Speak Out February 2018

FEBRUARY 2018

THE MAGAZINE FOR AUSTRALIAN SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS

awareness day Wednesday 14 March 2018

Caroline Bowen and the Order of Australia Postcards from Cambodia 2018 National Conference in Adelaide and...

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Conte n ts

February 2018

in focus... Dr Caroline Bowen AM Honorary Division of the Order of Australia

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 Operations Tim Kittel – Vice President Communications Chyrisse Heine – Director Brooke Sanderson – Director Lee McGovern – Director Marleen Westerveld – Director Follow Speech Pathology Australia via: Copyright © 2018 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 Write to us Letters can be sent to pubs@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Letters may or may not be published in future issues of Speak Out magazine at SPA’s discretion.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 2018 Speak Out ad kit. Any queries may be directed to SPA's Communications and Digital Media Specialist T 1300 368 835 E pubs@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Advertising booking dates for April 2018 Speak Out. The official booking form must be received at National Office by COB 5 March 2018 . Speak Out Branch Editors ACT – via pubs@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au New South Wales – Edward Johnson and Arabella Ludemann Northern Territory – Christina Spinella Queensland – Leanne Sorbello, Catherine Hicks, Erika Campbell and Rebecca Sexton South Australia – Barbara Lyndon Tasmania – Rachael Zeeman Victoria – Shane Erickson Western Australia – Jade 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 SpeechPathologyAustralia @SpeechPathAus speechpathaus SpeechPathAus

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From the President

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Book of the year 2018

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Celebrating 2017 highlights

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Policy and advocacy review

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Aged care update

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Spotlight on professional support

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Postcards from Cambodia

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Early career reference group

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National conference flyer

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VALE – Natalie Hill

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Branch news

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From the President

Welcome to the first Speak Out for 2018. I hope that the year has started well for you. This edition of Speak Out focuses on our achievements for 2017 and on some key events for 2018. It is exciting that 2017, where Rosie Martin was Tasmanian of the Year, concluded with Dr Dimity Dornan named as the Senior Queenslander of the Year; and 2018 has started with Dr Caroline Bowen receiving an Order of Australia. Congratulations to all three on their achievements. Several key events are on the calendar for this year: the first big event for 2018 is Swallowing Awareness Day on March 14. The key message for the day is that “Swallowing is ageless!” with the secondary theme, “what is this thing called dysphagia?”. I look forward to seeing the imaginative awareness campaigns that branches, and individual services put together to help advocate for safe and enjoyable eating and drinking for all Australians. Following Swallowing Awareness Day will be National Conference − themed “Inspire” − held in the beautiful city of Adelaide at the end of May. The keynote speakers will be diverse and challenging, and the broad scope of papers, modules, workshops and posters will inspire all speech pathologists. As you plan your professional learning for this year, I hope that you consider the conference as a great opportunity not only to update your knowledge with the latest research, but also to network, develop new connections, view the latest resources and have fun. Continuing the topic of professional learning, this year’s National Tour will be with Natalie Munro. Branches will continue to offer the wide array of continuing professional development activities. You can also access recorded

online CPD and of course our journal International Journal of Speech- Language Pathology will continue to be published. The first edition for the year, is a special issue based on the 70th Anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights guest edited by Professor Sharynne McLeod. The Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology will continue its practical, clinically focussed editions. And don’t forget the ethics materials to support you in your professional practice. From 19-25 August we will be holding Speech Pathology Week with the theme, “Communication access is communication for all”. I encourage you to mark that week in your diary and think about how you could use the week to publicise the fundamental right of communication and educate the public about the role that speech pathologists play in ensuring all humans have that right. In October we will be holding Book of the Year, and we are seeking judges to read and judge nominated books in each category. Further information about nominations and the roles are in this issue. In February I am meeting with the Branch Chairs for a face-to-face meeting, where we will discuss strategic and branch matters. The Victorian Branch is holding their strategic forum and the Reconciliation Action Plan group are holding their first meeting. In early March the Board will be holding its first meeting of the year, to continue to provide governance and strategic oversight of the activities of the Association. I look forward to meeting you at one of the range of activities that the Association is holding this year.

Gaenor Dixon

Gaenor Dixon National President

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Association news

Board report

THE FINAL BOARD MEETING FOR 2017 WAS HELD AT THE NATIONAL OFFICE ON FRIDAY 1 AND SATURDAY 2 DECEMBER 2017. THE MEETING INCLUDED CONSIDERATION OF THE ASSOCIATION’S BUDGET FOR 2018, AND A RANGE OF OPERATIONAL AND STRATEGIC PROPOSALS WERE REVIEWED.

