Speak Out April 2018

From the President

As you read this, National Conference is fast approaching – can you believe it is already next month? I hope that you are planning on attending and have had the opportunity to have a look at the program – there are many exciting options – and once again, I find it very hard to select which sessions to attend. The social program and exhibition are also enticing. I look forward to seeing you there. At the conference, there will be a forum on the Association’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). As you may be aware the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee has met several times since their formation last year. In their first meeting, a smaller group was formed to commence developing the RAP. This group, consisting of: Tara Lewis, Eddie Ong, Alice Robbins, Cori Williams, Gail Mulcair, Michael Kerrisk, Stacey Baldac and myself, have met and started to consider the broad areas that the Association needs to address in a RAP. We will be seeking member feedback to the development of the plan after this forum. As the rollout of the NDIS continues across the country, there is still information being released about future directions of the program. As I write, the Association is active and strongly advocating, both on its own and together with other allied health professions, in relation to the recently released Independent Pricing Review. The Association is also keeping a close eye on the developments and requirements around Early Intervention supports, the NDIA's National Quality and Safeguarding Framework and has been proactively working around AT provision. There are many resources available on the website on our NDIS page. We will also keep you updated through social media and e-news as we work through these important issues. This month, there will be voting for two important Boards that lead the Association. There will be voting for four Speech Pathology Australia Board Director positions. The Board sets the strategic direction of the Association and maintains governance of the functions of the Association. There will also be voting for the Ethics Board. The Ethics Board has a role in ensuring the ethical standards of our profession are upheld. It is also a proactive committee providing advice to the Speech Pathology Australia Board on

ethical matters, developing activities to support the membership in meeting the ethical standards and investigating ethical complaints made against members. Both Boards have a vital role in the profession in Australia, and I encourage you to participate in selecting the people that you wish to lead the profession into the next decade. Swallowing Awareness Day was held last month, and this edition of Speak Out has some of the activities that happened around the country. The initiative raises awareness of the importance of safe mealtimes for all, and the role that speech pathologists play in supporting safe and enjoyable eating and drinking. Thank you for your participation – I look forward to seeing more activities next year. And while we’re discussing raising awareness, it is only four months until Speech Pathology Week. What activities are you planning around the theme “Communication Access is access for all”? Last month also saw the commencement of the National Tour with Natalie Munro providing an update on Preschool and Early School-age Language, with a focus on intensity of support and pragmatics. CPD events are being held in each state, as are webinars through the CPD Live Online (available both live and as a recorded event). For further information please head to our website. The Association continues its work on moving towards the vision of 2030, with work continuing with the Communication Access Alliance, working on accessible communication for all. Earlier this year a special issue of the IJSLP was published celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the UN Declaration of Human Rights, with a focus on communication as a human right. We continue to advocate for services in the aged care sector and in justice and mental health, and through our work with the NDIS. We are collaborating with a range of other professions and organisations through the National Early Language and Literacy Coalition. You will be able to find out more about the work of the Association at National Conference, through the Annual General Meeting. If you are attending please have a chat to find out more from me, any of the directors or National Office staff. I look forward to meeting with you there!

Gaenor Dixon

Gaenor Dixon National President

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April 2018 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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