SP Week Booklet 2023_WEB

Speech Pathology Week 2023 20–26 AUGUST

What is Speech Pathology Week? Each year Speech Pathology Australia hosts Speech Pathology Week to raise awareness of those in our community who have a communication disability . The week highlights the important role that speech pathologists play in assisting Australians with communication disability. Communication skills underpin the ability to read and write, get a job, and enjoy family and friends.

Speech pathologists work with people to change lives and build opportunities .

www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/week

Communicating for life The theme for Speech Pathology Week 2023 is ‘Communicating for life’ . Highlighting the vital role speech pathologists play in supporting quality of life across the lifespan . Moreover, we want to emphasise the unique skills, competence, and qualities of our Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) members . This parallel theme emphasises the importance of seeking services from a CPSP for quality and safety , as well as the significance of employing CPSPs.

www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/week

Y OU

CAN NOTA LWAYS SEECOMM UNICATION DISABILITY

Communication disability is invisible to most Australians. Unseen and out-of-sight.

What is a speech pathologist? Speech pathologists study , diagnose and treat communication disorders, including difficulties with speech, language, social communication, fluency and voice. Speech pathologists work with people who have difficulty communicating because of developmental delays, a learning or intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, autism, brain injury, stroke, dementia, hearing loss, as well as other problems that can affect speech and language. People who experience difficulties swallowing food and drink safely can also be helped by a speech pathologist. Speech pathologists work in a variety of settings including health services, aged care, early childhood,

education and care services, justice and mental health services, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander services, telepractice and speech pathology clinics.

www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/what

Communication disability in Australia*

Communication disability affects a person’s ability to understand and be understood by others. Levels of limitation range from mild to profound and can be temporary or last a lifetime. Communication disabilities can range from mild to severe and can impact on the way a person participates in family life, education, the workforce, and the wider community. There are an estimated 1.2 million Australians with communication disability. People with communication disability are less likely to have qualifications additional to school (42%) than people without communication disability (61%). Thirty-eight per cent (38%) of people with communication disability are participating in the labour force compared with eighty per cent (80%) of people without communication disability.

www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/disability

*Australian Bureau of Statistics (www.abs.gov.au)

Find a speech pathologist

Speak with your GP, child health nurse, or use the Find a Speech Pathologist search on the Speech Pathology Australia website (use the URL at the bottom of this page). You do not need a referral to see a speech pathologist. Public speech pathology services are generally free , though there may be a co-payment. Private speech pathologists determine their own fees, though there may be access to NDIS , Medicare and private health insurance rebates . Speech Pathology Australia does not have a recommended schedule of fees for speech pathologists.

www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/ find

Become a speech pathologist Speech pathologists are university trained professionals. In Australia, to become a speech pathologist you must complete a university degree in speech pathology. This usually means completing a Bachelor course if you are entering university from high school; or a Masters course, if you already have a university qualification. Degrees are offered in all states of Australia . Check the Speech Pathology Australia website for a list of recognised courses . Then contact the universities for information about enrolment requirements.

www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/become

Speech Pathology Australia Speech Pathology Australia is the national professional association for speech pathologists in Australia. With over 14,000 members , the Association supports and regulates the ethical, practice, and professional standards of the profession; as well as lobbying and advocating for access to services that benefit people with communication and swallowing difficulties. Membership is open to speech pathologists who meet the Association’s eligibility requirements. The Association is recognised by government as the professional body representing speech pathologists in Australia.

www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/join

#SPWeek | #SeeACpsp | #ImACpsp

1300 368 835 | office@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au