Speak Out August 2013

From left: The lecture rooms at Madziwa Teachers College in Shamva, Zimbabwe; strategies for developing speech, language and communication skills in the classroom are discussed.

They also expressed improved understanding of and confidence in what they might be able to do when working with children with SLCDs. We discussed how participants might gain more knowledge in the area and further develop skills and strategies for working with children with SLCDs. Sustainability is important to ensure the long-term impact of the bringingwordshome project. As I continue to volunteer my time, skills and expertise, course participants have also committed to further develop their knowledge and skills in the area. Apart from more targeted training, which will be delivered in Zimbabwe later this year, the project has already established another program – telehealth sessions have started, bridging the distance and time zones between Zimbabwe and Australia. ‘Talking Telehealth’ provides ongoing support to teachers/professionals who have already attended the introductory course to develop their skills in working with children with SLCDs and also works with children and their parents directly. It may be that the project will seek aid to set up a resource base and possibly bring ‘talking’ resources to schools in the Mashonaland East area, north-east of Harare, where Shamva and the Madziwa Teachers College are located. By continuing to work with key partners and course participants, the possibilities are limitless, but at all times plans will be shared and agreed before the project proceeds further. It is not only words that can be brought home! As bringingwordshome develops it may be appropriate to establish an organisation that enables others to bring ‘it’ home. ‘Bringingithome’ could potentially bring sustainable skills and benefit to Zimbabwe, and other countries, in other

Dyslexia study urgently needs your help! Do you have clients with dyslexia or with a family history of dyslexia, who are: • 6-12 years old with diagnosis of dyslexia • Parents of 0-6 month old infants? • Expecting a baby? The UWS MARCS BabyLab is examining the development of speech, language and cognitive abilities of 120 infants from six months through to 5 years of age. The study investigates possible acoustic, speech, and cognitive precursors of later reading ability, and what methods might be used for detecting such reading disabilities as dyslexia. We are NOW recruiting 6-12 year old children with a diagnosis of dyslexia to investigate how the brain tracks changes in sound passively. Participants will receive BabyLab degrees

for their child, a small gift and $30 for each visit to cover travel expenses. For more information or to refer your client to our study please contact

Rachel Lee on 9772 6313 or email rachel.lee@uws.edu.au

areas of expertise. What do you think?

30

Speak Out August 2013

Speech Pathology Australia