Speak Out August 2020 DIGITAL EDITION

SPEAKOUT AUGUS 2020 THE MAGAZINE FOR AUSTRALIAN SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS

Speech pathologists in schools

2020 Code of Ethics is coming p17 2020 SPA award winners

Book of the year shortlist announced

GET INVOLVED IN SPEECH PATHOLOGY WEEK

Connect

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 © 2020 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 Letters may or may not be published in future issues of Speak Out magazine at SPA’s discretion.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 2020 Speak Out ad kit. Any queries may be directed to SPA Publications Manager Advertising booking dates for October 2020 Speak Out . The official booking form must be received at national office by COB 10 September, 2020. 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

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@SpeechPathAus

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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 | August 2020

Contents

August 2020

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Regulars

Features

From the President

And the winners are ...Speech Pathology Australia Award Winners Collaboration : A whole school approach New ways of working : Our newly graduated super heroes. by Kimberley Knight.

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Get involved with Speech Pathology Week Book of the Year Awards Shortlisted books announced. Member research in focus Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee update Early career reference group : Ready for work

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Cover pic: Find out about "whole school approach" at Broadmeadows Specialist School. Read more on p10. 10

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National Conference News

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In Practice: Purchasing equipment for telepractice from NDIS plans

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Branch news

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August 2020 | Speak Out

From the President

Is it just me, or does anyone else have a burning desire to learn how to switch off the weekly ‘Screen Time Report’ on their laptops? Every Sunday morning, I might be checking emails or getting ready for the week ahead, and my laptop smugly throws up a little box, passing judgement on how much time I’ve spent in front of a screen. This inevitably sends me into an internalised meltdown. I’m really getting sick of household appliances telling me off. Because amazing things are going on in our profession right now, and online is where it is all happening. If you flick to the back of this issue you’ll see that the Branches have got it going on, and it’s all online! We’re talking trivia events across the country; new students and graduating professionals learning about the Association; and students pushing boundaries in dysphagia assessment case scenarios, all from the comfort of their living rooms. Excitingly, online is bringing the remote areas of our country into sharp focus. Reading about the successes of the Northern Territory’s Community Allied Health Team going online is nothing short of inspiring. The other incredible event that occurred online last month was SPA’s annual renewal process. At the May meeting (again, online!), the Board of Directors spent considerable time with management planning how best to be responsive to members during 2020 and 2021, while also keeping in sharp focus potential future scenarios. We’re very happy to be able to report that we have maintained our membership over the 10,000 mark. So to all of you, thank you. At the August meeting, the Board will be able to plan for a future building from a strong and stable member base. Then just this week, I received an email letter from a group of private practitioners in Victoria who wanted to recognise the work that Speech Pathology Australia’s National Office has been doing under incredible circumstances. It was really energising having busy clinicians taking time out to write this. The letter’s sentiments are echoed by many other members online. Whenever I log into the Facebook communities, the interactions amongst ourselves as speech pathologists, combined with the assistance and advice from National Office continue to keep us buoyed, making headway. Sometimes the next step forward isn’t exactly clear, but National Office is working hard to gain clarification and get this to us as soon and as clearly as they can. Given all this, as soon as I finish writing this column, I’m going to find that screen time function, and switch it off. Because this month, I’m going to be breaking records for the amount of time I’m online. Speech Pathology Week is shortly on us, and this time it’s all digital. I’ve never been brilliant at keeping up with “the gram”, but I’m hoping to brush up my skills in time for posts around our theme of ‘Communicating with Confidence’. For quite a few years now, we’ve been using Instagram and Twitter to increase public awareness of communication disability. Now we’re more than ten thousand members strong, so there is an opportunity for all of us to become active in using the hashtag #SPweek. If you click on the links in this edition of Speak Out , get your photo ready now, and get involved from your workstation from 23-29 August, wherever you might be based. To finish off, I want to echo the sentiment from Stephanie Verga, who is interviewed in this issue. "No outcome is too small. We dream big and create endless opportunities." I wish I’d been this aware and articulate during the first year of my career. Our profession is constantly generating outcomes and dreaming big, in everything we do. Whether face-to-face, or online, no interaction is virtual.

