Speak Out August 2020 low res

How did your workplace respond? Their response was quite swift. Therapists were expected to ask COVID-19 restriction questions prior to attending appointments, create pivot in therapy structures to alter participants outcomes to reflect current times. They also encouraged sanitising and social distancing and kept us up to date each step of the way. Do you have a funny anecdote from your COVID experience? I feel like COVID-19 has been a blessing in disguise for my participants. I have a lovely participant who didn’t enjoy sessions at his house. Mum interrupted his ‘music’ time for sessions. He often gave me the ‘birdy’ and ignored me. Then came COVID-19. I thought it would be the end of our working relationship. I thought ‘he doesn’t like seeing me face-to-face so how on earth am I going to motivate him during a Zoom session?’ Contingencies in place, I accepted the challenge. To my surprise, Zoom was a blessing. He loved it! For an entire hour he sat in front of the camera, more time than I had ever received face- to-face. I found the best way to support this participant. I am so grateful. I’ll continue using telehealth beyond COVID-19. So how does your experience this year compare with those expectations and thoughts you had in your final year as a student? Working as a Speech Pathologist has been challenging, fulfilling, inspiring and a ‘happy tears’ kind of journey. Everyday Independence has supported me to be the best New ways of working

clinician I can. I think more broadly about my participants and their outcomes. I’ve learnt that no outcome is too small. We dream big and create endless opportunities for our participants. Everyday Independence’s Off to a Flying Start, New Graduate Program provided abundant, ongoing support and mentoring. The process is so professional, seamless and has made me comfortable in my role. I’ve met fellow new graduate colleagues across the organisation and found comfort in their stories and journey. We have a fantastic working relationship and reach out to each other across our sites. My expectations were exceeded when compared to those thoughts I had as a final year student. I’m glad I took the leap and entered the professional world. What are your hopes for the remainder of the year? Professionally, I would like to continue learning and developing my skills as a Speech Pathologist in the Disability sector. I’m committed to support my participants throughout their COVID-19 journey; highlights and struggles alike, to encourage them, support their dreams, display patience, empathy and always have a smile on my face. Being a Speech Pathologist is my superpower! I’ve learnt a new skill and will always be grateful for this experience. I’m optimistic that this year will turn around and we will be able to hug our friends and family members, take a holiday and never ever run out of toilet paper again. My quote for the year: "If it doesn’t challenge you then it won’t change you."

16

Speak Out | August 2020