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INTERNATIONAL POWER WORKSHOP COMING TO AUSTRALIA!

Sensory Tools is pleased to present the acclaimed POWER workshop: Sensory Defensiveness A Comprehensive Treatment Approach Presented by Dr. Julia Wilbarger PhD, OTR & Patricia Wilbarger M.Ed., FAOTA, OTR - Coming up in August 2014: This two-day workshop, presented by renowned international speakers, is acknowledged throughout the world as one of the most powerful and cutting-edge treatment courses that specifically address issues associated with Sensory Processing Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADD/ADHD, Learning Difficulties, Behavioural and other developmental challenges. Melbourne: 2 & 3 August 2014 Sydney: 9 & 10 August 2014 2.5 day course $795 (early bird rate) Register now at http://shopau.sensorytools.net/

Ph: (02) 4578 6123 Fax: (02) 4578 6115 www.sensorytools.net e: salesau@sensorytools.net

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The Dysphagia Project

Dysphagia is common in adults with developmental disability and is associated with significant health risks, yet there is room for improvement in organisational responses to dysphagia support in the Victorian disability sector. An interest in improving dysphagia management for adults with developmental disability, and influencing strategy at an organisational level, led to “the Dysphagia Project” – an initiative of Scope, in partnership with Able Australia and Yooralla. A consultation with adults with dysphagia, family members, support workers and allied health professionals was conducted to identify what “good practice” in mealtime support means. The results of the consultation, which involved focus groups, interviews and a questionnaire, revealed

overwhelming support for a range of service improvements including mandatory training for support workers, dysphagia policy and incident reporting procedures. Among other recommendations, the need for ongoing opportunities for learning and development for support workers was highlighted as a priority. The project has raised the profile of dysphagia as an important health issue for people with disability in the participating organisations. It has also provided a springboard for promoting and implementing organisational improvements in dysphagia management. A practical outcome of the project has been the development of the Quality Mealtime Support Training Resource, designed for use by speech pathologists

in mealtime assistance training. The resource, in the form of a disc, includes training activity ideas, handouts and an MP4 video which describes key features of dysphagia, including animations to illustrate the difference between choking and aspiration. Comments from people with disability, a support worker, parent and service coordinator provide different perspectives on mealtime support and highlight the importance of a team approach. For more information about the project and resource please contact Scope. Rosie Miller Coordinator, Dysphagia Project, Scope rmiller@scopevic.org.au

Meredith Prain, PhD Able Australia

Janet Wilson Yooralla

Speak Out June 2014

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www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au