Speak Out December 2018

DECEMBER 2018

THE MAGAZINE FOR AUSTRALIAN SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS

Working with families: Speech pathologists making a difference

Resources to support confident decision-making Professional practice news Speech Pathology Australia marks UDHR 70th anniversary and...

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Conte n ts in focus...

December 2018

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 Gaenor Dixon – President

Belinda Hill – Vice President Communications Brooke Sanderson – Vice President Operations Chyrisse Heine – Director Tim Kittel – Director Marleen Westerveld – Director Maree Doble – Director Follow Speech Pathology Australia via:

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Copyright © 2018 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 Write to us Letters can be sent to pubs@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Letters may or may not be published in future issues of Speak Out magazine at SPA’s discretion.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.speechpathology australia.org.au to view the 2018 Speak Out ad kit. Any queries may be directed to SPA's Communications and Digital Media Specialist T 1300 368 835 E pubs@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Advertising booking dates for February 2019 Speak Out. The official booking form must be received at National Office by COB 15 January 2019 . New South Wales – Emma Arazzi Northern Territory – Megan Redway Queensland – Leanne Sorbello, Catherine Hicks, Erika Campbell and Rebecca Sexton South Australia – Barbara Lyndon Tasmania – Rachael Zeeman Victoria – Shane Erickson Western Australia – Jahde Sumner Please see the website for Branch Editor contact details. 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 Speak Out Branch Editors ACT – via pubs@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

From the President

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4 Board report

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Book of the Year success

10 70th anniversary of UDHR

13 Aged care news

16 Come to Brisbane in 2019

20 Mary Buttifant’s 60 years in the profession

22 in practice

24 Tricia Chardon marks 30 years at SPA

32 Online member communities

36 Branch news

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From the President

Suddenly the shops are full of snow (while it is white hot outside!), tinsel and Christmas songs. My music streaming account has provided me with a list of my “Top Songs” for 2018 (which is a very interesting mix – my children accessed my account more than I thought!), and conversations with people are full of discussions about the upcoming summer break and plans for next year. I’m sure you are juggling the end-of-year work activities, social occasions and planning for the holidays. At this time of year, I always wish there was a little more time for reflection – maybe New Year’s resolutions would be better followed through with some time to really plan for them – and writing the introduction this month provides me with that opportunity, as well as the chance to think about some of the changes for 2019. passing 9,000 for the first time. Together we have achieved membership of the National Alliance of Self-Regulating Health Professions (NASRHP); secured the Communication Access Symbol for our national office; presented at a range of enquiries; advocated with the NDIA for NDIS issues and government for health, early childhood and education issues; delivered CPD face-to-face and online learning in every state and territory; distributed a combined nine editions of the International Journal of Speech Language Pathology and the Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech Language Pathology; held an extremely successful conference in Adelaide; supported mentoring and supervision; answered queries from members regarding supervision, private practice, NDIS, ethical practice and membership; commenced the CBOS review; accredited university programs; had a professional presence at numerous expos; conducted radio interviews; been in print media and used social media to get our message out; and so much more! This year we have had a particular focus on communication as a human right, with a focus on the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Commencing the year with a special edition of the International Journal of Speech Language Pathology focussing on communication as a human right, there have been a range of events around Australia this year to mark the occasion, and to share our message with a broad audience. This has been a busy year for the Association, with our membership

