Speak Out April 2021

SPEAKOUT APRIL 2021 THE MAGAZINE FOR AUSTRALIAN SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS

Virtual National

Conference 31 May - 2 June

IN FOCUS: Action in policy and advocacy

Ethics: Offering additional services

Member @ work: Working in gender services

Are you ready to renew your membership?

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR SPEECHIE LIBRARY TALKS

Connect

SpeechPathologyAustralia

National Office Level 1/114 William Street Melbourne VIC 3000 T 1300 368 835 F 03 9642 4922 E office@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Chief Executive Officer Gail Mulcair T 03 9642 4899 E execassist@speechpathologyaustralia. org.au Speech Pathology Australia Board Tim Kittel - President Chyrisse Heine – Vice President Communications Maree Doble – Vice President Operations Copyright © 2021 The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Speak Out is the official bi-monthly magazine of The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Ltd. Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) owns the copyright to Speak Out and no part of this magazine may be reproduced without the explicit permission of SPA. Write to us Letters can be sent to publications@ speechpathologyaustralia.org.au. Letters may or may not be published in future issues of Speak Out magazine at SPA’s discretion. Advertisements Please refer to the 'Publications' menu at www. speechpathologyaustralia.org.au to view the 2021 Speak Out ad kit. Any queries may be directed to SPA Publications Manager Advertising booking dates for June 2021 Speak Out . The official booking form must be received at national office by COB 7 June, 2021. Disclaimer To the best of The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited’s (‘the Association”) knowledge, this information is valid at the time of publication. The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content or accuracy of the material in this publication. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of the information provided. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this publication. Print Post Approved PP349181/01711 Print ISSN 1446-053X Digital ISSN : ISSN 2208-7125 Brooke Sanderson – Director Bronwyn Sutton – Director Kathryn McKinley - Director Alison Smith - Director T 1300 368 835 E publications@ speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

@SpeechPathAus

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SpeechPathAus

Speech Pathology Australia

Do you have an idea for a story?

If you have an idea for a story that you think may be of benefit to the profession and membership it could be suitable to publish in Speak Out. We'd love to hear from you. To receive the editorial/ contributor guidelines please contact the Publications Manager Rebecca Faltyn, rfaltyn@speechpathologyaustralia. org.au Speak Out Branch Editors Please see the website for Branch Editor contact details. Connect with the profession Speech Pathology Australia supports a number of member communities on Facebook. These popular communities allow members to share information, collaborate and provide mutual support. Members may join and participate in as many groups as they like. You will need to make a request to join each group and can remain a member of the group/s while you are a SPA member. Please remember, the member communities are not a forum for advertising products, services or events. Acknowledgement We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past, present and future. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community. Do you have a question about your membership? The Association's membership team remains available to answer any of your questions about your membership or member resources. Call: 1300 368 835 Member communities

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Speak Out | April 2021

Contents

April 2021

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Regulars

Features

From the President

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In focus: Policy & Advocacy

Member @ work - Let's talk about gender and sexuality. Member @ work - New guidelines to improve quality of life after cancer.

Vale: Ursula Dixon

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Are you ready to renew?

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Swallowing Awareness Day

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Speechie Library Talks registration open

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Aged care update

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Cover pic: National Conference registrations are open. Find out more about the sessions and how to register on page 32.

ECRG: What's next in your career? Mentoring and supervision In practice: Addressing COVID vaccinations in your practice

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April 2021 | Speak Out

From the President

Thanks for picking up (or clicking into) this edition of Speak Out magazine. I hope you’ve prepared a suitable beverage for this issue, as there’s a whole lot to update ourselves on here. In reading this edition, I’m getting flashbacks to this time I was qualifying as a student. I was really lucky in my clinical placements. I had fantastic clinical educators, who really inspired me. I couldn’t wait to get out in the real world, and become just like them. When it came to placement in aged care, it didn’t take me long to realise this area wasn’t going to be one in which I would ever excel. I still recall perching on the edge of my chair, nervously watching every tiny move a client made as he ate fish cakes. I recall hoping I was noting the right reactions and about to make the right suggestions. To this day I still tremble a little whenever I am confronted by an impending fish cake. However, my supervisor was brilliant. I really enjoyed watching her interacting so effortlessly with her clients, and her approach really formed the way I engage with my clients. Now, in listening to Kym Torresi and Nichola Gearon talking about the Aged Care Reform in the recent SpeakUp podcast, and then reading their perspectives and updates in this issue brings back these feelings of awe for me. Taking a human rights lens to Aged Care has the potential to lead to sweeping reforms, and as the professionals with communication rights firmly in our scope, there is so much potential for change. Kym and Nikki’s passion in this area reminds me of that of my supervisor’s, and even though it’s not within my own individual scope of practice, I am really looking forward to seeing what SPA members in this sector will achieve. If, like me, you’re also not working in Aged Care, I still urge you to read through these pages. If you do skip them, you might miss out on our exciting advances in the area. In fact, during the COVID-era, our advocacy efforts have been broad, scoping across a range of areas. A large focus for this issue, rightly, is on the advances that the Association has made across these