Meeting highlights

2017– 2019 Strategic Plan • A Communication Access Alliance has been established, with two meetings having been held. The alliance aims to develop a national consensus on what is meant by communication access, to form a clear advocacy position and to create national standards in this area of communication accessibility. A subcommittee meeting focused on the development of Australian Standards was also convened. • Development of a Reconciliation Action Plan is being progressed through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group. • The Association’s progress against the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) was noted. • The Board acknowledged discussion at a staff level regarding strategies to diversify entrants to the profession, with a project underway looking at the features of people considering speech pathology as a career and potential barriers and enablers utilising existing research in this area. In addition, communication will occur with two researchers, both of whom are undertaking research in this area. Strategies to further inform career counsellors about the profession, with an aim to increase gender diversity, are being considered and training pathways for indigenous health workers are being explored in communication with the Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA). The Board will next meet at National Office on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 March 2018.

National Conference • The Board acknowledged the success of the 2017 National Conference, with record attendance resulting in a strong profit level. Careful consideration will be given to ensure an appropriate registration fee is set for the 2018 National Conference, keeping costs for members at a minimum. Representation • Representation relating to Mealtime Support is continuing, with meetings being held with Federal and State/Territory Disability and Health Ministers. • The Victorian Intermediary Scheme (pilot) is being launched with a meeting of the Panel of Experts (including Speech Pathology Australia) having occurred on 6 December. It was noted a practioner information seminar is planned for the new year. • Speech Pathology Australia representatives also met with Western Australia’s Chief Judge of the District Court, Hon. Kevin Sleight, in December regarding the Western Australian Intermediary Scheme. Professional standards • A strategic paper regarding the future structure of Professional Standards functions was presented to the Board, outlining a range of proposed changes to improve processes and provide sustainability in an environment of competing demands. The Board supported recommendations relating to the accreditation structure, eligibility assessment and practice documents. Further information regarding these changes will be provided in due course. • A review of the Competency Bases Occupational Standards (CBOS) 2011 will commence in 2018. Communications and marketing • Speech Pathology Week 2018 will be held from 19−25 August 2018, with the theme set as “Communication access is communication for all”. • Swallowing Awareness Day 2018 will be held on 14 March 2018, with the theme “Swallowing is ageless”.

Gail Mulcair Chief Executive Officer

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How now? When things don’t sound quite right, you’ll need an experienced insurer who knows how to make sense of any situation. Our 13 years’ of experience protecting Australian speech pathologists has helped to inform the development of insurance products that keep pace with the changing needs of the Australian speech pathology profession. To find out why Speech Pathology Australia continue to believe that no other insurer represents better value for their members, call Guild on 1800 810 213 or visit guildinsurance.com.au

February 2018 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Insurance issued by Guild Insurance Limited ABN 55 004 538 863, AFS Licence No. 233791 and subject to terms, conditions and exclusions. For more information call 1800 810 213 . Guild Insurance supports Speech Pathology Australia’s ongoing projects, lobbying and research through the payment of referral fees. Please refer to the policy wording and policy schedule for details. GLD4412 SPA Advert A4 01/2018. Speak Out

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Association news

BOOK OF THE YEAR 8

Speech Pathology Australia

The Book of the Year Awards raise awareness of the role speech pathologists play in assisting people of all ages to develop their language and literacy skills. In 2018 five award categories will be contested including:

The award recognises authors who have contributed significantly to children’s language and literature. The award is not presented every year but only when a stand-out candidate is nominated by a member. The relevant nomination form and selection criteria are available from the Book of the Year page on the Association’s website. The deadline for nominations is 15 March. There was no award in 2017. Seeking judges Each of the five categories of the Book of the Year uses the services of eight volunteer judges. All judges are asked to read and critique the shortlisted books according to a pre-prepared judging template. Once the judging process is complete all the reviewed books are donated by a judge to an organisation that will benefit from receiving them. Please note that preference is given to members who were Book of the Year judges in 2017. If you are interested in judging the Book of the Year Awards in 2018 you will need to satisfy the following criteria: • have an interest in children’s language and literature; • some paediatric experience (this may be through work or family experience); • the time over June to August to read and critique approximately 12 shortlisted books; • the ability to work to a strict time deadline (this is critical). If that sounds like you, please email marketing@ speechpathologyaustralia.org.au with the following details: • your name • the category you would prefer to judge (one only) a very brief description of why you would be a good judge. NB. There is no guarantee that you will get the category you request. The closing date for expressions of interest for judging is 28 February. Michael Kerrisk Marketing and Communications Manager • postal address • contact details

• Birth to 3 years of age • Three to 5 years of age • Five to 8 years of age • Eight to 10 years of age • Indigenous children

Call for nominations Do you have a favourite children’s book that you believe should be nominated for this year’s awards? The Association is seeking nominations for children’s books that speech pathologists feel promote oral language development and literacy skills in the five award categories. A book needs to be exciting and stimulating, and satisfy the eligibility criteria:

• written by an Australian author; • readily available in Australia; • published in 2017 or 2018; • retail for no more than $50; • facilitate interaction and collaboration; • appeal to children; and • maintain high production standards (graphics, design, paper stock, etc).

