Speak Out April 2016

association news

On 16 September, Speech Pathology Australia was invited to present to the Select Committee on Access to South Australian Education System for Students with a Disability. This invitation follows the Association having made a comprehensive submission to the Inquiry in September 2015. Informed by the knowledge and experience of SA members concerning current services, as well as recent research which mapped the NAPLAN results for students with speech and language problems (including specific data for SA children), the submission was able to address a wide range of issues and current shortcomings. SPA was represented at the hearing by National President, Gaenor Dixon, Director Tim Kittel, and CEO, Gail Mulcair. The chair of the Select Committee is Hon Kelly Vincent, member of the SA Legislative Council and representing the Disability with Dignity Party, who together with other members of the Select Committee, has heard previous representations from the Association and therefore are cognisant of the role of speech pathology and the issues and challenges in effectively maximising educational outcomes for children with communication disability. In this context however we were able to present some pertinent and wide ranging recommendations, which we hope will be integrated into the final report of the Select Committee. For access to the September 2015 submission go to www. speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/library/SPA%20 Feedback%20SA%20Inquiry%20Students%20with%20 Disability%20final.pdf Select committee Students with disability

Top: SPA Chief Executive Officer Gail Mulcair, SPA President Gaenor Dixon and SPA Director Tim Kittel. (Select Committee Chair Hon. Kelly Vincent.

7

Speak Out April 2016

www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au