professional contexts. If you are motivated reading the progress we’re making across mental health, disability, and aged care, I double-dare you to make contact with your local Branch Chair and become involved yourself. This time last year, we were talking about how the SPA Conference was to be postponed in 2020. As speech pathologists, it’s irritating that we don’t have a semantic opposite for this word, such as "prepone", or "antepone"? We probably should get onto that. Whatever the word is, it’s time to start doing it for the 2021 SPA Conference. I’m gutted not to be able to travel to Darwin this year (it’s the only capital city I’ve not yet visited), but I’m taking heart from Bea Staley, Pamela Richards, and the Planning Committee’s meticulous planning of the conference. The sessions are thought- provoking, the keynote speakers inspiring, and great care has been taken to think about how best to get attendees together and interacting with one another. When the theme ‘Local Contexts, Global Practice’ was first agreed upon, little did we know how appropriate this would be in May 2021. But now I am preponing as much and as fast as I can for the launch on May 31. If you are reading this prior to April 14 and haven’t registered, flick straight away to that section of this issue. Finally, I hope that you enjoy the section on ‘Members at Work’ as much as I did. Clare Barbagallo’s piece on gender and sexuality within her work is a welcome contribution to Speak Out , just as Michelle Blowes’ investigation of the clinical practice guidelines for children with brain cancer or leukemia highlights the need for speech pathology in this area of practice. I’m hoping to read lots more of this type of article in the future. All the best for what amazing work you’re doing in your particular scope of practice, and hopefully you plan to tune into the Conference this May to be challenged and inspired by our growing profession. Pass the fish cakes!

Tim Kittel

Tim Kittel National President

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Speak Out | April 2021

Association NEWS

Board of Directors Report March 2021

The first Board meeting for 2021 was held via virtual means on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 March 2021. Below are certain highlights. 2020 Financial Year Accounts and Audit outcomes The meeting featured a presentation of the 2020 Financial Year Accounts and Audit outcomes, by the Association’s appointed auditors HLB Mann Judd. Once finalised, the financial statements will be provided to all members within the 2020 Annual Report. Due to ongoing uncertainty associated with COVID-19, plans are again being put in place to allow members to attend the 2021 Annual General Meeting and Awards Ceremony, via electronic means. We look forward to bringing you further information regarding this shortly. 2021 National Conference Pamela Richards, National Conference Manager, updated the Board on the work that has been done with the Conference Planning Committee. The Virtual Conference will keep its Darwin flavour, and there will be many opportunities for delegates to interact with one another through the platform. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group The Board of Directors appointed Lara Pullin to the position of Consumer Representative on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group. Lara Pullin is a proud Gundungurra woman with a professional background in public health. She joins a dedicated Advisory Group, ensuring the voice and values of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, in relation to culture, language, land, sea, water and history are embedded in the values and business of Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) now and into the future. With the Association’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan now complete, the Association is awaiting Reconciliation Australia’s approval of the Association’s second RAP- the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan. 2020 – 2022 Strategic Plan Progress A significant amount of progress within the 2020 – 2022 Strategic Plan progress report was noted by the Board of Directors, with several identified priority projects having commenced anew. In December 2020, a comprehensive workshop was held with Directors and key National Office staff, exploring Strategic Priority 2.1.3, “Build a range of promotional campaigns that have consistent messaging to increase general public awareness, and that of other professions, regarding communication and disability and swallowing difficulties as well as the breadth of role of speech pathologists”, Pesel and Carr presented the report for consideration by the Board of Directors at the March

meeting. It was agreed that a formal proposal, including a detailed project plan and costings for a scoping and research phase of this project will be sought to enable the Association to progress this priority. The Association recently advertised for a consultant/s to conduct a speech pathology profession workforce analysis, aimed at identifying a comprehensive profile of the speech pathology profession as well as workforce trends and gaps in meeting demand. Potential revisions to the Association’s Clinician-Researcher Partnership Grant program to improve accessibility were discussed, with promotion of the program to occur at the upcoming National Conference. Speech Pathology Week Preferred options for the theme of Speech Pathology Week 2021 were presented, with the unanimous decision to approve the theme: 'Communication is everyone’s right'. Governance External Directors Following careful consideration, the Board of Directors agreed to seek nominations for two External Director positions. While a high number of nominations were received, no nominations were received from individuals of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander decent. Applications received thus far will initially be reviewed by the Governance Subcommittee, against the current Board of Directors’ skills matrix. The Board is keen to include the voices of First Nations peoples, and as a result, the position will be reposted in the Koori Mail and across other Indigenous media. Potential Changes to the Association’s Constitution and By-Laws Minter Ellison was recently engaged to draft changes to the Association’s Constitution and By-Laws following the Board of Director’s decision regarding the introduction of a General Director position, to be filled by an individual from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background. Proposed amendments were presented to the Board of Directors for consideration, with these to be further refined. Feedback on a number of items will be sought from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group. Once finalised, these amendments to the Constitution will be presented to members at the Annual General Meeting, with voting required on the resolution in order to adopt the revised Constitution. The Board of Directors will next meet on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 May 2021. It is hoped that this will be the first meeting, in over twelve months, where the Board of Directors will meet in person. Fingers crossed!

