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June 2016 Speak Out 49
Public Ambassador Melinda Schneider with Nordoff Robbins KeyWord
Sign Choir.
New south wales
NSW 1964
Members
as at April 2016
The Australian Dysphonia Network Inc, was formally
established in January 2016 and aims to support and advocate
for people whose lives are impacted by a voice disorder. Difficult
to diagnose, difficult to understand, and often difficult to manage,
dysphonia can affect all aspects of a person’s life including their
general health and wellbeing. Yet, until now there has been
little local support, opportunity to share experiences, or general
awareness of voice disorders.
The ADN was founded by Louise Bale who has been living with
mixed spasmodic dysphonia for the past 11 years. Louise felt the
need to give voice to those living with all forms of chronic voice
disorders, recognising that regardless of the diagnosis, the impact
of life with dysphonia was just as challenging. In October 2015,
she hosted ‘Dysphonia - Let’s talk about it’, an independent, one-
day conference in Sydney for people living with a voice disorder,
their partners, friends, and voice health professionals. At this
event, the plan for an Australian network run by, and for people
with voice disorders was born.
Each current member of the ADN committee lives with some form
of dysphonia. This ensures a deep understanding of the impact
it can have on everyday functioning, relationships, careers and
social participation.
Although newly established, the ADN has very clear aims for
the future, including (a) providing support for people affected by
a voice disorder, their families and friends, (b) increasing public
awareness of dysphonia and voice care, (c) raising awareness
and educating GPs and other health practitioners to aid in early
diagnosis and better management, and (d) funding research into
the causes, management and psycho-social impact of voice
disorders. The ADN is also keen to advocate for environmental
considerations, (for example the impact of noisy public places), as
well as the needs of voice disordered people in the workplace.
World Voice Day, held globally on 16 April provided the perfect
backdrop against which to launch the ADN and to open up
discussion about dysphonia. This was made possible with Public
Ambassadors Ms Paula Duncan, Actor/Disabilities Advocate,
and Country Singer/Songwriter Melinda Schneider agreeing to
represent ADN, to highlight that voice and being heard is a basic
need for all of us.
To celebrate the magic of the human voice and further spread the
word on dysphonia, the ADN partnered with the Australian Voice
Association and the World Voice Day Australia working group to
host two vocal variety concerts in Sydney. ‘Voices-in-the-Valley’ at
Penrith Panthers, and ‘Sing it Sydney’ at Paddington Town Hall,
each provided hours of entertainment as well as an opportunity to
highlight the importance of voice to everyone. Each concert was
inclusive of marginalised groups, community choirs, and children
who all shared the stage with a great line up of professional artists,
highlighting the joy that having a voice and being heard brings, no
matter who you are.
More information about ADN Inc can be found at www.
and on the ADN’s facebook page.
Louise Bale (President) and Ellie Marrone (Secretary)
Dysphonia - Let’s Talk about it, with
the Australian Dysphonia Network Inc
Sheridan Gaudry with Riverlands Harmony Chorus.