Speak Out August 2019 Digital Edition

Branch News

Aphasia Awareness Matters

Victoria

A Night For Aphasia took place on June 21, 2019. This awareness-raising event was organised by enterprising Australian Catholic University Speech Pathology students, Olivia O’Hare and Georgia Harriott. One hundred and twenty guests filled the Chicago Room of Melbourne’s Rydges Hotel for a cocktail-style party with high-profile guest speakers and prizes galore. “This is a night to shed light on aphasia and celebrate the aphasia community”, said event co-host Olivia in her opening address before introducing Professor Miranda Rose, Director of the Centre of Research Excellence in Aphasia Recovery and Rehabilitation. Professor Rose spoke of the lived experience of people with aphasia, the research agenda of the Aphasia CRE, and the importance of awareness-raising. “Aphasia awareness matters. Despite the fact that as many people live with aphasia in Australia as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis combined, fewer than 10% of the general population knows what aphasia is.” But, Susie Shulsinger knows. Susie is a Communication Access Worker with event major sponsor Scope Australia. She lives with aphasia. Susie took to the lectern to tell her story of a life rich with languages: Polish, Yiddish, Hebrew, English, French. Then aphasia. “Aphasia does not have a country, a food, or a national song. But it does have a community.” Philip Wilkins has spent the last seven years advocating for, educating and supporting the aphasia community through his work as Chair of Aphasia Victoria. Philip was heartened by the support the event generated. “This is really important,” Phillip said. “There are so many young people here. I hope it keeps going.” Proceeds generated from the event will go towards making A Night for Aphasia an annual event. Co-host Georgia is optimistic about the future: “We’re already thinking of ideas for a bigger celebration next year!” See photos from the night on Instagram here: @anightforaphasia Join the national Aphasia Community of Practice here: www.latrobe.edu.au/aphasiacre Learn more about communication access at www.scopeaust.org.au Find out how you can do more to support the aphasia community in Victoria through Aphasia Victoria: www.aphasiavic.org.au Sam Harvey Speech Pathologist PhD Candidate, CRE Aphasia Rehabilitation and Recovery Committee Member, Aphasia Victoria

VIC 2570 members as at June 2019

Call for 2021 Conference Convenor

Speech Pathology Australia is now calling for expressions of interest from Victorian members for the position of 2021 Conference Convenor. The National Conference will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from Sunday 23 – Wednesday 26 May 2021 inclusive. Expressions of interest should include a covering letter

stating relevant experience and a curriculum vitae to support the application. The application should be submitted to Pamela Richards, National Conference Manager via email conference@ speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Applications close Monday 14 September 2019

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August 2019 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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