Tim Kittel

Tim Kittel National President

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Speak Out | August 2020

Association news

2020 Speech Pathology Australia Awards are... The Board of Directors was extremely proud to present awards in the following categories at the 2020 Annual General Meeting and Awards Ceremony. The Board’s appreciation goes to the many people who took the time to research and prepare the nominations that assist the Association in recognising some of our outstanding colleagues. Community Contribution Award And,thewinners

The Community Contribution award is granted by the Association to recognise outside agencies or individuals who have made a significant and valuable contribution to speech pathology. Speech Pathology Australia was pleased to award the Community Contribution award in 2020 to... The City of Adelaide Accepted by Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of Adelaide, Sandy Verschoor (pictured). The City of Adelaide has developed comprehensive strategies to support individuals with communication disabilities in accessing services, including libraries, community centres and customer service centres. In partnering with Scope Victoria and private speech pathology practice, ‘Two Way Street’, the City of Adelaide developed a dynamic plan and implementation program, that built upon the city’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan. Staff are trained and confident in supporting a range of communication systems, including the use of a Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display. The Service to the Association Award is granted by the Association to members in recognition of ongoing, valuable and voluntary service to the Association at either a National or Branch level. In 2020, the Association recognised highly deserving member... Cathy Clark Cathy has been a valued contributor to the South Australian Branch, having held the role of Branch Chair from 2009 until June 2019. During this time Cathy fostered close alignment between the Branch and National strategic objectives, managing the Branch’s transition from a portfolio to a strategic structure. In the role of Branch Chair, Cathy was instrumental in mentoring new Branch Executive members and in increasing and retaining student representation within the Branch. Cathy maintained positive connections with the local university program, providing regular first and final year student information presentations.

The City of Adelaide’s commitment to communication access was evident at the

launch of their Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2020-2022, with the provision of an Auslan interpreter, live captioning, easy read PowerPoint slides and a hearing loop. The launch was emceed by an individual with a communication disability, including speech and a personal communication device. This was an excellent opportunity to demonstrate ways communication access can be facilitated in a public forum. The strategies implemented by the City of Adelaide are highly visible, encourage participation and promote inclusion for individuals with communication disabilities.

Service to the Association

Cathy established an online presence for the South Australian Branch and was proactive in growing the membership of the online community. Under Cathy's leadership community awareness increased through initiatives, including Book of the Year story time sessions, the Pregnancy, Babies and Mother’s Expo, Farmers Market stalls and Speech Pathology Week events.

Cathy has also contributed to the national activities of the Association, attending National Strategic Planning workshops, mentoring less experienced Branch Chairs and regularly attending National Conferences.

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August 2020 | Speak Out

And, the winners are...

Elinor Wray

The Elinor Wray Award was instituted in 1981 to honour Miss Elinor Wray, who is regarded as the Founder of the speech pathology profession in Australia. The award is granted for significant and outstanding contribution to the profession of speech pathology, through completion of a specific project or major clinical contribution. In 2020 the Association was proud to bestow this award on two very worthy members.

Robyn has bridged the academic and clinical world as a Senior Lecturer and Discipline Head at LaTrobe University and until recently a senior research speech pathologist at St Vincent’s Hospital. Robyn has led innovative research that has resulted in the internationally acclaimed Inpatient Functional Communication Interview – Screening, Assessment and Intervention. She has a passion for speech pathology practice and research that changes the lives of people with communication disability. This most recent publication promotes speech pathology to a new range of health care professionals and will impact positively on many hospital patients with communication disability. Jennifer Peach

Dr Robyn O’Halloran Dr Robyn O’Halloran has made an outstanding contribution to speech pathology research, clinical practice, leadership, student education and supervision over her entire career but it is the more recent development and publication of the Inpatient Functional Communication Interview – Screening, Assessment and Intervention that has earnt her an Elinor Wray Award. The aim of the newly published Inpatient Functional

Jennifer has made a highly significant contribution to the profession of speech pathology, particularly related to recognition of the role of speech pathologists, in contributing to the education outcomes for students and the delivery of speech pathology services in an educational setting. Jenny has delivered speech pathology services within the Queensland Department of Education as a service provider and manager for over 25 years.

