Speak Out Digital Edition June 2016

New and aspiring speechies 2030 Conversation about the Future

south Australia

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)

SA 515 Members as at April 2016

The Advantages of Volunteering

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

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June 2016 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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