Speak Out December 2017

Branch News

Pregnancy, Babies and Children’s Expo Speech Pathology Australia was represented again at the Pregnancy, Babies and Children’s Expo in Melbourne this October with more than 400 people visiting the stand to obtain information about speech and language development. We had 29 volunteers who were all Speech Pathology Australia members. In each shift there was at least one practising speech pathologist with either student or non-practising members to assist with engaging visitors with handouts, demonstrating the SPA website or distributing raffle tickets. Book of the Year books were used as a raffle prize.

Victoria

The main questions asked were about norms and normal communication development, as well as how to support language development in bilingual children. Thanks to Jenny Elliott and the Member Engagement Group, as well as all the members who volunteered their time and expertise in another successful event. Chrissa Stavrou

VIC 2091 members as at October 2017

SLP2B – Pathways in speech pathology The Victorian student member network recently hosted an event titled SLP2B- Pathways in Speech Pathology at the University of Melbourne. A sell-out crowd of 160 students from La Trobe University, Australian Catholic University and The University of Melbourne came together to hear first- hand accounts of the rewards and challenges that a career in speech pathology can offer. Seven speech pathologists outlined their career journeys, providing advice for budding SPs, demonstrating the diversity of the profession and describing the opportunities available to explore interests in teaching, research and clinical work. Presenters reflected a range of clinical interests that ranged from working in acute hospital settings, private practice, community and indigenous health, education, research and aged care. All speakers were inspiring, evoking responses from awe to peals of laughter, and generously gave of their time after the event to answer many questions from the appreciative audience. The level of student engagement reflected the communication expertise of the panel, the motivational nature of their presentations, and the relevance of their advice to students looking to soon enter the workplace as practising speech pathologists. The student representative group would like to thank our panel of speakers: Rachael Furner, Petrea Cahir, Abby Foster, Leora Benjamin, Deb MyIne, Alice Crook and Martin Checklin. Thanks must go to all Victorian Branch members, (including portfolio leaders: Alice Crook, Tiyana Jones and Hannah Stark), who have worked to advocate for our clients, promote our profession and engage with our community. Hannah Stark Student Member Network Coordinator

Actions speak louder than words Australian Catholic University students recently ran a bake sale aiming to raise awareness of the role of speech pathology and communication access in our community. With the intention of challenging students to make a purchase at the sale without using any speech we saw the light bulb moment for students as they found it impossible to convey even a simple message! “I didn’t think this would be so hard!” “I feel rude just pointing at what I want.” “Oops I just spoke!” These were some of the students’ experiences at the bake sale, yet others rose to the challenge, with one nursing student taking the time to print a communication chart with some phrases on it and using this to convey his message. Our eyes lit up! The Speech Pathology students on campus were excited to share with students from all disciplines the importance of accessible communication in our communities. The bake sale successfully raised $253.45 for Scope, who play a vital role in providing support for and empowering people with communication disability. Aashna Vazirani Speech Pathology Australia ACU Student Representative

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December 2017 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Speak Out