Communication Interview – Screening, Assessment and Intervention is to provide speech pathologists with the tools to make hospitals communicatively accessible for people with a communication disability. Robyn was ahead of her time when she developed and published the original Inpatient Functional Communication Interview in 2004. The result of her Master of Philosophy thesis. Robyn completed her PhD measuring the incidence and prevalence of communication disability in stroke units, determining the validity and reliability of impairment rating scales relevant to the stroke unit setting, and measuring the performance of people with a communication disability on tasks that have been found to enable participation in health care. In the past three years, Robyn has worked closely with the team at St Vincent’s hospital to expand the tools within the original Inpatient Functional Communication Interview. The newly published resource now contains a screening tool for nursing staff, interview by a speech pathologist, impairment scales, and an Environmental Questionnaire that audits the communicative accessibility of the ward or the hospital. The foreword written by world renowned Professor Emeritus Nina Simmons-Mackie describes the Inpatient Functional Communication Interview – Screening, Assessment and Intervention as required reading for students as well as seasoned clinicians.

While Jenny's achievements have been numerous, the Elinor Wray award is in recognition of her role in the development and implementation of ‘Read it again – Foundation Q!’ and her positioning of speech pathologists as critical partners in the development of reading skills for students across Queensland State Schools. In her role as Project Leader in the development, implementation and scaling of ‘Read It Again – FoundationQ!’ Jenny lead collaboration with international researcher, Distinguished Professor Laura Justice, who developed the original ‘Read It Again – Pre K’. Jenny identified a potential to adapt this program, which was originally targeted to children in the prior to school age bracket, for the students just beginning in school in Australia. Jenny saw the opportunity to apply contemporary research in how adults can support children’s long-term language and literacy development using systematic and explicit instruction to the key indicators for the Australian Curriculum. This lead to the collaboration with Professor Laura Justice to develop ‘Read-it Again – FoundationQ!’. Read It Again – FoundationQ! Is currently implemented in over 250 state schools across seven education

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Speak Out | August 2020

And, the winners are... regions in Queensland and in a growing number of independent

Hilary, along with her colleagues at the Communication and Inclusion Resource Centre, developed the Triple C Checklist of Communicative Competencies, which remains the only communication access tool suitable for adults with severe communication impairment. Hilary’s contributions to Speech Pathology Australia were recognised early in her career, having been awarded the Elinor Wray award in 1988 and Fellowship in 1996. Hilary completed her PhD at La Trobe University in 2013 and was innovative in exploring how people with severe disabilities and complex communication needs develop and sustain social networks and interactions. In all, Hilary published five papers from her thesis in high quality journals. This work was followed by her success as first investigator on a $90,000 grant, awarded by the National Disability and Research Development scheme to translate the theoretical model developed in her PhD to an evidence-based intervention. In total, Hilary has authored 38 journal publications and has a Scopus H-index of 13, demonstrating high citations for her papers, especially those from her early work at the Saliva Clinic, and her PhD. She has also been an author of 10 books and book chapters. Hilary was integral in the development of the Communication Access Symbol. This symbol is awarded to businesses and services that meet determined criteria for communication access. Hilary’s contribution to the profession and to people with severe disability has been multifaceted and sustained across her career. Her work has been driven by a firm commitment to improving the lives of people with the most severe disability, using her considerable clinical, education, research and advocacy skills. Hilary’s clinical and research work has drawn the attention of international colleagues to the pioneering and ongoing innovative service delivery models and AAC supports for people with disability in Australia. Hilary is deeply devoted to serving educational context, Jenny’s leadership at the Reading Centre, saw the design and implementation of a state-wide Reading Disorders service that reflects core systemic principles, objectives and policies. Jenny’s collaborations with Australian and International researchers, together with her commitment to designing, implementing and disseminating clinical research has defined her position as a leader in speech pathology in education and in the literacy domain. Her high degree of credibility in the Senior Speech Language advisor position facilitates the formation of strategic alliances both internal to the Queensland Department of Education and with key external industry partners, to support and contribute to organisational objectives.

schools. It is successfully implemented in urban, rural and remote contexts via telehealth to isolated distance education students and accessed and implemented in educational jurisdictions across Australia. Jenny’s significant success in the implementation of Read It Again – Foundation Q! coincided with the opening of the Reading Centre. The Reading Centre was an initiative announced by the Department of Education, Advancing education: an action plan for education in Queensland, in October 2015. Jenny was seconded to the Reading Centre. Bringing her extensive experience, expertise and success in speech-language therapy services, delivered within an

Life Membership

Life Membership is the highest public professional honour the Association awards to members and is awarded to speech pathologists who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and committed service to the Association and profession over many years. In 2020 the Association was proud to award Life Membership to two exceptional members of the Association. Dr Hilary Johnson

Hilary is first and foremost an exemplary clinician. Her work with children with severe communication disorders in the areas of communication, saliva and mealtime management started early in her career while working in positions with specialist disability services. Hilary pioneered clinical interventions in each of these areas.