The nomination form is available from the Book of the Year page on the Association’s website. The deadline for nominations is 31 March 2018. Hall of Fame nominations When warranted, Speech Pathology Australia presents its Children’s Language and Literature Award. This is the Association’s “Hall of Fame” award.

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Association news

The National Alliance of Self Regulating Health Professionals THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE OF SELF REGULATING HEALTH PROFESSIONALS (NASRHP) ORIGINATED IN 2008 AS AN INFORMAL ALLIANCE UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONS AUSTRALIA. IT HAS EVOLVED TO BE AN INDEPENDENT BODY THAT PROVIDES A FRAMEWORK FOR SELF-REGULATING HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN AUSTRALIA. YOU CAN FIND FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT NASRHP ON THEIR WEBSITE: NASRHP.ORG.AU

NASRHP standards NASRHP has established benchmark standards for regulation and accreditation of practitioners within self-regulating health professions. Standards relate to areas such as scope of practice, ethical practice and professional conduct, having robust competency standards which are maintained and strengthened with an annual CPD program, practitioner certification, course accreditation, recency of practice and English language requirements. Prescribed standards are closely aligned with the standards set by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHRPA). In order to obtain formal recognition and membership with NASRHP Speech Pathology Australia must demonstrate, as the peak body of the Australian speech pathology profession, that we meet all NASRHP standards. NASRHP objectives NASRHP objectives for the implementation of benchmark standards for self regulating health professionals are outlined as follows (NASRHP, 2017): 1. Maintain a framework of standards for self regulating health professions; 2. Providing a single point of contact for stakeholders and interested parties for matters relating to self regulating health professions; 3. Advance and promote self regulating health professions; 4. Increase public confidence in self regulating health professions; and 5. Advocate for self regulating health professions in the areas of regulation and standards. What is the standing of NASRHP? Increasingly, NASRHP is recognised and deferred to in relation to self-regulating professions. In a similar way to how AHPRA may be contacted for comment or consultation on matters in regards to the registered professions, NASRHP is also contacted by government and other bodies for consultation on matters involving self-regulating professions. Some recent examples include the Australian Digital Health Agency who contacted NASRHP to discuss the My Health Record roll out and to disseminate information to our members; and an invitation for NASRHP to discuss accreditation matters with the Health Professions Accreditation Collaborative Forum. Additionally, government recognition is demonstrated through the Department of Health grant provided as seed funding to establish NASRHP as a formal entity.

What do NASRHP requirements mean for the Australian speech pathology profession? Given that the majority of current SPA policy and procedure already meets the required NASRHP standards, changes are not expected to be significant on a practical level. More notable changes to align with the NASHRP standards are: • Extension of PSR audits to include verification of recency of practice, that is, that 1,000 hours in the previous five years can be confirmed. • Extension of practitioner certification program to non- member speech pathologists. How will NASRHP accreditation of Speech Pathology Australia benefit me as a speech pathologist? It is anticipated that NASRHP membership will strengthen the profile of speech pathologists within the Australian context. Benefits include: • Promotion of the speech pathology profession and its inter- relation with other self-regulating and registered allied health professionals. • Bolstering our professional advocacy opportunities through more formalised alignment with other peak professional allied health bodies. • Challenging ourselves to further improve and maintain our high standard of knowledge, practice and professional conduct across the profession of speech pathology. • Delivering improved outcomes for clients and other stakeholders through standards that ensure the speech pathologist’s professional knowledge remains current, relevant and evidence-based. • Providing all stakeholders with an objective measure of the speech pathologist’s commitment to maintain and extend their professional skills in line with an evidence-based national framework of regulatory standards. Next steps Speech Pathology Australia has submitted its application for approval as a recognised member of NASRHP. We look forward to confirming the outcome of our application in the near future.

Gail Mulcair Chief Executive Officer Joanna Shorland Professional Self Regulation Advisor

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Association news

Swallowing Awareness Day 2018

In 2018, Swallowing Awareness Day is on Wednesday 14 March. The theme for Swallowing Awareness Day 2018 is “Swallowing is ageless!” A secondary theme is: “What’s this thing called dysphagia?” Swallowing problems can occur at any stage of life. However, knowledge of dysphagia and its implications remain largely unknown for most Australians. For this reason, the Association and its Board of Directors felt a designated day to promote the effects and management of dysphagia was warranted. Like breathing, swallowing is essential to everyday life. Humans swallow at least 900 times a day, around three times an hour during sleep, once per minute while awake and even more during meals. Around one million Australians have a swallowing difficulty. Swallowing Awareness Day 2018 is an opportunity to bring attention to swallowing disorders and to connect people with speech pathologists, the professionals who can help.