Gail Mulcair Chief Executive Officer

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April 2021 | Speak Out

Professional Standards and university accreditation Association NEWS

Speech Pathology Australia have initiated a strategic project focusing on the implementation of the new Professional Standards for university accreditation. This project is titled ‘Activity 1: Implementation of the Professional Standards for Universities’. It is being led by Associate Professor Anne Hill and Associate Professor Anthony Angwin along with a project Steering Committee. The proposed outcomes include a set of guidelines for both universities and accreditors as they move towards accreditation which aligns with the new Professional Standards. A key aspect of this project is stakeholder consultation. To ensure appropriate representation of the profession’s views, consultations will occur with a broad range of stakeholders. Representatives will include workplace managers and employers of new graduates, clinical educators and team leaders, early career practitioners, university stakeholders and SPA committees including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee. There was an opportunity for members of

the profession to participate in a roundtable at the Asia Pacific Education Collaboration in Speech Language Pathology (APEC SLP) on 25 March 2021 and speech

pathologists are invited to participate in the Professional Standards workshop on 1 June 2021 at the Speech Pathology Australia National Conference. Like to know more? If you would like to know more about the process or have views which might significantly inform the project relating to university accreditation, please contact Kylie Webb, Project Coordinator k.webb1@uq.edu.au before 31 May 2021.

Research grant awarded Measures to inform the delivery of services to bottle-fed infants The clinician-researcher partnership grant

Observational assessments of tongue-tie exist for breastfed infants, and instrumental assessments are useful diagnostically for suspected dysphagia, but neither are suitable for clinical use in bottle-fed infants. Clinical assessments typically include subjective observation of the infant’s oral structure and function without the ability to visualise and gain valuable feedback on function during feeding. There are currently no objective measures of feeding available for bottle- fed infants. The infant© feeding solution provides real-time feedback on sucking performance with objective measures within clinical settings. Normative data is available for term and premature infants, but no data exists for infants with tongue-tie. This study will prospectively measure oral structure and feeding skills of 26 tongue-tied infants before and after surgery using a novel and innovative feeding assessment. The results will provide objective data for speech pathologists, reassurance for parents, and assist medical professionals’ decision-making regarding surgical intervention, so surgery is only recommended for infants with observable functional deficits.

was offered for the second time in 2020. Nine applications were received from five states covering a range of areas of research. The grant was awarded to Ms Irene Orkopoulos, Dr Sharon Smart and Dr Mary Claessen, and will be administered through Curtin University, WA. The research project is titled 'Objective measures of tongue structure and function in bottle-fed infants with ankyloglossia (tongue-tie)' and aims to provide objective measures to inform practice in the delivery of services to bottle-fed infants with tongue tie. The project is summarised below. Surgery rates for tongue-tie increased by 420% in Australia between 2006 and 2016. Strong evidence exists that tongue-tie has a detrimental impact on breastfeeding. However, many parents of infants with tongue-tie transition to bottle- feeding before underlying deficits in oral structure and function are identified. A significant challenge confronting speech pathologists working in feeding is the lack of objective measures of tongue structure and function for use with the infant population within the clinical setting.

Dr Mary Claessen

Dr Sharon Smart

Irene Orkopoulos

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Speak Out | April 2021

Vale Ursula Dixon (nee Moss) 31 March 1980 – 8 February 2021

“Ursula has left gentle footprints on the minds, hearts and souls of many here. May we always remember the beauty of her love, her kindness and sacred way she touched our lives.”

Well known in the speech pathology profession as colourful, vibrant and larger than life, our dear Ursula left our world very unexpectedly on Monday February 8, 2021, aged just 40 years. Sharing her love of colour, zest for life, adoration of her family and dedication to her work, Ursula’s work took her across Queensland. Ursula began her career as a speech pathologist in Toowoomba in 2003, after graduating from UQ in 2002. Ursula worked in adult mental health at

team leader, but most of all, a good friend to us all. In her time with us, Ursula shared so much knowledge and passion with all of our team. Aside from her Speech pathology career, and life as a dedicated wife and mother, Ursula also managed to find the time to be a Marriage Celebrant. The world has lost a one of a kind, very special human being. For me, it was a privilege and honour to have worked so closely with Ursula, and I will treasure the memories of the time we