Hilary’s initiatives in the Severe Communication Impairment Outreach Program, the State Government’s Complex Communication Project, and setting up the Communication Resource Centre, have directly influenced the Department of Human Services’ understanding of the communication needs of people with a significant disability. Under Hilary’s leadership, the Communication and Inclusion Resource Centre has achieved far reaching and long term results, in increasing the understanding about communication access for people with complex communication needs, the role of AAC and knowledge of the services and systems required to meet those needs. This work built upon many previous years in which Hilary was successful in funding bids to initiate and evaluate innovative programs.

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August 2020 | Speak Out

And, the winners are... people with disability and communication impairment. Although recently retired, her advocacy role continues through ongoing work for the Australian Society for Intellectual and Development Disabilities and support and mentoring of junior colleagues. Professor Pamela Snow Pamela graduated with a

Elizabeth Usher Memorial Lecture, “Language is literacy is language. Positioning Speech Language Pathology in education policy, practice, paradigms and polemics”. Pam has contributed to and guided academic teaching in the field of human communication disorders across three Australian Universities, Deakin, LaTrobe and Monash, and through international outreach as a review group member for the Nuffield Foundation, visiting scholar to the University of Auckland and as a collaborator at the University of Nebraska. Pam’s clinically relevant and clearly written peer reviewed works are either required or recommended reading for undergraduate and graduate students worldwide. As an internationally renowned researcher in the field of speech pathology, Pam has an outstanding publication record, including over 150 scholarly works across diverse areas. Pam has attained many highly competitive and prestigious research grants from the Australia Research Council and other external funding bodies. Pam has encouraged innovation in treatment and management particularly in the area of TBI rehabilitation and has been an inspirational mentor and role model for other speech pathologists. In her own words, Pam’s “research passion is language and literacy competence—primarily as this pertains to vulnerability in early life.” Pam is an exceptional ambassador, advocate, communicator and role model for speech pathology in everything she undertakes. She is approachable, empathetic, loyal, funny, consistent, generous in time and effort, and unapologetically committed to clients and community in every strata of society. Pam’s professional career is characterised by an unsurpassed work ethic with a meticulous emphasis on scientific rigour; a conscientious commitment to fairness and social justice; a kind, empathic, balanced approach to resolving the inevitable workplace conflicts and challenges; and, an unpretentious duty to ethical, evidence-based practice across disciplines.

Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) from the Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences in 1981, and in 1985 was awarded a Graduate Diploma in Communication Disorders (Neuropsychology and Aphasia) by the same Institution. After twelve years of clinical, administrative, and student supervision experience, Pamela was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy by La

Trobe University in 1997, receiving the Graduate Research Prize for the most outstanding PhD thesis in the Faculty of Health Sciences and the A. R. Luria Prize for the most outstanding paper based on Doctoral research at the 22nd Brain Impairment Conference. In 2004 Pamela was registered as a Psychologist in Victoria, and in 2008 achieved a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education fromMonash University. Among at least eight other distinctions and awards, Pam was honoured, in 2017, with Learning Difficulties Australia’s Mona Tobias Award “for an outstanding contribution to the field of learning difficulties through research and practice”. Pam’s contributions to Speech Pathology Australia’s activities were acknowledged in 2012 with her transfer to Fellowship. Subsequently, in 2015 Pam was selected to present the

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Speak Out | August 2020

Introducing the new Professional Standards to members and the speech pathology profession