Members can get involved with Swallowing Awareness Day in a number ways. Two of the easiest are: • Engage on social media by using #900swallows and/or #dysphagia and by including @SpeechPathAus in your Twitter and Instagram posts; and • Download the Swallowing Awareness Campaign materials that can be found on the Swallowing Awareness Day page on the Association’s website: www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/swallowing Swallowing Awareness Day 2018 is an opportunity to bring attention to swallowing disorders and to connect people with the professionals who can help. Find more information of the Swallowing Awareness Day page on the Association’s website: www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/swallowing

speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/swallowing

#900swallows #dysphagia @SpeechPathAus

awareness day Wednesday 14 March 2018

Association news

In 2018 we need to expand our team of Professional Standards Advisors to facilitate implementation of our new initiatives and to support the growth in our services. We are seeking an individual with a commitment to and experience with quality service provision, evidence-based practice, and competency based assessment. The successful incumbent will work as part of a team to deliver professional standards functions including: accreditation of university programs, assessment of overseas trained speech pathologists, the re-entry program and the development and review of practice documents. The successful person will need to be solution focused, have a passion for maintaining excellence in the profession and demonstrate the values of Speech Pathology Australia. The position is full-time and we are willing to consider part- time applications. The position is located in Melbourne and planned interstate travel will be required. For a copy of the position description please contact National Office on 03 9642 4899 or office@ speechpathologyaustralia.org.au For enquiries regarding the role please contact Stacey Baldac, Senior Advisor Professional Standards, on sbaldac@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au or 03 9642 4899. To apply for the position, please forward a cover letter addressing the selection criteria, a copy of your CV and the contact details of two referees to sbaldac@ speechpathologyaustralia.org.au by Friday 6 March 2018. Job opportunity Professional Standards Advisor

Call for tenders

A review of the Competency Based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists – Entry-Level

Speech Pathology Australia is seeking tender submissions from interested individuals/organisations to undertake a review of the Competency Based Occupational Standards (CBOS) for Speech Pathologists – Entry Level. CBOS details the minimum knowledge, skills and attributes required for graduate entry into the profession of speech pathology and is a core document that underpins professional standards functions and is pivotal to Speech Pathology Australia operations. The review of CBOS represents a significant body of work and therefore it is imperative that the review is undertaken utilising a robust design to ensure outcomes are met and the future speech pathology occupational standards are embraced and accepted by the profession and stakeholders. For a copy of the project brief please contact National Office on 03 9642 4899 or office@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au For enquiries regarding the tender submission please contact Stacey Baldac, Senior Advisor Professional Standards, on sbaldac@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au or 03 9642 4899. Tender submissions should be emailed to Gail Mulcair, CEO, at office@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au no later than COB Friday 16 March 2018.

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Dr Caroline Bowen AM Honorary Division of the Order of Australia

On Australia Day 2018 Dr Caroline Bowen was made a Member in the Honorary Division of the Order of Australia. Speech Pathology Australia submitted its nomination of Dr Bowen in March 2015. What follows is the wording from the Association’s nomination outlining “how the nominee [Dr Bowen] has made an outstanding contribution to the community” and “why the person should be singled out and recognised by a national award”.

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Dr Caroline Bowen has an outstanding record of achievement and service to the Australian and international community through her work as a speech pathologist. She is regarded as a foremost international expert in both the clinical field of children’s speech sound disorders and the use of technology to improve speech pathology practice. Dr Bowen has achieved national and international acclaim for her work and skills within the profession, and is a Certified Practising Member of Speech Pathology Australia – the organisation that represents the speech pathology profession in Australia. In 2014, Dr Bowen was awarded an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists in London, United Kingdom. In 2011, she was made a Life Member of Speech Pathology Australia. In 2008, Dr Bowen was made a fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. All these awards recognise professional or scientific achievement, and are bestowed for outstanding contributions to the profession of speech-language pathology. Dr Bowen has the distinction of being the only Australian to be awarded Fellowship/Life Membership to these three speech pathology professional associations and is one of an elite few, in the world, to have received such recognition. In 2000, Dr Bowen was awarded the prestigious Speech Pathology Australia Elinor Wray Award for services to the speech pathology profession, and in recognition of her status as a speech pathologist, Dr Bowen presented the annual Elizabeth Usher Memorial Lecture at the 2003 Speech Pathology Australia convention. Dr Bowen is a founding member of the NSW Private Speech Pathologists’ Association and was made a Life Member of the Association in 1986. Dr Caroline Bowen is a regular speaker, presenter and lecturer, having delivered more than 130 Continuing Professional Development events in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, the Philippines, and the United States of America. In 2005, she undertook the National Tour series of workshops for Speech Pathology Australia and in 2014 conducted a similar series of 27 workshops in five countries and six Australian cities.