Toowoomba Base Hospital, before moving to Mackay to work at the Mackay Base Hospital. Ursula then returned to the Toowoomba Base Hospital before moving onto the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in 2004. Ursula moved back to Mackay in late 2005, where she worked as a Senior Speech Pathologist in the Community Based Rehabilitation Team (CBRT). Ursula then

shared. I owe my growth as a clinician and person largely to Ursula. Our support will continue to go to Sean, Ursula’s beloved husband, as well as her darling girls, Lucy and Eva, and of course, little dog Oscar. We take comfort in knowing that Ursh is finally

reunited with her darling son, Sam. May Ursula be surrounded by love, colour, handbags, brooches, care bears, unicorns and sloths; just some of her favourite things. We reflect on Ursula’s legacy and in times of uncertainty, we think WWUD (what would Ursula do?) We invite you to join in Colour Me Ursula Day, on February 8, each year. Wear your brightest outfit, pull out your most colourful handbag and shimmy those shoulders in Ursh’s honour! Ursh would also expect many a Long Island Iced Tea or Pina Colada to be consumed, just for her. Emily Austin Plena Healthcare emily.austin@plenahealthcare.com.au Ursula with Oscar

returned to the Mackay Base Hospital as a Senior Speech Pathologist and Adult Clinical Specialist. After taking some time off with her firstborn daughter, Lucy, Ursula was instrumental in setting up the speech pathology service and wider Allied Health team at the Mackay Rehabilitation Hospital in 2016. Throughout her career, Ursula worked across many areas of practice, including stroke and neurology, tracheostomy and laryngectomy management, and head and neck cancer. Settling down with her little family in Wakerley, Queensland (Brisbane Bayside) in 2018, Ursula joined us at Loqui Speech Pathology (now Plena Healthcare) in May 2018. Ursula was a highly valued member of our team; an esteemed clinician, a mentor, formal clinical supervisor,

Colour Me Ursula Day will be held annually on 8 February. RIGHT The Plena Speech team celebrating Ursula’s life at a Shoulder Shimmy Session

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April 2021 | Speak Out

The new membership year begins on 1 July 2021

All you need to know...

The Association and the general speech pathology profession are only as strong as its individual members and Speech Pathology Australia is proud to support more than 11,800 members. We are delighted that recent member feedback let us know that National Office staff team are supportive, proactive, informative, dedicated, knowledgeable, and we provide timely and clear information. We encourage you to understand your member benefits and utlise the resources that are there for you. Stay informed about the profession, elevate your professional develoment, network via social media and face-to-face with your peers, access knowledge and have your say about the future of the speech pathology profession—know the benefits and plan your renewal now. Membership 2021 • Certified Practising, Non Certified and Re-entry membership $557 (don’t forget to claim it on your tax return). • Non Practising $390 • Alumnus is $112. Will you be paying your fees in full before 1 July 2021? Eligible members who pay in full before the end of the financial year will be entitled to a discount to the value of $99 towards Speech Pathology Australia’s On Demand learning resources. Renewals must be processed before 11:59 pm AEST on Wednesday, 30 June 2021. Eligible members will receive further information in the first week of July on how to access the discount. Members will have until the end of 2021 to use the discount. • Student membership $66 Renew by 1 July

CPSP members start planning now

Certified Practising members, did you know that you can log in to your member account and start preparing now? Go to: www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Member login (top right hand corner) Input your username and password Click on ‘View your name’s account’ (top of the page) Go online now and log into your member account. Under the ‘My PSR’ tab you can log your activities undertaken between 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021. When you start the online renewal process all these activities will be transferred into your online renewal form and you will simply have to review and confirm them. Workplace details If you opt in to be on the ‘Find a Speech Pathologist’ search engine it is imperative your details are up to date. Is there a telephone number and an email address listed? Are there any typos in your listing? Have you indicated your areas of practice? The Find a Speech Pathologist page is the most visited page on the SPA website so make sure the information accurately reflects your professional status. If you don’t opt in to Find a Speech Pathologist then it is still incredibly important that all your details are up to date as this information is crucial to ensure we have accurate and comprehensive information about speech pathologists in Australia to bolster all the advocacy and lobbying activities undertaken on behalf of you and your clients.

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FAQ Re-entry program Q: I do not have the required 1000 hours of practice over the past five years. Do I have to do the Re-entry Program? Yes, if you wish to return to practise and be eligible for Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist (CPSP) status. Q: I do not have 1000 hours of practice in the last 15 years. Can I still apply for the Re-entry Program? No, you need to meet the Re-entry program participation requirements of working for a minimum of 1000 hours in the 15 years prior to application or for a minimum of 200 hours within the last 10 years following course completion. The evidence base for speech pathology practice continues to evolve and develop. If you have not practised for more than 15 years you will be required to undertake a new university course in speech pathology to return to speech pathology practice. Q: I have worked in another related field and I do not have the minimum of 1000 hours of speech pathology practice. Can I count my other related work hours? No, for hours to count it needs to be as a speech pathology practitioner, administrator, consultant, educator, researcher or any combination where the position is significantly related to speech pathology. Q: Can I work as a speech pathology assistant while completing my Re-entry Program? Yes, this is also a good opportunity to be involved in a speech pathology environment and network with other speech pathologists