Speech Pathology Australia is excited to introduce the new Professional Standards for Speech Pathologists in Australia (Professional Standards). The Professional Standards were developed over two years, and are the result of significant input and consultation with the Speech Pathology Australia membership and stakeholders. The Professional Standards will be officially introduced during Speech Pathology Week 2020 and apply to all speech pathologists from 1 January 2021. The Professional Standards recognise the broad and expanding scope and the diversity of roles within the profession. The Professional Standards highlight speech pathologists have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of communication and swallowing and communication and swallowing needs, throughout an individual’s lifespan. The Professional Standards emphasise speech pathologists support every individual’s right to optimal communication and swallowing. Notably, the Professional Standards detail: • the knowledge, skills and attributes a speech pathologist practising in Australia must demonstrate and apply, at any point in their career, as relevant to their speech pathology role and work context, • the knowledge, skills and attributes a graduating speech pathology student must demonstrate and be able to apply by the time they complete their entry-level degree. The Competency Based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists – Entry Level (CBOS) has been a core document for a number of Association functions, including accreditation of university courses, assessment of overseas qualified speech pathologists and the re-entry program for speech pathologists wishing to return to practice after a career break. The CBOS will continue to be the reference document for many Association functions until a formal transition process is implemented. More information regarding the transition processes can be found on the Professional Standards page, and via the Learning Hub. As part of the official introductions the Professional Standards team will host a series of live Q&A sessions in August and September to answer your queries on the new Professional Standards. Keep a look out for session times and more detail surrounding the Q&A sessions on the SPA website and under the Professional Education Learning Hub tab. “It has been a team effort to get this important document ready to be introduced to the profession, and includes significant input from the Professional Standards Advisory Committee, the

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee, the Competency Standards Advisory Committee, Young Futures consultants and leadership and direction from Association management, the Professional Standards team and the Speech Pathology Australia Board. Most importantly, the Professional Standards are a result of the consultation and feedback received from the Association's membership, throughout 2018 and 2019,” said Chief Executive Officer, Gail Mulcair. “We (the Association) look forward to sharing the milestone introduction of the Professional Standards for Speech Pathologists in Australia with the membership and the broader profession during Speech Pathology Week 2020.” If you have any specific queries you would like to discuss with respect to the introduction of the new Professional Standards, please contact the Manager, Professional Standards Stacey Baldac, sbaldac@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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August 2020 | Speak Out

Care to join an ongoing social learning group steered by leading academics and clinicians? Participate in Speech Pathology Australia's communities of practice where you can join in discussions, share case studies and support problem solving for a deeper understanding in your field of practice. The following Community of Practice is open for registration on the Learning Hub . Speech pathologists in mainstream education Pamela Thuan

Go to the learning hub

.com

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Speak Out | August 2020

2020 Code of Ethics

After an extensive review and consultative process Speech Pathology Australia has developed a revised Code of Ethics to be launched in October.

On the following pages the Association's Ethics Team answers all of your questions about the new Code and what is means for you and your practice.

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August 2020 | Speak Out

The 2020 Code of Ethics is coming

Launch of the Code The launch of the 2020 Code was initially planned for the SPA National Conference in May 2020, however this action was not achieved as the conference was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The launch is now planned for Friday 23 October 2020. ‘Advance notice’ of the 2020 Code of Ethics from now will allow members to become familiar with the content prior to the launch, as members must comply with it after that date, and other stakeholders to plan for any changes to be made in their context. A range of activities are being planned between now and the launch date to encourage members to interact with the revised content and become familiar with the visual layout. Keep an eye on the new Learning Hub for podcasts and interviews, e-news, and social media. So what do I do now? Have a look at the 2020 Code of Ethics here. It is planned that members and external stakeholders will mostly interact with the 2020 Code online, through a dedicated interactive page on the SPA website. Work is currently underway to finalise development of that page with extensive links throughout the 2020 Code to resources that will support members to understand and uphold the Code. Resources will include definitions, internal resources such as Speech Pathology Australia policies, podcasts, clinical guidelines, FAQs, PD opportunities, and external resources such as links to legislation, references and government websites. Members will be advised when that new page is up and running, then we will encourage you to have a look and a ‘play’ with the interactive capabilities. Hard copies will also be available including a poster for your clinic wall, and a downloadable pdf. Please contact the Ethics Team if you have suggestions for resources that you and others will benefit from, or have other questions about the 2020 Code of Ethics.

A major review of the SPA Code of Ethics was undertaken during 2019. Actions undertaken during the review included: Appointment of an independent facilitator who completed a Scoping Review of other professional codes and review processes. Member survey during March 2019, 750 individuals responded. Australia wide in person and videoconferencing focus groups with members; discussion and input into what works well in the current Code and what should be considered for the 2020 Code. Input from key stakeholders, e.g. the Speech Pathology Australia Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee, SPA standards team working on the review of the professional standards, and other external stakeholder representatives. Thematic analysis of all the data collected The Ethics Board then used the detailed information gained by these activities to revise the Code. Subsequent review has been undertaken by the Board of Directors, legal counsel and members of our profession experienced in the work of the Ethics Board. 2020 Code of Ethics The 2020 Code of Ethics contains updated values, principles and standards for speech pathology professional practice in Australia. The 2020 Code has been aligned with contemporary practice, to ensure it supports and reflects professional practice now and across the next 10 years. It takes into account the changing internal and external environments for speech pathology practice including changes to models of services delivery, access to services, consumer engagement with speech pathology, the employment contexts of speech pathologists and with consideration of the eight core aspirations of the Speech Pathology 2030 report.

