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June 2016 Speak Out 45
The New And Aspiring Speechies (NAAS)
committee held a successful first professional
development event of 2016. Over twenty Speech
Pathology students and new graduates came
together at Flinders University for an open
discussion as a part of the 2030 Conversation
about the Future project. This gave participants
opportunities to discuss their aspirations, concerns
and ideas thereby shaping how the speech
pathology profession will respond to change over
the next decade. Prior to the event, participants
were encouraged to read the stimulus paper to
prompt and guide their thinking around current
economic and health trends and possible topics.
The night kicked off with nibbles, refreshments
and a chance for students and new graduates
to reconnect and network. The friendly and open
atmosphere enabled participants to freely engage
in in-depth conversations about the future. To
commence, Cathy Clark, the chairman of the South
Australian branch of Speech Pathology Australia,
facilitated dynamic discussions. These discussions
were around topics such as current barriers to
rural and remote service delivery, reducing the
stigma of disability and increasing participation
within the wider community, the scope of Speech
Pathology and the potential impact and integration
of technological advances on professional practice.
Small groups were formed to have conversations
and complete feedback forms. The pre-reading
stimulus paper proved to help initiate these
conversations across multiple areas of practice.
Overall the night was a fun, informative and eye-
opening way for students and new-graduates to
get together and be a part of the dynamic future of
Speech Pathology. The next exciting NAAS event
is scheduled for June focusing on the Professional
Self-Regulation point system. We look forward to
meeting new and current members in our future
events. To keep up to date with these events,
please visit the New And Aspiring Speechies
(NAAS) Facebook page
groups/1570257433207981/.
Kathryn McHugh and Lisa Divett (NAAS
committee members)
south
Australia
SA 515
Members
as at April 2016
As a speech pathology student who is midway into
completing my course, I am eager to branch away from
my textbooks and begin exploring my future as a speech
pathologist. Sometimes this can be difficult to envision while
trying to balance a heavy study load with the demands of
life, however, after volunteering at the Pregnancy, Babies and
Children’s Expo I can say with great confidence I have chosen
a career path that is rewarding and progressive. Being provided
with the opportunity to interact with expo attendees and
present them with information focusing on all aspects of speech
pathology and child development has been an experience
invaluable to my studies.
I have gained a wealth of information while having the pleasure
of volunteering alongside practising speech pathologists and
students who have a strong passion for their profession.
Resonating with this were the flood of positive comments many
attendees shared with me, most often stating how a “speech
pathologist changed my child’s life”. The impact of statements
like this embraces the gifts of speech and language that us
as professionals not only provide children and their families
with, but everyone whom they come into contact with. I am
greatly appreciative of my encounters at the expo and would
highly recommend to everyone to express your interest in
volunteering—the experience is advantageous.
Olivia Quick
New and aspiring speechies
2030 Conversation about the Future
The Advantages of Volunteering