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June 2016

www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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

www.facebook.com/

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