Ethics

Code of ethics

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Speak Out | August 2020

2020 Code of Ethics FAQs

When does the 2020 Code take effect? The 2020 Code of Ethics will launch on Friday October 23rd; however, we are giving members advanced access so you can begin to familiarise yourself with the content before the launch. The 2010 Code of Ethics is current until 23rd October, after that date the 2020 Code of Ethics supersedes it and members are obliged to comply with the new version. How will this change the complaints process? The expectations and foundations of how to make ethically appropriate decisions

As we prepare for the formal launch of the 2020 Code of Ethics at the end of October we thought we would share some of the most commonly asked questions about the 2020 Code. If you have any other questions about this please feel free to email ethics@ speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Why do we have a revised Code of Ethics? Speech Pathology Australia conducts a major review of the Code of Ethics at least once every 10 years. The last major review was in 2010 and the world has changed substantially since then! A few key examples are: models of service delivery have evolved along with funding programs to access speech pathology; consumer directed care has altered how clients engage with speech pathologists; smart phones and social media use have both skyrocketed since 2010, and this has changed both how speech pathologists interact with clients and each other. Additionally, how members access information relevant to their practice has changed significantly, the majority of members log into SPAs website on mobile devices, rather than desktop computers. How has it been updated? You can read about the process on the previous page of Speak Out . The content of the Code of Ethics has been refreshed and expanded where needed to reflect current and emerging practice, but the major change will be how you interact with the Code of Ethics. The 2020 Code of Ethics has been designed to be interactive, with links to frequently asked questions, definitions, and supporting documents, external websites or other mediums, such as webisodes. We will update these supporting documents as needed, to make sure you have the information you need to make ethical choices in your daily practice.

Ethics

will not fundamentally change but the 2020 Code of Ethics is intended to reflect and support the everyday decisions and challenges that speech pathologists face in 2020 and into the next 10 years. If a formal complaint is received regarding a speech pathologists ethical or professional conduct that occurred on or before October 23rd 2020 the Investigation Panel from the Ethics Board will consider it against the 2010 Code of Ethics. If the conduct occurs after October 23rd 2020 the Investigation Panel will consider the complaint against the 2020 Code of Ethics. Still have questions?

Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics

2020

Trish Johnson Manager Ethics and Professional Issues Nadia Marussinszky Ethics Advisor Have a look at the 2020 Code of Ethics and if you think of a resource you’d like to see, or you still have questions, contact the Ethics Team at the email above.

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August 2020 | Speak Out

Communication under pressure

A topic commonly discussed at present with SPA advisors is the management of challenges in speech pathology professional practice as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many challenges encountered at this time are additional and quite different to the usual tasks a speech pathologist manages in everyday practice; however there is one similarity with those more "usual" challenges and tasks—all benefit from clear and professional communication with others to achieve a positive outcome. Communication in our professional lives frequently involves conversations with a wide variety of people, including clients, staff we employ, our employer, colleagues or other professionals we consult with as well as over a large number of mediums, such as face to face, phone calls, social media, and more. These may all have their own type of dialogue, but the underpinning values and principles remain constant: the demonstration of professionalism and integrity, objectivity in professional interactions, and demonstration of respect for others we communicate with are paramount.

we communicate with others. An increase in uncertainty can have an impact on how we respond to others, nervousness may impact on our flexibility and resilience. These factors may be affecting us more than we realise, we should assume that they are affecting those around us and approach all interactions with empathy at the forefront of our minds. It can be useful to consider a narrative style of approach when having difficult conversations in the professional realm. This means that when we are talking with our colleagues or clients that we reflect on the background to their situation, the current environment and issues that may be impacting them personally and then take that into account when considering what can be expected or what may be an appropriate outcome from that communication. By considering the circumstances of the other person, we can develop an understanding of why they may be reacting a certain way and take into account what may be causing stress for them. If that interaction is between two professionals then a shared obligation exists, for both to demonstrate understanding and consideration of each other’s circumstances. One thing that is particularly obvious at present is that the contexts we are working within can change rapidly. If we reflect on how many times over the past months our expectations, plans or actions have had to change due to the changing external environment, we can consider how that rapid rate of change can also impact on others and how to tailor our professional communication when rapid change is occurring. It can be difficult to think a situation through logically and clearly when stressed, we can demonstrate our professionalism by understanding when others are experiencing it too. Ultimately it can be useful to remember that clear communication is professional and it can also be rewarding, it creates trust and supports professional interactions. By considering each individual’s context we can impart difficult information or have conversations about change in ways that support and maintain positive professional relationships. We all benefit from that.

