Speak Out October 2017

Speech Pathology Week August 2017

Communication Accessible Communities Forum

DURING SPEECH PATHOLOGY WEEK , the Association hosted a highly successful Communication Accessible Communities Forum on Thursday 24 August 2017, in line with the SPW theme: “Communication Access – Everyone gets the message!” The context of the forum included one of the key aspirations of the Speech Pathology 2030 vision, that being, for there to be Communication Accessible Communities. This aspiration is also reflected in Speech Pathology Australia’s new strategic plan (2017- 2019) which includes the goal that communication inclusivity and accessibility is recognised by government and the community. To this end, Speech Pathology Australia’s hope is that, fostering an Australian level collaboration of organisations with an interest and commitment to communication inclusivity and accessibility, will support this goal and future advocacy efforts. The broad purpose of the forum was to discuss forming an ongoing collaborative, with an initial aim of developing a national consensus on what we mean by communication access and to form a clear advocacy position. A further aim is to create national standards in the area of communication accessibility which can be promoted to government and local community and service organisations. We were delighted to have 25 representatives across 17 separate

organisations and stakeholders participate in the forum, which provided not only a very broad perspective of communication access, but also very rich feedback on how real change can be achieved. The following points summarise the discussion and future directions: • There was an identified need for a strong overarching vision and collaborative effort to ensure change. • A key to informing future work will be the participation and experiences of those with a communication disability. • Efforts must be driven from a human rights perspective and to build awareness and respect around communication differences. • The ability to extend on existing work, to progress towards a national strategy and standards was acknowledged, along with the potential to work towards international recognition of a communication access symbol. • The need for identified goals to be outcomes focused and drive real change in communication access for all within services, policy and programs, was strongly reinforced. There was strong support from many of the organisations involved to meet again and progress this work. Updates will be provided as plans and strategies are developed.

Deciphering Dysphagia with Ampcare ESP™ (effective swallowing protocol )

Gail Mulcair Chief Executive Officer

ESP™ the latest clinical approach to treat Dysphagia

Do more in 30 minutes

To find out more email matt@durmed.com.au

10

October 2017 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Speak Out