Going on parental leave? Don’t lose your Certified Practising status. If you’ve been a continuous, full member (for at least the last three years), the parental leave policy is available to you. If you match the following criteria you can claim this member benefit when you renew online and it means you do not pay the membership fee for the coming year. • You must have had three years continuous paid full membership (student membership is not counted) directly prior to applying for this benefit. • You have not or will not be working as a speech pathologist for a minimum of six months. • You cannot have more than one-year parental leave benefit in any two consecutive membership periods. Have you been a Certified Practising member with provisional CPSP for at least a year? Ensure you have completed all the requirements to allow you to move from provisional to full CPSP status. Not sure what they are? Go to: Members> Professional Self Regulation (PSR)> New Graduates - Information for Provisional CPSPs

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April 2021 | Speak Out

What is the process? The Re-entry Program provides a pathway to support speech pathologists to re-enter the profession by confirming and renewing the applicant’s knowledge, skills and attitudes. To be eligible for the Re-entry Program you must meet ALL the following criteria: • up to 2015 previously eligible for Practising membership OR 2016 onwards previously eligible for Certified Practising membership. Have worked for less than 1000 hours in the 5 years prior to application • worked as a speech pathologist for a minimum of 1000 hours in the 15 years prior to application • within 10 years of course completion you have practised for a minimum of 200 hours. FAQ Re-entry program

The program involves applicants developing an individual portfolio of evidence (with a minimum of 100 PSR Points) suited to prior speech pathology experience and goals for future practice. The applicant’s portfolio needs to

demonstrate that an applicant: • has updated their learning

• can identify areas of future learning • can reflect on their clinical practice • can access future learning, supervision and support networks. Applicants who have less than five years full time equivalent speech pathology practice experience in the last 15 years will also be required to undertake supported clinical experience.

You’re invited!

FITZROY READERS

Speech pathologists are invited to REGISTER , for the combined International Neuropsychological Society/ASSBI/CCN Conference. This hybrid (online and face-to-face) conference in Melbourne will focus on ‘ Putting our heads together to change lives ’ for people living with brain conditions. It includes international and national keynote speakers, workshops, mini-masterclasses, “how to” sessions, oral presentations and live and online poster sessions. We look forward to seeing you! Website and Register: https://mers.cventevents.com/6thpacificrim 6 th Pacific Rim Conference 30 June - 3 July 2021

The Fitzroy Readers have earned a reputation for sound learning principles, logical structure and inspirational results. There are nine sets of ten sequential readers, with new sounds and/or digraphs introduced in each reader. Word Skills workbooks are available for each set of readers. 35% discount available to members of Speech Pathology Australia. Contact us now! admin@fitzroyreaders.com www.fitzroyreaders.com or call 03 9489 5700 (10am - 5pm Monday - Friday)

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Speak Out | April 2021

Association NEWS

Activity and involvement with Swallowing Awareness Day in 2021 was strong. While the date of Swallowing Awareness Day in 2021 was shared with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic in the United Kingdom meant that the international reach of the campaign was not as great as it has been in the past. Notwithstanding, and despite the lingering challenges of COVID-19, there was plenty of evidence that Dizzy, the Swallowing Awareness Day mascot, was out and about promoting the campaign and increasing awareness of dysphagia. Participation with the campaign’s social media was strong with a lot of engagement with the day’s hashtags #swallowaware2021 and #dysphagia. awareness day Wednesday 17 March 2021 Rita is a winner! Social media competition winner Rita Shamoun @ritamouny, is the winner of the Swallowing Awareness Day social media competition. Rita posted on Instagram about swallowing, urging her followers, to “consider those who have swallowing difficulties and/or experienced swallowing difficulties. Such a simple task we take for granted until we can no longer do so”. Rita included the hashtags #dysphagia and #swallowaware2021 on her post. The post also received a number of positive comments from her followers. Rita wins a $150 gift voucher. Congratulations to Rita. Enjoy the voucher and thanks for supporting Swallowing Awareness Day and helping us to raise awareness of swallowing difficulties.

After the popularity of the digital campaign kit with Speech Pathology Week in 2020, a similar kit was developed and made available for Swallowing Awareness Day. The digital kit, along with other promotional collateral, was downloadable from the Association’s website. In a first for the Association, animation was used in to increase awareness and engagement with the day’s social media campaign. Thank you to all those members and colleagues who worked to increase awareness of Swallowing Awareness Day and the important issues it endeavours to highlight.