Dr Bowen retains on-going appointments as an Honorary Associate in Linguistics at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia; and as an Honorary Research Fellow in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa. Dr Bowen commenced work as a speech pathologist in the New South Wales public sector in 1970. In 1976 she co-founded a private speech pathology practice in Sydney, Australia, which she administered for 28 years. During this time she assessed and treated thousands of children and adolescents with a range of voice, speech, language, fluency, hearing and social communication challenges; and adults with voice disorders. This practice provided her with an appreciation of the important role families play in assessment and therapy, and motivated her to complete a Diploma in Family Therapy from the Family Therapy Institute of Australia, Sydney, in 1989. In 1996, Dr Bowen completed her doctoral studies in the area of intervention for children with phonological disorders (a common

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type of childhood speech difficulty), graduating from Macquarie University in Sydney with a PhD in Clinical Linguistics. Her doctoral research resulted in publication of the Parents and Children Together (PACT) approach to the treatment of speech sound disorders in children. PACT is now an internationally recognised evidence-based treatment that supports collaboration between family, child and speech pathologist. It is a broad-based, family-centred phonological therapy in the course of whose implementation, speech and language pathologist enlist the active participation of parents and significant others. It requires family members to learn technical information and develop novel skills to use, with professional guidance, in relation to their own child and his or her specific speech clarity issues. Dr Bowen lectured at the Post Graduate level at Macquarie University, Department of Linguistics, during the 1990s and into the 2000s. Dr Bowen is a pioneer in the professional use of information and communication technology and social media in speech and language therapy. In 1998, Dr Bowen established a discipline-specific website (http:// speech-language-therapy.com) that provides a wealth of freely available and reliable information for consumers and professionals. The website annually has over 1 million ‘visits’. An extensive range of professional institutions link directly to this website. In 2012, Dr Bowen was awarded the Best Teacher Edublog Award for this site by the online education website, Edublog. In addition, Dr Bowen writes an internet column, “Webwords”, for the “Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology”. “Webwords” has appeared in every issue since 1999, providing topical, balanced and elegantly written critical information about internet resources on a vast range of speech pathology topics. Dr Bowen is the co-administrator of the @WeSpeechies Twitter handle, which in February 2015 had 3154 followers; and tweets herself under the Twitter handle @SpeechWoman. At Feburary 2015, her personal Twitter handle had 5169 followers. Until December 2014, Dr Bowen also administered the “Speech and Therapy” Facebook group.* In 2001, Dr Bowen established the online Phonological Therapy Group (phono-tx) for speech-language professionals to discuss topics relating to “Children’s Speech”. Dr Bowen continues to moderate this online forum of over 9,000 members, which includes clinicians, students, and researchers and academics in speech pathology/speech and language therapy, audiology, linguistics and education. (See https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ phonologicaltherapy/info) Dr Bowen’s academic work, publications and other writing reveal a penetrating critical intellect. This, coupled with an extremely wide knowledge of the research in her field of specialisation, excellent communication skills, and a distinctive intellectual curiosity, invariably stimulates others to join her in her explorations.

Publications by Dr Bowen include four books, three book chapters, and many peer reviewed publications and conference proceedings. Her globally renowned book Children's Speech Sound Disorders (ISBN: 978-1-118-63402-8) is now in its second edition. One of the unique features of this book is that it reflects Dr Bowen’s ability to network and bring professionals and experts together. The book contains essays from 60 internationally respected academicians, clinicians, and researchers; representing the fields of audiology, clinical phonology, family therapy, and speech-language pathology and therapy. Dr Bowen’s first book, Developmental Phonological Disorders: A Practical Guide for Families and Teachers (ISBN: 0864312563), was translated into French, with the sales of the French edition exceeding those of the English publication. Dr Bowen has written extensively about Mr Lionel Logue and his treatment of King George VI’s stutter – given prominence in the Academy Awarding film, The King's Speech . An expert on Lionel Logue, she has consulted on a play and two books about Logue, and was credited by Logue's grandson as “starting the ball rolling” in putting the film's producers in touch with the Logue family. (See www.asha.org) Despite retiring from full-time clinical practice, Dr Bowen regularly serves Speech Pathology Australia behind the scenes on a volunteer basis and continues to provide advice and counsel to many in the profession as a mentor. Dr Bowen is engaged in consultancy for international projects, including professional publication, website content and app development, motion pictures, children's television, and theatre. She remains deeply committed to the issue of Aboriginal reconciliation, and is a part of the relevant community networks within her own region, in the Blue Mountains in NSW. The Board of Directors and the membership of Speech Pathology Australia therefore have no hesitation in wholeheartedly supporting this nomination of Dr Caroline Bowen for The Order of Australia.

Update: At February 2018, the @WeSpeechies Twitter handle had 10,113 followers and @SpeechWoman has 10,446 followers.

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Celebrating the highlights of 2017

IT WAS A YEAR OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR SPEECH PATHOLOGY AUSTRALIA AND ITS BURGEONING MEMBERSHIP. JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF MEMBERS, THE ASSOCIATION AND INDUSTRY PARTNERS.