Congratulations to Sharynne McLeod as the guest editor of the journal, and to all who have contributed to both the events throughout Australia and to the articles. Also, a shout-out to our comms and marketing team who have worked hard with the International Communication Project team to develop some great resources, including a video, to mark this important occasion. All of the activities I have mentioned (and all those that I can’t fit on just this one page!), are made possible by the very hard- working and dedicated staff at national office headed up by Gail Mulcair. Thanks to the staff for your work – you really do make a difference for speech pathologists across the country. Sadly, Sharon Crane, our Senior Advisor Professional Education and Certification, is leaving the employ of the Association in January 2019. Sharon has been with the Association for 20 years, and in that time has overseen a very high quality continuing professional development program that is responsive to member needs. The CPD and certification programs are a key part of the Association’s activities to support our speech pathologists to be able to continue to provide high-quality evidence-based supports for people with (or at-risk of) communication disability. Thanks to Sharon for her dedication, leadership and work. Her legacy can be seen in the esteem in which our profession is held. The beginning of a fresh year gives you the opportunity to think about new things that you may like to try. Have you considered becoming a director of Speech Pathology Australia in 2019? Nominations for three directors are now open and close on 31 January 2019. Being a director of the Association is a rewarding and important role to play – it gives you the opportunity to steer the direction of the Association into the future within a supportive team environment. Please consider the opportunity to take on this exciting leadership opportunity. Soon I will be writing the February 2019 introduction to Speak Out and wondering what happened to the summer break! Until then, I hope that you have a safe and enjoyable holiday season, and I look forward to working with you into 2019.

Gaenor Dixon

Gaenor Dixon National President

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Association news

Board report THE FINAL BOARD MEETING FOR 2018 WAS HELD AT THE NATIONAL OFFICE ON FRIDAY 23 AND SATURDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2018. THE MEETING INCLUDED CONSIDERATION OF THE ASSOCIATION’S BUDGET FOR 2019, WHERE A RANGE OF OPERATIONAL AND STRATEGIC PROPOSALS WERE REVIEWED.

Meeting highlights

Professional standards • The Board heard that the CBOS Review Project

Ethics and professional Issues • Revisions to the Association’s Ethics Board Background and Procedures were approved by the Board. These revisions aim to strengthen and provide clarity to the procedures. • The project plan for a major review of the Association’s Code of Ethics was also approved. The project will include significant consultation with internal and external stakeholders and consumer groups, with publication of the new Code of Ethics expected in June 2020. • Funding was given to research aimed at evaluating the Ethics Education package offered to members by the Association, to assist Ethical decision-making protocols in professional practice. • A revised policy, Policy 3.03 Code of Ethics – Advertising , will be released to the membership shortly. The policy aims to inform members of their obligations to practise within the Code of Ethics in relation to all advertising they produce or for which they have oversight. Representation • The Association continues to lobby the NDIA in relation to a number of major concerns, with the Board recognising the significant impact the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is having on the profession and individual clinicians. Key areas of advocacy include: Funding of supports for dysphagia and mealtime management; Eligibility of Developmental Language Disorder and other primary communication disabilities; Quality and Safeguards Framework, and verification/audit costs. • It was noted that Speech Pathology Australia has represented the profession at several Joint Standing Committee inquiries regarding the NDIS, with the most recent being the AT Parliamentary Inquiry. • Other recent representations include: Allied Health MBS Items review; Royal Commission into Aged Care Terms of Reference; Hearing Health Roadmap Stakeholder Forum. • Speech Pathology Australia recently wrote to the South Australian Government emphasising the need for a paid intermediary scheme , following the Government’s announcement to cut funding for the Communication Partners program. • Following a letter to the incoming SA Minister for Education, it was noted that Speech Pathology Australia has secured a meeting with the Minister’s office regarding the Literacy Guarantee initiative .

continues to progress well, with high-quality discussions being held. • Recent changes to the University Accreditation process, due to be implemented in 2019 were discussed, with the Board agreeing to a change to the accreditation fee structure to be introduced in 2020. • The Board approved a proposal aimed at streamlining and providing greater consistency and support for re-entry program participants. • The revised position statement on Mental Health was considered and approved. • A number of practice documents were prioritised for completion in 2019, including: • Completion of: • Clinical Practice Principles in Voice Assessment and Management • Reviews: • Credentialing

• Principles of Practice • Services in Schools • Clinical Education • Role of Speech Pathologists in Aged Care

• New:

• Working with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people • Working in the Justice System • Supporting Speech Pathologists Working in Advanced and Extended roles and contexts.