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April 2021 | Speak Out

Practice alerts for swallowing

Swallowing Awaren Campaign

On the eve of Swallowing Awareness Day, Amy Fitzpatrick, Senior Advisor Disability, spoke to Jeffrey Chan, National Senior Practioner at the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission), to learn more about newly released Practice Alerts for Dysphagia, safe swallowing and mealtime management and Medicines associated with swallowing problems . Thanks for the opportunity to learn more about these Practice Alerts, Jeffrey. Can you tell me a bit more about the process of reviewing them? These two Practice Alerts are based on contemporary research evidence on each topic. The NDIS Commission Research and Practice Evidence team undertook an extensive literature review, which is the typical process prior to the development of any Practice Alert. In addition, we consult with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care and, where appropriate, with medical professionals, relevant health and medical peak bodies. We also liaise with the Australian Government Department of Health. It is also important to note that the National Behaviour Support (Clinical and Research & Practice Evidence) team is an inter-disciplinary team of allied health professionals, including speech pathologists. It’s great to see speech pathologists named as allied health professionals able to prescribe actions and mealtime plans to help participants eat and drink safely. What do you think are the key messages our members should take away from this practice alert? Firstly, that swallowing difficulties present as a high risk to the healthcare of people with disability. Secondly, to be alert to possible signs of swallowing problems and to medications that impact swallowing. Members should consult external experts to assess participants and, if required, recommend preventative strategies. Thirdly, to provide regular support to people with disability and their support workers to promote a safe and enjoyable mealtime.

The practice alerts can be viewed at www.

ndiscommission.gov.au/ resources#practicealerts. The practice alerts mention the vital role of training in making sure everyone is aware of their responsibilities. Are

Jeffrey Chan

there any recommendations the NDIS Commission would give to our members about how to make sure we are training others well? We would encourage Association members to collaborate with providers to develop the most appropriate training for their staff, to enable them to recognise and respond to swallowing problems. Speech pathologists are the best placed to provide expert advice. That’s why it would be important to have more speech pathologists with experience supporting people with intellectual and developmental disability. The NDIS Commission has funded a significant project on mealtime support for people with disability, led by Professors Bronwyn Hemsley and Susan Balandin, along with participants with disability and swallowing difficulties, and with a range of partners, including Speech Pathology Australia. The project will deliver a comprehensive resource for the disability sector and professionals, and is expected to be completed by mid-2021. In addition, the NDIS Commission is currently developing an e-learning module on mealtime for disability support workers. If members would like to find out more or talk through any questions or concerns, who would be the best point of contact? Donna Gillies is the Director of Research and Practice Evidence at the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and would an excellent resource for questions or concerns from members. She can be contacted via our contact centre on 1800 035 544 or by email: behavioursupport@ ndiscommission.gov.au

awareness d Wednesday 17 March

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Speak Out | April 2021

Member digital kit

ness Day

n Kit

The Swallowing Awareness Day digital kit was well utilised by members who helped to promote the day by sharing the resources on their digital platforms. The kit included a range of social media tiles.

The speech pathology team at Royal Perth Hospital in WA helped to celebrate Swallowing Awareness Day by distributing special coffee cups around the hospital.

Did you catch the Swallowing Awareness Day animation on Facebook?

Dysphagia: A difficult diagnosis to swallow

People who have trouble swallowing are at risk of choking, poor nutrition and dehydration, while babies and children with difficulty feeding may not take in enough nutrients to support growth and brain development. Speech pathologists are the professionals who assess and treat people across the lifespan with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).

To find a speech pathologist near you go to www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/find

awareness day Wednesday 17 March 2021

www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/swallowing 1300 368 835

day 2021

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April 2021 | Speak Out

2021 Innovation Awards Nominations open

THE ASSOCIATION EMBRACES INNOVATION AND IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF EMERGING TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES. IN DOING THIS, THE ASSOCIATION STRIVES TO PROMOTE NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR INNOVATIVE PRACTICE, SUPPORT KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT, AND SHOWCASES EXAMPLES OF SUCCESS.

As a professional body, Speech Pathology Australia is committed to promoting innovation in the speech pathology profession in Australia. The Association’s current strategic plan states that “Speech Pathology Australia and members embrace innovation and are ‘on the forefront’ of emerging trends and opportunities,” and strive to “explore new opportunities for innovative practice, support knowledge and skill development, and showcase examples of success.” There are two award categories: Innovation in Professional Practice, and Innovation in Research. Each award is to the value of $2500 and covers one year’s membership of the Association, registration, airfares, accommodation, transfers and incidentals to attend the Association’s 2022 National Conference in Melbourne.. This is an ongoing award and will be awarded in subsequent years. Nomination/self-nomination The awards are open to all members of Speech Pathology Australia, including those who self-nominate. Nominations from teams, which include non-members, will be accepted. While the team effort will be recognised, the award’s benefits will only go to the one nominated member of Speech Pathology Australia. Members may nominate for both awards in the same year. A separate nomination form must be completed and submitted for each innovation being nominated. A member may only hold one award in any one year.

