Speak Out April 2021

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