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Speak Out
April 2017
www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.auSwallowing Awareness Day
BEING AN EXCELLENT
speech pathologist means more than
just understanding the scientific underpinnings of a disorder. When
working with an individual with dysphagia, an understanding of
your client’s concerns, experiences and perspectives is critical for
holistic, patient-centred practice. For this reason the Master of
Speech Pathology students at The University of Melbourne decided
to spend Swallowing Awareness Day participating in a thickened
fluid challenge. Students were required to consume thickened
fluids for one day to gain insight into the daily reality faced by many
people living with dysphagia.
“
Drinking only thickened fluids was a lot more challenging than I
expected. It was a very valuable experience and gave me a greater
appreciation for the challenges people with dysphagia face every
day.
” – Kaitlyn McCarthy, first year Master of Speech Pathology
Student
“
The experience was a great reminder of some of the difficulties
that people with a swallowing impairment face daily; unlike myself
they don’t have the luxury of simply reverting back to regular foods
whenever they feel the need
.” – Lauren Alley, final year Master of
Speech Pathology.
Megan Keage
Lecturer in Speech Pathology, The University of Melbourne
ABOVE: First year Master of Speech Pathology students from The
University of Melbourne. AT RIGHT: Final year students, Iris Lee,
Sophia Houng, Dominique Curran, Paul Lau, Laura Santoso and
Rishni Perera. Clinical educators – Catherine Keating and Scott
McNabb.
On the 15 March Vic Branch celebrated Swallowing Awareness
Day at a restaurant evening that involved eating cheese, drinking
wine and discussing the implications of Dysphagia, whilst raising
awareness. A fun night was had by all that attended.
Students gain insight into the everyday reality of
dysphagia
VIC branch
celebrates