Category 1 Innovation in Professional Practice

For the purposes of this category, innovation is the process of translating an original idea, invention, service approach, or research finding, to create or add value, providing a better outcome or benefit for clients, Association members or key stakeholders of the speech pathology profession. Innovation is not only the development or utilisation of technology. Innovation can include improvements in processes or workplaces, employee engagement and productivity, client satisfaction or outcomes, approaches to student training, or development of professional competence or collaboration. For example, innovation may include a new process in a workplace that has resulted in greater efficiency, or development of a student placement, which uses novel approaches or provides experience within an under served population. Innovation includes refinement, enhancement or extension of an existing process, service, or use of resources. Category 2 Innovation in Research For the purposes of this category, innovation is the conception and execution of novel research, which delivers high quality findings in a hitherto under-researched population or area of practice. Innovation in research includes the use of new ways to approach new or existing questions. Innovation in research results in findings that challenge knowledge and lead to discussion, critical analysis and a questioning approach. For further information Nominations for the Speech Pathology Australia Innovation Awards opened on 1 April and close on 31 May 2020. The winners will be announced publicly during Speech Pathology Week (22-28 August). Further information and conditions of entry are available on the nomination form, which may be download from the Association’s website: www. speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/innovation

Important dates 31 May - Nominations close Winners announced during Speech Pathology Week in August

The Innovation Awards are proudly supported by Guild Insurance.

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Speak Out | April 2021

Join in the Speechie Library Talks 2021 Registrations open

In 2020 more than 70 Speechie Library Talks were conducted across the country. This year the Association is once again inviting members to participate in the campaign to help raise awareness about the role of speech pathologists in children’s language and literacy development. The Speechie Library Talks facilitate connection between speech pathologists and their local public or school library in a series of events to be held in November 2021 to coincide with the Association’s Book of the Year celebrations. By connecting speech pathologists with their local public or school library, and their broader community, the aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of speech pathologists' role in developing children’s language and literacy, the Association’s Book of the Year Awards, and how library resources can play a part in building language and literacy. The Association will once again collaborate on the campaign with the Australian Library Information Association (ALIA). Parents, carers and those interested in children’s language and literacy development will be invited to attend a talk to find out more about how speech pathologists can help their child’s language and literacy development and the resources available at their local library.

Members will conduct the Speechie Library Talk at their local/nominated library which will include a reading of one of the winning books and will be supported by the Association's Communications and Marketing team with resources to assist with promoting and conducting the library talks. How you can get involved… 1. Register your interest in holding a Speechie Library Talk by clicking on the REGISTER button below. You will be asked to nominate your preferred library/s. 2. Once you are registered the campaign manager will connect you with a suitable library and you can start making plans to hold your talk in November. 3. Register before 1 July 2021 . Please note at this time the campaign is available to CPSP members. Students can hold a talk but must be accompanied by a CPSP member. If you'd like more information about the Speechie Library Talks campaign please contact Publications Manager, Rebecca Faltyn, rfaltyn@speechpathologyaustralia. org.au.

Rebecca Faltyn Publications Manager

REGISTER Speechie Library Talks

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April 2021 | Speak Out

IN FOCUS...

POLICY & ADVOCACY

It has been a productive and busy time for the Association from an advocacy perspective over the past couple of months. A range of advocacy initiatives were undertaken with representation in allied health, as well as profession- specific advocacy for speech pathology inlcluding in aged care, disability and mental health.

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Speak Out | April 2021

POLICY & ADVOCACY

An update on advocacy activities of the CEO

Allied Health Professions Australia

As the AHPA Chair, the role brings the opportunity for a range of high level meetings and advocacy activities, including a recent meeting with the Minister for Health, Hon Greg Hunt. The meeting’s purpose was to reinforce the position of Allied Health professions in relation to the Medicare Review final taskforce report and the work of the Primary Care 10-Year Plan Steering Group. Alongside the AHPA Deputy Chair, Antony Nicholas and AHPA’s CEO, Claire Hewat, we met with the Minister and two of his senior advisors, specifically those whose portfolios focus on primary health, Medicare and aged care. The meeting focused on seeking a position from the Minister on two key areas that were considered high priorities from AHPA’s recent discussions: the Minister's view of the role of Medicare funding for allied health services (and potential expansion of the CDM items and other items relevant to AH) and developing new models of primary care funding that include improving access to allied health. In addition to the topics raised, the Minister also addressed aged care funding with a focus on the blended funding models as proposed by the Aged Care Royal Commission’s final report recommendations. There was specific discussion on the key recommendations that emphasised the needs of older people to access appropriate and adequate allied health services. The meeting was felt to be constructive with specific outcomes. In terms of initial commitments, the Minister welcomed AHPA’s further consultation and provision of additional briefing material which has since been progressed through the Minister’s advisors. The Minister has also agreed to meeting with all the Allied Health professional associations, who are members of AHPA, at a round table forum in the first half of this year. Again in my AHPA Chair capacity, I have continued to act as the representative on the Federal Department of Health’s Primary Health Reform Steering Group, with the remit of this group to inform and develop the Australian

CEO Gail Mulcair (second from left) is pictured with Minister for Health, Greg Hunt (third from left) with AHPA Deputy Chair Antony Nicholas and AHPA's CEO Claire Hewat.