Ethics

Many contacts to National Office since the start of the pandemic have begun with a discussion of a specific scenario or decision that a speech pathologist is facing, but often then progress to recognition that the situation involves interactions with colleagues or clients which have become fraught. It can be helpful to consider the effects of stress and anxiety on increasing the potential for conflict in interactions with others, which can occur across all professional realms not just with colleagues or clients. The reduction in personal autonomy due to lockdown or restrictions such as social distancing can impact on how

Trish Johnson Manager Ethics and Professional Issues

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Speak Out | August 2020

Insurance, without the gulp.

We know it’s not always about pronunciation and flash cards, sometimes it’s just hard to swallow. But your insurance doesn’t have to be. Our 14 year partnership with Speech Pathology Australia means our products are developed to meet the unique situations you experience as an Australian speech pathology professional. To find out why Speech Pathology Australia continue to believe that no other insurer represents better value for their members, call Guild on 1800 810 213 or visit guildinsurance.com.au

1800 810 213 guildinsurance.com.au

Better through experience.

August 2020 | Speak Out Insurance issued by Guild Insurance Limited ABN 55 004 538 863, AFS Licence No. 233791 and subject to terms, conditions and exclusions. For more information call 1800 810 213 . Guild Insurance supports Speech Pathology Australia’s ongoing projects, lobbying and research through the payment of referral fees. Please refer to the policy wording and policy schedule for details. SPE24080 Speech Pathology Speak Out Magazine June

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Your Branch needs you!

Have you thought about getting involved in your Association at a Branch level?

Whether you’ve been a Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) member for years or have recently become a member you can always contribute to Branch activities. Branches provide a forum for the discussion of issues impacting on the speech pathology profession, as well as social and networking opportunities. All SPA state and territory Branches promote strategic activities, encourage member and public engagement, implement strategic direction, and respond to state/territory level issues. Each Branch has a Branch Executive that comprises of volunteer speech pathologists from a range of settings, including: health, disability, education and private practice. Whether you’re a student member, working in private practice, government or NGO roles across rural or metro areas of Australia; YOUR input and suggestions are critical to inform how YOUR Branch can work together to achieve the best outcomes for the profession, the public and for Speechies within your state. Get involved, have some fun and join a group of like- minded people who love their chosen profession. No special skills are needed apart from enthusiasm, some great ideas and a drive to get things done. Whether it’s organising a member only social event, promoting our wonderful profession to the public or lobbying local politicians, there is a role you can play. Meetings are usually held monthly and you’ll be volunteering as part of a group which can enhance your leadership and teamwork skills and develop networks within and beyond the profession. Interested? Intrigued? Would you like to find out a little bit more? Contact your local Branch Chair to discuss the kinds of roles available in your state or territory. Head to the SPA website for more details. www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au > Members > Branches

"No special skills required, just bring your enthusiasm and ideas!"

Your local Branch

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Speak Out | August 2020

Association news

The Association's podcast Speak Up recently turned 1. Since its launch the podcast Speak Up has emassed more than 70,000 listens. To celebrate, the production team, including members of the Professional Education team and the Communications and Marketing teams recorded a special edition. The special podcast episode highlights the team effort required to make the podcast each week. Happy birthday Speak Up!

Listen to the latest episodes S02 Episode 25 In this episode Associate Professor Suze Leitão and Trish Johnson, SPA's Manager Ethics and Professional Issues, discuss the evidence of ethics and evidence based practice. Runtime of 11 minutes S02 Episode 24 In this week's episode, Professor Ianessa Humbert and Margaret Monroe discuss modified diets. Runtime of 10 minutes

Speak Up Podcast

Telepractice resources The Speech Pathology Australia telepractice resources have received a total of 11,430 views. Professional Education continues to work with leaders in the telepractice space to ensure members receive resources and information to guide them in understanding and effectively implementing appropriate telepractice service delivery. Access the SPA telepractice resources here.