Association growth

Strategic Plan 2017−2019 In May, the Association’s Board approved the release of the Speech Pathology Australia Strategic Plan 2017-2019. The plan encapsulates the aspirations, visions and hopes of the speech pathology profession in Australia. The strategic plan is the first step on the journey to implement the vision outlined in the Speech Pathology 2030 project. In the

Record-breaking membership

8409 members!

plan, the project’s eight aspirations under grouped under three key platforms: our voice, our philosophy, and our workforce. Each of these platforms are underpinned by three interconnected components: aspirations, goals and initiatives.

o u r v o i c e

Communication accessible communities

o u r w o r k f o r c e

Diverseand dynamic workforce

Access for all

Effective communication and safeswallowing – a right forall Australians throughout their life

Quality, innovation and knowledge

Timely services across the lifespan

Collaborative professional partnerships

Clientsand communities driving service delivery

Skilled and confident families and carers

Digital world In 2017, the Speech Pathology Australia website received 1,691,109 page views. The Association’s Twitter handle @SpeechPathAus secured 8963 followers and its Facebook page 17,058 likes. Added to this are the 2905 followers the Association’s Instagram account garners. The Association also supports 17 member-only Facebook groups or communities.

o u r p h i l o s o p h y

CPD Live events A total of 41 Branch Professional Development events ran in 2016 with 1339 registrations, plus eight live and ten recorded CPD online events attracted 200 registrations for Live events and 1691 registrations for recordings. Awards In 2017, the Association awarded Life Membership to Associate Professor Janet Baker. Fellowship of Speech Pathology Australia was awarded to Dr Elise Baker, Associate Professor Bronwyn Davidson, Associate Professor Patricia Eadie, and Dr Belinda Kenny. The Service to the Association awards was granted to Maureen Liddy and Leanne Sorbello. International affairs Two important meetings were convened to coincide with the 2017 ASHA Congress in Los Angeles. In the first, a new Mutual Recognition Agreement was signed by the six “member” country associations, which includes Speech Pathology Australia. At the second meeting, the International Communication Project, of which the Association is a founding member, discussed planning for possible side events to coincide with the UN Conference of State Parties to the Convention of the Rights of People with Disabilities and/or a meeting of the UN Human Rights Council during 2018.

Book of the year Five books and their author/

illustrators were celebrated as part of the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year 2017 awards, held in Brisbane in partnership with the State Library of Queensland. Over 150 children’s books were nominated in 2017.

Professional development Dr Tanya Serry presented a “sell-out” 2017 Speech Pathology Australian National Tour, titled “Speech Pathology in the literacy domain: From prevention to intervention”. In 2017, the Association conducted over 65 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) events, 13 CPD live online events (three were free for members), and offered access to over 20 recorded CPD webinars. National Conference The Speech Pathology Australian National Conference was held in Sydney in May at the new International Convention Centre and drew over 1000 delegates from across Australia and the world.

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Accolades In November, Dr Dimity Dornan AO was named Senior Australian of the Year 2018 for Queensland as part of the Australian of the Year nominations. Rosalie Martin, former Tasmanian Branch Chair, was the Tasmanian Australian of the Year for 2017. Public awareness campaigns As part of Speech Pathology Week in August 2017, the Association launched Communication Access Alliance to work towards the goal of producing National Standards for communication Access. The initial meeting of the Alliance drew 25 representatives from across 17 organisations. Swallowing Awareness Day 2007 was held on 15 March. Advocacy In October 2017, the Association was able to reverse the decision of South Australia Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) to remove speech pathology from its service. CAMHS now retains a specialised speech pathology service of 3.0 EFT Senior Level positions. The NDIS specified that a number of professions (including speech pathology) must hold current membership of their relevant professional association, i.e., speech pathologists must hold practicing membership with Speech Pathology Australia, in order to register as an NDIS provider. South Australia’s Department of Education and Child Development announced additional funding for literacy which includes hiring an extra 10 speech pathologists to work in schools and preschools.

and to assist with professional development and advocacy opportunities. The Speech Pathology in Schools Resource is a 48-page booklet, which is available in two formats from the Association’s website. Communication milestones With the assistance and leadership of its Queensland Branch, the Association released the Communication Milestones Kit for parents and carers. The kit provides information about the role of speech pathologists and assists parents and carers unsure about whether their child is having difficulty with his or her speech, language and communication.

Communication milestones

Understanding and speaking “between the flags”

At 2 years children can usually...

At 12 months children can usually... • understand about 10words • respond to their name • recognise greetings and gestures, such as ‘hi’ and ‘bye-bye’ • recognise a few familiar people and objects (e.g.,mummy,blankie, teddy) • make eye contact. • start to use sounds,gestures,and say a fewwords • continue to babble • copy different sounds and noises.

