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BRANCH news western australia

Communication Matters : Raising Awareness of a Silent Disability in Residential Aged Care Settings

The WA Branch has been working hard over the past 18 months on a very special and important strategic project, aiming to raise awareness of communication impairment in residential aged care settings. A dynamic working party was formed, comprising Asher Verheggen, Ashleigh Pascoe, Gerri Harris, Virginia Paradiso, Alana Watts, Marguerite Maggiore, and Jade Cartwright. As a group, we originally set out to conduct a paper- based campaign, however recognised how little promotional material is actually read, particularly by time poor facility managers. Gerri encouraged the group to dream bigger and create a promotional film to ensure maximal reach of the awareness raising campaign via a more engaging and emotive medium. Together the working party articulated the vision and key messages for the film, submitted a project brief and budget submission to the Board of Speech Pathology Australia, wrote the script, and engaged the services of Clint Logan (Producer, Sandbox Post Production) to turn our vision into a high quality product. The film, Communication Matters , was completed in August 2014, just in time to launch during SPWeek 2014. The film is now available via the Association’s YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=2WPyp2wNZ08&list =UUFuFtf5ToadX1zD0D0CfODw . The working party would like to extend huge thanks to Catholic Homes Inc for

Board of Directors. This demonstrates that ageing and aged care issues are firmly on the national agenda. The project also shows what can be achieved at a Branch level with a strong shared vision and collaborative effort. Now that the film is complete, the WA Branch will send a copy of the film on DVD to every residential aged care facility in WA as the first stage of the awareness raising campaign. The Branch hopes that this will inspire an increased focus on the importance of communication for residents and greater understanding that with time, creativity, and support, communication can and should be improved. Please share the link with your family, friends, colleagues, and professional networks and help spread the important message that communication matters and should be a priority for all, irrespective of a person’s age, place of residence, or circumstances. When sharing the link via social media we encourage use of the following hashtags: #communicationmatters , #agedcare , and #ICP2014 . We hope that the film is a useful education, advocacy and awareness raising tool for the profession and would love to receive feedback from those of you who view and share the film with others. Please send your comments to: speechpathologywa@gmail.com .

A scene from the Communication Matters video.

allowing us to shoot the footage at one of their facilities. The film crew created quite a buzz around the facility, with many residents excitedly consenting to be part of the project. The residents were up early to have their makeup done and enjoyed being interviewed and filmed going about their daily activities. Very special thanks goes to Trisha and Bob, two family members who shared their stories to capture the immense impact that communication impairment Thanks also to Professor Beth Armstrong, Virginia Paradiso’s daughter Mia, members of the working party, and staff at Catholic Homes who also feature in the film. Special recognition goes to Davilia O’Connor, a talented local Perth actor who gave the poignant narration for the film. Davilia expressed a strong personal connection to the script, which really shone through and brought the script to life. This project would not have been possible without the financial assistance and continued support of SPA and the can have on a resident’s identity, everyday life, and relationships.

Jade Cartwright Vice President, WA Branch, SPA

Conference Manager via email conference@ speechpathologyaustralia.org.au . Applications close Friday 31 October 2014 . 2016 Conference Convenor Speech Pathology Australia is pleased to announce that Michelle Quail has been appointed 2016 Conference Convenor and looks forward to a successful National Conference in Perth.

Call for 2016 Conference Planning Committee

Speech Pathology Australia is now calling for expressions of interest from WA members for a position on the 2016 National Conference Planning Committee. Expressions of interest should include a covering letter stating relevant experience and a curriculum vitae to support the application. The application should be submitted to Pamela Richards, National

Speak Out October 2014

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www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au