Marketing and communications • Commitment was received to progress the review of the Association’s Strategic Marketing , in line with the Association’s priorities. • Key Association promotions, including Speech Pathology Week, Book of the Year, and Swallowing Awareness Day were discussed and preliminary plans for 2019 confirmed.

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Association news

Guest IJSLP Editor sought Expressions of interest are invited, from Australian and New Zealand speech pathologists, for the role of IJSLP Guest Editor. Joint Editors (one from Australia and one from New Zealand) will be appointed to the position, responsible for the 2019 Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) and the New Zealand Speech-language Therapists’ Association (NZSTA) Joint Conference Proceedings edition of IJSLP, due to be published in June 2020. The Editors will coordinate the review process and selection of high quality papers to be included in the International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology (IJSLP). Each paper will be between 6,000 – 7,000 words in length and reflect the conference theme, ‘Engaging Collaborating Empowering'. Previous editorial experience is highly recommended. Direct enquiries to: Kirrie Ballard, ijslp.editor@sydney.edu.au , or Anne Whitworth, ijslp.editor@curtin.edu.au , Editors, International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. Please forward your expression of interest, curriculum vitae and two referees to Gail Mulcair, Chief Executive Officer, Speech Pathology Australia at execassist@ speechpathologyaustralia.org.au by close of business, Friday 1 February 2019. Cultural responsiveness • The Board continues to support the provision of Cultural Responsiveness education to members. Despite lower than expected attendance at the first four workshops, those who did attend provided very positive feedback. Further workshops will be held in 2019. • Online resources to support culturally safe practice will be developed in 2019 • In 2019 the Association will introduce an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Grant targeted at research involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Constitution • At the Annual General Meeting, due to be held in June 2019, the Board will propose an amendment to the Constitution in relation to the setting of membership fees. Further information regarding this proposed amendment will be provided in the Notice of Annual General Meeting.

Strategic budget • In addition to the commitments outlined above, the Board provided budget support for a range of strategic projects, aligned with the Association’s Strategic Plan, including, Consumer Decision Making, Communication Access, Early Childhood, Working with AHAs in the NDIS, and NHMRC Targeted Call for Research. • Continued financial support was given to a number of key initiatives, including SpeechBITE and the Majority World and Developing Communities grants.

The Board will next meet at National Office on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 March 2018.

Gail Mulcair Chief Executive Officer

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Commu is a hum Celebrating th of the Univers Human Rights Special Issue of the Journal of Speech-L Volume 20, Issue 1,

@IJSLP @SpeechPathA #SpeakUp4Co #StandUp4Hu

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Association news

Revised advertising policy

Speech Pathology Australia is pleased to announce that the Code of Ethics – Advertising policy, has been reviewed and updated and is now available online. The policy was initially developed in 2014 to help Speech Pathology Australia members consider ethical issues around advertising. It outlined a requirement for accurate, evidence-based advertising, that did not mislead consumers or misrepresent the qualifications, skills and experience of the profession. The revised advertising policy builds on these principles by providing clarity around particular advertising practices that have the potential to mislead consumers and solicit unnecessary or inappropriate use of services. In particular, new and reviewed inclusions to the policy address; • The use of client images and information as a marketing strategy. These are strongly discouraged even with fully informed consent, due to the vulnerability of our clients and the shareability and longevity of images and information online, particularly on social media. • The use of inducements, such as prizes, gifts and discounts. Inducements that result in the provision of a service that is not required to meet an identified clinical need are prohibited. Where inducements are used as part of a pre-determined fee structure for services already being provided to meet an identified need, they must comply with relevant legislation and contain detailed information about the terms and conditions.