At 18 months children can usually... • understand up to 50words and some short phrases • follow simple instructions (e.g., ‘throw the ball’) • point to familiar objectswhen named • point to some pictures in familiar books. • say 6 to 20 singlewords – some easier to understand than others,but becoming more consistent • copy lots ofwords and noises • name a few body parts • use objects in pretend play (e.g.,hold toy phone to their ear and say ‘hello?’). At 4 years children can usually... • answermost questions about daily tasks • understandmostwh-questions, including those about a story they have recently heard • understand some numbers • show an awareness that some words start or finishwith the same sounds. • usewords,such as ‘and’,‘but’ and ‘because’, tomake longer sentences • describe recent events,such as morning routines • ask lots of questions • use personal pronouns (e.g., he/she,me/you) and negations (e.g.,don’t/can’t) • count to five and name a few colours.

Children learn to communicate by interactingwith early childhood educators, family,and friends. This poster showswhen,and how children develop communication skills.Early childhood educators and speech pathologists can support children to build their communication and keep them developing“between the flags”. We canwork together to: • find outwhich children are understanding and speaking “between the flags” • create communication-supporting learning spaces • help childrenwith a range of communication needs. Speech pathologists can also provide therapy to help childrenwith: • understanding and using pictures,symbols,signs,gestures, Please speak to parents about their child’s communication as soon as you have any concerns.Get advice from Speech PathologyAustralia by phoning 1300 368 835. Work togetherwith a speech pathologist in your area. You can contact speech pathologists: • through local community health centres and not-for-profit organisations • by calling or emailing private practices. Try searching for speech pathology services online,or at www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au (click on ‘Find a Speech Pathologist’). Language and cultural differences Children from different backgrounds, includingAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds,may usewords differently when learning English.Thismay not be a problem. Always encourage families to use the language(s) at home that they are comfortable speaking. Childrenwho are learning English needmeaningful language experiences through stories,music,nursery rhymes,play and LOTS of repetition. If you’re unsure about their progress, checkwith a speech pathologist. speech sounds,words and sentences • taking turns andmaking eye contact • building skills for later reading and spelling • stuttering,voice and feeding difficulties. Don’t “wait and see”

• follow simple two part instructions (e.g.,‘giveme the ball and the car’) • respond to simplewh-questions,such as ‘what’ and ‘where’ • point to several body parts and pictures in bookswhen named • understandwhen an object is ‘in’ and ‘on’ something. • saymore than 50 singlewords • put twowords together (e.g.,‘bye teddy’, ‘no ball’) • use their tone of voice to ask a question (e.g.,‘teddy go?’) • say ‘no’when they do notwant something • usemost vowel sounds and a variety of consonants (m,n,p,b,k,g,h,w, t,d) • start to use ‘mine’ and ‘my’.

Get face-to-face withme whenwe communicate.

When you talk tome,WAIT forme to respond before you saymore.

understanding

understanding

understanding

..

speaking

speaking

speaking

At 3 years children can usually... • followmore complex two part instructions (e.g.,giveme the teddy and throw the ball) • understand simplewh-questions,such as ‘what’,‘where’ and ‘who’ • understand the conceptsof ‘same’ and ‘different’ • sort items into groupswhen asked (e.g., toys vs food) • recognise some basic colours. • say four to fivewords in a sentence • use a variety ofwords for names, actions, locations and descriptions • ask questions using ‘what’,‘where’ and ‘who’ • talk about something in the past, butmay use ‘-ed’ a lot (e.g.,‘he goed there’) • have a conversation,butmay not take turns or stay on topic.

At 5 years children can usually...

No need to always read the whole book. Talk about pictures that interestme.

• follow three part instructions (e.g.,put on your shoes,get your backpack and line up outside) • understand time relatedwords (e.g., ‘before’,‘after’,‘now’ and ‘later’) • start thinking about themeaning ofwords when learning • understand instructionswithout stopping to listen • begin to recognise some letters,sounds and numbers. • usewell formed sentences to be understood bymost people • take turns in increasingly longer conversations • tell simple,short storieswith a beginning, middle and end • use past and future verbs correctly (e.g., ‘went’,‘will go’) • usemost speech sounds,but stillmay have difficultieswith ‘s’,‘r’,‘l’ and ‘th’.

Figure out what Iwant to say,and put it intowords for me.

understanding

understanding

understanding

speaking

speaking

speaking

www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

To download this poster as handy information sheets visitwww.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/milestones

Diversity to the fore In October the inaugural meeting of the Association’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee took place. The committee meets quarterly and is tasked with embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait values in relation to culture, land and history into the values and business of the Association. In addition, the committee is working on the development of the Association’s Reconciliation Action Plan. Videos galore As part of the promotion of Speech Pathology Week 2017, the Association produced a series of seven videos. In the period 20−31 August, these videos were viewed over 169,000 times!

