Speak Out August 2016

National Conference

The Conference made for a busy hub of activity in Perth with delegates having the opportunity to attend keynote, clinical and research presentations across a range of practice areas that challenged and broadened how speech pathologists practice. The quality of the presentations was exceptional, as delegates were all encouraged to “make waves” of their own in their day to day practice. MasterClasses Emeritus Professor Pamela (Pam) Enderby started the Conference week presenting her masterclass ‘10 principles for improving interdisciplinary practice’ to a keen and admiring audience. Participants engaged in this essential topic with many strategies and ideas raised. Dr Susan Ebbels followed with a similarly large and captivated audience listening to her presentation on ‘The current evidence base for school-aged children with language impairments’. The audience was provided with extensive information and frameworks to take back to their workplace. The masterclasses were very well received with discussions continuing on into the Conference week. A number of delegates attended both sessions highlighting the esteem in which both presenters are held. Opening Address The Hon John Day MLA, Western Australian Minister for Health, Culture and the Arts formally opened the Conference and discussed the importance of the speech pathology profession in the wider Western Australian health system and in particular, the role speech pathologists play in the public health and hospital system in his state. He congratulated the Association on drawing together a diverse scientific program and emphasised the importance of conferences such as ours in ensuring that clinical practice is informed by the latest evidence. presentation ‘Speech pathology as the Masterchef: Getting the right ingredients and stirring the pot’ was an excellent start to the Conference, ensuring that the audience was immediately enmeshed with the Conference theme. Emeritus Professor Enderby challenged delegates to review all aspects of their practice in order to create and follow the best recipe, to ensure the greatest outcomes. Pam’s humble nature and great sense of humour engaged all in attendance as she inspired delegates from all facets of the profession. The Speech Pathology Australia Conference Planning Committee (CPC) was delighted to welcome over 760 attendees to Perth for “MAKING Waves”. Keynote and Invited Presenters Emeritus Professor Pamela (Pam) Enderby’s keynote Making Waves roundup

15 – 18 May 2016 Crown Perth, Western Australia

prevent disability in autism through infant interventions: Re-writing the rulebook’. Andrew’s extremely engaging and informative presentation was another highlight for delegates, regardless of their area of clinical interest. The lecture was thought-provoking, presenting the latest research in a clear and entertaining way, with audience members enthused by Andrew’s passion for his work. Dr Susan Ebbels’ keynote address, ‘Carrying out intervention research in clinical practice’ discussed the importance and value of clinical research, providing practical strategies and frameworks to do so. Susan’s presentation included extensive examples within a structure that can be used by clinicians for appraising and contributing to the evidence, and she encouraged all delegates that research in clinical practice is achievable and realistic.

From left Emeritus Professor Pamela (Pam) Enderby, Winthrop Professor Andrew Whitehouse, and Dr Susan Ebbels.

Posters There was an impressive array of 60 posters on display during the Conference. These were universally well-received and represented a very diverse range of clinical and research topics. Many poster authors were engaged in deep discussion during the formal poster sessions. Congratulations to all authors on the high calibre of the work presented. However, a special congratulations goes to the Best Poster Award prize winners – David Trembath, Elizabeth Armstrong, Eleanor Sugden and Kathryn Ramsay. Best Student Presentation Award This year the CPC would like to congratulate Charlotte Howland for her presentation, ‘Sound Start Study: Realisation of grammatical morphemes by children with speech sound disorders’.

Conference Proceedings Under the co-editorship of Dr Mary Claessen and Associate

Winthrop Professor Andrew Whitehouse was invited to present the 2016 Elizabeth Usher Memorial Lecture titled, ‘Can we

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August 2016 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Speak Out