RAP Speech Pathology Australia

Our partnerships/current activities Community partnerships

Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) (https://iaha.com.au/) is a national, not for profit member based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander allied health organisation which includes speech pathologists among its membership. Speech Pathology Australia has worked closely with IAHA in a number of contexts. IAHA has been engaged as training consultants and will provide cultural responsiveness training to members across Australia. They have provided input to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Curriculum in Speech Pathology group, and hold a position on the Speech Pathology Australia Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee. The Association supports the IAHA conference through the provision of scholarships for attendance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander speech pathology students. Eligible student members are approached via email and invited to apply. These scholarships are administered by IAHA. Our commitment The rights of Indigenous peoples are set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Speech Pathology Australia recognises the ongoing connection to lands, waters and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia. We recognise the negative impacts of colonisation on their health, wellbeing, and traditional languages. We recognise that language and culture are inextricably linked, and crucial to holistic health and wellbeing. The Association is committed to a process of reconciliation and addressing the inequities faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our Reconciliation Action Plan sets out our aims to: • facilitate two-way relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the speech pathology profession; • build knowledge of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges, cultures, lands and histories amongst our members and staff; • demonstrate value and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in all Association policies; and • provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to lead within the profession and within the business of the Association. The Association commits to supporting this plan through the development of a communication plan and provision of resources and funding to ensure effective and timely implementation of deliverables.

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