliances including Allied Health Professions Australia, National Rural Health Alliance, Mental Health Australia, Consumers Health Forum, Department of Veteran Affairs Allied Health Working Group, National Aged Care Alliance and Professions Australia. Finally a very big thank you As always, to the many members who have shared their expertise and experiences to help inform our submissions and support our advocacy efforts throughout the year to ensure that our advocacy work continues to genuinely reflect the experiences of our members and their clients. We look forward to working for you all in 2019.

Mark Smith Manager, Policy and Advocacy

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February 2019 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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