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August 2020 | Speak Out

Association news

Speech Pathology Week 2020

When this article was being written, metropolitan Melbourne had just entered a revised six-week lockdown to combat the challenges thrown-up by a new outbreak of COVID-19. The Association’s national office was closed and its staff were continuing to work remotely from their homes. Notwithstanding, planning for a new and different Speech Pathology Week was still underway. This important public awareness campaign in 2020 will almost entirely be conducted digitally and online. This year, the Speech Pathology Week kit, with its promotional collateral, has been replaced with a digital campaign kit, available for all members to download form the Association’s website. The digital campaign kit includes a range of graphics and ideas about how members can use them to promote Speech Pathology Week and the week’s theme: ‘Communicating with Confidence’, via social media and other digital channels. Members will also find on the website, posters and fliers that can be downloaded and printed, either in their office or taken to a commercial printer. Each year Speech Pathology Australia hosts Speech Pathology Week to create awareness of those in our community who have a communication difficulty. To reinforce the theme adopted in 2019, the theme for Speech Pathology Week 2020 will again be: Communicating with Confidence. In 2020, Speech Pathology Week is 23-29 August. Around 1.2 million people in Australia have a communication disability. Every day speech pathologists work those Australians to provide them with the confidence to communicate. Sadly, communication disability is largely invisible. Unseen and out-of-sight. Australians with communication disability are the silent suffers that cannot maximise future educational, health and social outcomes, without the intervention of a speech pathologist.

SOCIAL MEDIA COMPETITION A. Take a photograph of you and someone who is ‘Communicating with Confidence’ thanks to you; B. Post it on Instagram and/or Twitter; and C. Include the Association’s handle @ SpeechPathAus and the hashtag #SPweek PAY IT FORWARD A. Using one of the graphics from the Speech Pathology Week digital kit (or create your own graphic); B. Post it on Instagram and/or Twitter; and C. Add the handles of three colleagues and the hashtag #SPweek and Play It Forward (e.g. “Together with my speechie colleagues, @Friend01 @Friend02 @Friend03 we are working to ensure all Australians are Communicating with Confidence #SPweek”) 2 easy ways to get involved. Both as easy as A, B, C

SP Week

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Speak Out | August 2020

View the shortlisted books

Book of the Year Shortlisted books announced

The winners in all categories will be announced on Friday 6 November.

Despite the challenges thrown-up by COVID-19 there were a record 218 titles nominated for the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year awards in 2020. All these books have now been shortlisted and a complete list is available from the Association’s website. Following shortlisting, the resulting books are judged in one of the four age-related categories: Birth to 3 years, three to 5 years, five to 8 years, and eight to 10 years. The former Indigenous Children category has been renamed the ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Authored Children’s Book Award’ and its judging incorporated into the process for the four age-specific categories. This means that a book, written by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander author, is eligible to win both the age-related category for which it has been nominated and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Authored Children’s Book Award category. The Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards are now in the seventieth year. These highly valued awards are not possible without the ongoing support of Australian children book publishers (mainstream and independent), and the authors and illustrators of these books. The awards would also not be possible with the time and efforts of the members who volunteer as shortlisters and judges. A huge thank you must therefore go to the awards’ shortlisters who worked their way through a record number of nominations in the age-related categories: Lyn Goodwin, Claire Monsour, Evett Lattouf and Natasha Barlow. The judging process is now underway, and thanks goes to all the volunteer judges.

Thank you to the 2020 judges

Five to 8 Years Danielle Ryan Julie Martin

Birth to 3 Years Lisa Ey Samantha White Rebecca Reinking Olivia Watchman Sharon Smart Nisrine El-Choueifati Three to 5 Years Jacqui Collins Asha Bodycoat Lauren Haskins Christine Beal Olivia MacGinley Melissa Roberts Meryl Lai Kong Ling Lindsay Potgieter Iris Yamagishi Rebecca Star

Anna Gilmour Jacqui Hanna Melissa Hughes Lauren Scott Alexandra Sevdalis-Fallaw Janice Zee

Eight to 10 Years Pam Reed Erin Coonan Laura Nelson Malathi Ferdinando Kate Augello Kylie Johnson-Short

Angela Spurway Stephanie Gibb

BOOK OF THE YEAR

Speech Pathology Australia

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August 2020 | Speak Out