• The need for clear delineation of speech pathology services from non-speech pathology products or services in advertising. This is so that consumers are not misinformed about the nature of, and evidence for, speech pathology services. The revised policy also outlines procedures for dealing with non-compliance with the policy. It also requires SPA members to raise non-compliant advertising with their non-speech pathologist managers in larger multidisciplinary organisations. A review of the advertising FAQs document is currently underway. For more information on marketing and ethics in advertising, there is a free webinar for SPA members now available online – Ethical and Effective Marketing for your Private Practice – available at www.cpdlive.com/speechpath/recordings/index.html For any queries regarding the revised policy, please contact Meg Maggiore on mmaggiore@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au or contact national office on 1300 368 835.

Meg Maggiore Ethics Advisor

CBOS review update

The CBOS review project is now well underway. Initial consultation with SPA members, non members and other stakeholders regarding the review occurred via an online survey during October – November 2018. Almost 1100 people participated, and 300 people nominated to be part of focus groups for the next phase of the consultation process. Demographic data showed the breadth of experience, scope of practice and overall diversity of the profession. Participants also shared their views on the current CBOS and how it could be reshaped for the future. Survey findings are now being analysed and will be further explored when the focus groups are held in February 2019. Further information about the CBOS review is at: https://bit.ly/2SxBAO9

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Association news

BOOK OF THE YEAR 8

Speech Pathology Australia

Book of the Year success

THE BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS ceremony for 2018 was a tremendous event. The ceremony was held at the State Library of Victoria, in the Village Roadshow Theatrette. The event was professionally facilitated by Jo Hayes, radio presenter and Channel 7 journalist. Ms Hayes is a former speech pathologist. The ceremony was opened by the Association’s National President Gaenor Dixon, who also presented the awards. The highlight of this year’s ceremony was the induction of well- known Australian children’s book author Morris Gleitzman into the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Hall of Fame. Mr Gleitzman was inducted as the winner of the Association’s Children’s Language and Literature Award for 2018. Mr Gleitzman is a prolific and successful Australian children’s author. He is the author of a number of well-known Australian children’s books, including: After , Boy Overboard , Now , Give Peas a Chance , and Snot Chocolate . Mr Gleitzman won the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year in 2011, in the Upper Primary category, as it then was called, for his book, Now . In 2013, his book, After , was a winner in the same category. Thanks must go to everyone involved with the Book of the Year Awards in 2018. There were a record number of books nominated this year, which made the task of shortlisting even more challenging. A very special thanks to our shortlisters and to the various judges who made the final choice about who would be a winner in 2018.

As announced in the October edition of Speak Out , five deserving books were awarded for their contribution to language and literacy development. • Birth to 3 years – Heads and Tails | written and illustrated by John Candy • Three to 5 years – Rodney Loses It! | written by Michael Gerard Bauer and illustrated by Chrissie Krebs • Five to 8 years – Danny Blue’s Really Excellent Dream | written and illustrated by Max Landrak • Eight to 10 years – The Grand, Genius Summer of Henry Hoobler | written by Lisa Shanahan • Indigenous children – Sorry Day | written by Coral Vass and illustrated by Dub Leffler. A special thanks to the staff at the State Library of Victoria for helping to make the event such as success. The Association was also excited to welcome and have in the audience over 90 students and teachers from Richmond West Primary School, who made their way to the library and enjoyed the ceremony and a reading by Max Landrak of his winning book, Danny Blue’s Really Excellent Dream .

Michael Kerrisk Communications and Marketing Manager

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Communication International Project

Speech Pathology Australia marks UDHR 70th anniversary

On 10 December , Speech Pathology Australia, celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR is a landmark document in the history of human rights and was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948. Article 19 of the UDHR was one of the first contemporary expressions of the right to communication. It reads:

"Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers."