New publication In November, the Association had its estimate of the number of Australians living with a communication disability “officially” endorsed. With the release of the new Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publication, Australians Living with Communication Disability , came confirmation that 1.2 million

Australians have a communication disability. The release of the new publication follows a prolonged advocacy effort by the Association to convince the ABS of the value and need for it. Australians Living with Communication Disability plus all the relevant data may be accessed via www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/abs Speech pathologists in schools In October, the Association released a series of resources for speech pathologists who work or wish to work in schools. The resources are designed to inform a speech pathologist’s practice

With thanks… In May 2017 Robyn Stephen stepped down from the Association’s Board of Directors. Robyn was a director for over six years, including time as Vice- President Operations, Vice- President Communications, and a member of a number of key committees.

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February 2018 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Speak Out

Policy & advocacy THROUGHOUT 2017 WE HAVE FOCUSED ON ENGAGING WITH KEY STAKEHOLDERS REGARDING IMPORTANT POLICY AND FUNDING ISSUES AND REACTING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MAJOR REFORMS, SUCH AS THE NDIS. IN OCTOBER, WE SADLY SAID GOODBYE TO RONELLE HUTCHINSON, MANAGER POLICY AND ADVOCACY, WHO LEFT TO UNDERTAKE A NEW ROLE AT PWC; WE WELCOMED HER SUCCESSOR, MARK SMITH, TO THE ASSOCIATION IN JANUARY. 2017 in review

Advocating to elected officials We have been extremely busy meeting with elected public officials in both federal, state and territory parliaments regarding a number of issues, for example, speech pathology services in South Australia’s CAMHS and education sector, but most of the meetings we attended related to issues regarding the NDIS; two in particular. Mealtime support A significant advocacy campaign resulted from the NDIA’s decision to cease funding mealtime support services from speech pathologists for NDIS Participants. Representatives from the NDIA informed us of this decision at a meeting in May and we subsequently wrote to all state/territory and federal Ministers for Health and Disability requesting to meet to discuss its impact within each jurisdiction. We either met with, spoke to, or received written responses, from all jurisdictions (apart from Victoria) as well as the federal Minister for Health and federal Assistant Minister for Disabilities. The general consensus was that mealtime support should remain under Disability for funding and provision of supports. We have since requested further dialogue with the NDIA as there is still a lack of clarity regarding this issue for providers, planners and participants alike. Augmentative and alternative communication – Assistive technology (ACC AT) In response to members’ reported concerns regarding inconsistencies with the NDIS and access to AAC AT, we wrote to the NDIA requesting a review of the AAC AT system and for the NDIA to use a co-design approach that includes input from expert bodies such as SPA. A meeting took place with the NDIA in December and we’re pleased to report that SPA has been invited to participate in a workshop in February 2018. We expect that much of our advocacy efforts will continue to be dominated by the NDIS in 2018, not only in our pursuit for satisfactory outcomes for the above, but we also anticipate further implementation issues as roll-out continues.

Other policy and advocacy work in a nutshell Submissions − we made 27 written submissions.

Meetings − we met with over 14 elected Members of Parliament and/or their advisors, held a number of other meetings with government department representatives, and the NDIA. Hearings − in response to our consultation submissions, we were invited to appear at four key Committee hearings: • Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme’s Inquiry into provision of services under the NDIS Early Childhood Early Intervention Approach, • Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme’s Inquiry into the Transitional Arrangements for the NDIS, • Senate Community Affairs References Committee’s Inquiry into the delivery of outcomes under the National Disability Strategy 2010−2020 to build inclusive and accessible communities, • The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport’s Inquiry into Hearing Health and Wellbeing of Australia. Reports − SPA was referenced in a number of major reports with many incorporating some of our submission recommendations: • Legislated Review of Aged Care, • NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the Education of Students with a Disability or Special Need in NSW Schools, • Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into National Education Evidence Base, • Australian Law Reform Commission’s National Legal Response to Elder Abuse, • The Senate Community Affairs References Committee Future of Australia’s aged care sector workforce.

MARK SMITH joins Speech Pathology Australia as the new Manager, Policy and Advocacy in the National Office in Melbourne. Mark has worked in various areas of the health sector, initially clinically as an ICU nurse, moving to executive management roles in several Adelaide hospitals. Following time in the university sector, Mark moved to primary health care and held several policy and advocacy roles in Melbourne. Most recently he has been working in general practice training with RACGP and General Practice Registrars Australia. Mark is pleased to be back in the policy and advocacy area. He looks foward to working with the rest of the team to ensure speech pathology receives the recognition it deserves across the various sectors and jurisdictions through the identification of key policy, advocacy and representational opportunities for the Association, whilst building and maintaining stakeholder relationships within the political, government and community context that are of strategic importance for the speech pathology profession. Mark joins the SPA team

Contact Mark at policy@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au.

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February 2018 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Speak Out

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