Government’s Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan. The steering group predominantly includes a high number of medical focused groups as well as nursing, consumer and pharmaceutical groups, with only two other aligned allied health representatives, so the need for a strong allied health voice is critical. Pleasingly after many months of very doctor-centric discussions, recent draft recommendations include a focus on funding models and workforce planning to support equitable access to multidisciplinary care. There’s still a long way to go, but persistence appears to be now shaping a broader perspective of how a modern primary health care service will meet consumers’ needs. Earlier in February, alongside AHPA's CEO, I presented at the Queensland Productivity Commission Inquiry into the NDIS provider market across Queensland. A further welcomed opportunity to meet regularly with key government officials in health, mental health and rural health, has come from regular attendance at the Australian Allied Health Leaders Forum which involves strategic meetings with ministers/shadow ministers and officials on pertinent topics affecting allied health professionals. A regular inclusion at each meeting is the Chief Allied Health Officer, Dr Anne-marie Boxall, where a mutual sharing of updates and issues help to inform and support the CAHO’s representation on allied health matters back to the government.

Gail Mulcair Chief Executive Officer

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April 2021 | Speak Out

POLICY & ADVOCACY

In addition to the significant advocacy work being undertaken by Gail Mulcair and other SPA staff through AHPA, it has been an extremely busy time for Speech Pathology Australia in the representation area. A look at the 'Submissions' section of Resources for the Public on the Association's website demonstrates all of the consultations that SPA has already responded to in 2021. Of course there have been three recent activities of particular significance which our Senior Advisors provide information about in the following pages. These are: • the ongoing work of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability • the release of the Royal Commission Report into Victoria’s Mental Health System • The release of the final report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. Further advocacy work is underway with all three of these projects to ensure that the important role of speech pathology is appropriately considered and recognised in the implementation of reforms coming out of all these important royal commissions. RECENT ACTIVITIES IN ADVOCACY

Disability

On 2 March 2021, Speech Pathology Australia's CEO Gail Mulcair, Manager Professional Standards Stacey Baldac and Senior Advisor Disability Amy Fitzpatrick were invited to attend a virtual public hearing to give evidence about SPA’s submission about the education and training of health professionals in regards to people with cognitive disability. This was day three of Public Hearing 10, which explored the issues such as: • content of curricula in medical and allied health courses specific to the health needs of people with cognitive disability and areas of redevelopment needed to better support people with cognitive disability • accreditation of education and training programs • practice standards and professional competencies • the extent of involvement of people with cognitive disability and their families/support persons in the education and training of health professionals • cultural attitudes, assumptions and beliefs about the quality of life of people with cognitive disability • communication with people with cognitive disability and their families and carers, support persons. The main messages presented at the hearing from the Association were about the need to access better funding for both speech pathologists and interdisciplinary practice in the disability sector and health sectors so that allied health professionals can work together more regularly, provision of communication access training across the broader Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

Mark Smith Manager, Policy and Advocacy

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Speak Out | April 2021

Members may remember an article in the June 2020 edition about the Association's meeting with the NDIS to advocate about the lifelong nature of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and more consistent funding for participants after the age of seven. Since then, a number of families and members have reached out to share their stories about applying for funding with the NDIS, which has been extremely valuable, although challenging for those involved! At the same time, academics such as Dr Elizabeth Murray and Shaun Ziegenfusz generously shared many of their resources for helping families advocate for services. Originally, SPA had intended to present a number of case studies to the NDIS at a follow up meeting, as part of an auditing process, however over the course of a few months almost all of the families were able to have the decisions overturned using the resources provided, so this was highlighted in a letter to the NDIS with a further meeting request. SPA also publicly released the policy briefs written by subject matter experts for use by members and families to support this process available here. Or go to: the SPA website > Resources for the Public > Advocacy A follow up meeting was held on 16 February 2021, where the progress over the previous months were discussed, and how the Association and the NDIS could work together in the future to ensure that access and eligibility could continue to be streamlined for children with DLD and CAS, particularly with the proposed changes in early intervention and the introduction of independent assessments. Amy Fitzpatrick Senior Advisor-Disability Update on the DLD and CAS advocacy with NDIS

community, as well as health professionals, and involving people with disability in choices that involve them as a matter of course using appropriate resources. The Association's submission to the Royal Commission and other governing bodies can be accessed here , or go to: SPA website > Resources for the Public > Advocacy > Submissions.

Stacey Baldac

Amy Fitzpatrick

Gail Mulcair

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April 2021 | Speak Out