Speak Out April 2020 DIGITAL VERSION. pdf

NEW DATES NATIONAL CONFERENCE 30 May - 2 June 2021 Darwin Convention Centre, Northern Territory

POSTPONED to 2021

2020 Conference postponed

The Board and staff at Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) recognise that the current times are filled with uncertainty and anxiety from many perspectives, both professionally and personally. We wish to assure you that the health and safety of our members, staff and community is at the heart of all decisions that the Association is making as we respond to the daily changes and challenges in relation to the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). With the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring COVID-19 (Coronavirus) a “controllable pandemic”, followed by the recent Government announcements to not allow gatherings of large events such as ours, the Association has taken the necessary decision to postpone the planned national conference in Darwin this May. While we are hugely disappointed given the excellent work of the 2020 Conference Planning Committee (CPC), we have been able to reschedule to 2021 in Darwin from Sunday 30 May – Wednesday 2 June inclusive, with plans for the Melbourne event in 2021 to be moved to 2022. If you registered to attend the 2020 national conference, you will receive a full refund of money paid. Information for presenters After discussion and much consideration, the CPC has invited all presenters accepted to participate in the 2020 conference program to submit a new or updated abstract for the 2021 program. We appreciate this might be disappointing for some presenters but believe that it is in the best interests of both presenters and attendees. The annual conference is the showcase of the best and most current research, practice and thinking in the speech pathology profession. Given the timelines involved in the submission, acceptance and presentation process, it would be a disservice to 2021 conference attendees to present a program based on 2019 abstract submissions. We are hopeful that researchers and clinicians who were accepted for the 2020 program will be willing to participate in the submission process again to ensure the most relevant and up-to-date conference program in 2021. We will also be inviting new submissions. The online abstract submission process for 2021 will go live on Wednesday 3 June 2020 . From this date, please visit the conference website to be directed to the online site. Valuing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives Speech Pathology Australia values the perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and is committed to the

promotion of culturally responsive approaches to research. For the 2021 conference, submissions which involve Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander peoples must demonstrate adherence to the following principles • project originating from/driven by community aspirations, • engagement in community consultation, • involvement of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples in project planning, implementation and reporting, • use of strengths-based language. Submissions should identify presenters and authors who are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage, and these submissions will be prioritised for inclusion. Keynote speakers The CPC is pleased to advise that our keynote speakers Professor Yvette Hyter and Professor Swathi Kiran have agreed to continue as our keynote speakers for 2021. Associate Professor Sally Hewat, Elizabeth Usher Award recipient, has also agreed to present. What will happen if you booked flights or accommodation via OzAccom? Unfortunately, the Association cannot control any decisions regarding costs for travel and accommodation; however, we have already liaised with OzAccom, and members are advised to contact them directly to discuss receiving a refund. For all enquiries, members can email ozaccom@ozaccom.com.au or telephone on 1800 814 611 (Australian Toll Free) or +61 7 3854 1611. Welcome Reception Sunday 30 May 2021: Mindil Market With the change to our conference dates we have been fortunate to be able secure Mindil Market for 2021. Sponsorship and exhibition Our sponsors and exhibitions have been invited to join us in 2021. To view all the Conference information please visit www. speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/spaconf2021. We appreciate your continued support of the national conference and we look forward to bringing you updated news. Bea Staley 2021 Conference Convenor Pamela Richards National Conference Manager

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April 2020 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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