This authoritative statement emphasises that all people have the right to communicate. Speech Pathology Australia, together with the other founding members of the International Communication Project (Speech- Language & Audiology Canada; New Zealand Speech-language Therapists Association; the Irish Association of Speech & Language Therapists, the Royal College of Speech Language Therapists; and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association), actively worked to use the anniversary as an opportunity to promote communication as a basic human right and to advance the International Communication Project’s (ICP) advocacy agenda. Early in 2018, an article written by Gail Mulcair, the Association’s Chief Executive Office, Arlene Pietranton (ASHA), and Cori Williams (SPA) appeared in the special edition of the International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology (IJSLP), titled “Communication is a human right: Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights”. The ICP article titled, “ The International Communication Project: Raising global awareness of communication as a human right ”, outlines the advocacy work and agenda of the ICP, and how the ICP is striving to raise the profile and status of communication disabilities with international health bodies and policy makers. Professor Sharynne McLeod was the guest editor for the special IJSLP edition and has been a champion in raising international awareness of communication as a human right. Throughout 2018 members of Speech Pathology Australia have attended a number of workshops and forums to promote communication as a human right against the backdrop of the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Over the year, sessions were presented at the ASHA Convention in Boston as well as a forum at the University of Technology

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Sydney. Both sessions included the ICP paper “The International Communication Project: Raising global awareness of communication as a human right” . Sessions involving a range of other articles from the IJSLP special edition were also presented in Brisbane at Queensland University of Technology, Albury and Bathurst at Charles Sturt University, Adelaide, and Malta at the International Clinical Phonetics and Linguistics Association Conference. In addition, the Association’s communication and marketing team were very active in the lead up to 70th anniversary, managing and overseeing the production of a video and a range of social media collateral to promote the anniversary. In the lead-up to the 70th anniversary the ICP undertook a social media campaign to help promote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the agenda of the ICP. As of 10 December, the ICP video (linked below) has been viewed over 17,000 times. Watch ICP video promoting The Universal Declaration of Communication Rights: www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/icpvideo Read and sign The Universal Declaration of Communication Rights: www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/pledge Read the ICP article and Speak Up for Communication Rights: www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/udhr Michael Kerrisk Communications and Marketing Manager

In September, a forum at the University of Technology, Sydney, ‘Communication is a human right’ was addressed by a number of speakers, including the Association’s Chief Executive Officer, Gail Mulcair. (L-R), Professor Bronwyn Hemsley, Dr Cate Madill, Ms Gaenor Dixon (SPA National President), Mr Alastair McEwin (Disability Discrimination Commissioner), Dr Megan Williams, Ms Gail Mulcair, Dr Jane McCormack.

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SPOTLIGHT ON PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT

Clinical supervision has broad benefits to the speech pathologist being supervised, their employer, their clients, and their profession. However, to optimise the supervision process for all involved it is important to plan, monitor and evaluate supervision. Together with other resources to support the supervision process, there is a set of definitions and templates which will assist with planning, monitoring and evaluating your supervision processes on the Speech Pathology Australia website via Members > Clinical Supervision. For any queries related to supervision contact psa@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au (Tuesday only) Supervision: Some elements you might be missing that can save you time

PLAN Planning should involve completion of a mentoring agreement or contract which will outline form and frequency of planned supervision, supervision goals, responsibilities, and other details which will guide and support the success of the process. A supervision agreement or contact is necessary whether supervision is provided internally or externally to clarify expectations and guide the process. MONITOR Equally important are monitoring and documenting the supervision process and maintaining these records in the same way case notes are maintained. These notes provide a record of what was discussed and agreed upon for future reference if needed. Planning forms and supervision records can be completed during the supervision session and can result in saving time, confusion, and stress resulting from misunderstanding or miscommunication if expectations, actions and discussions are not documented, even if only in point form. EVALUATE Finally, as with any process, it is important to evaluate the supervision process at regular times to ensure it is achieving its desired aims and is operating as effectively as possible for all involved, including: supervisee, supervisor, line manager and organisation.

Meredith Prain Professional Support Advisor

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Aged care

SPOTLIGHT ON DVA Improved Dental and Allied Health budget measure

As previously mentioned in Speak Out , the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) have announced changes to the way Allied Health service delivery will be accessed after July 2019. Under these reforms, GP referrals to Speech Pathology will now last for up to 12 sessions of allied health therapy deemed to be clinically relevant for the client. A report back to the GP will then be required, and the GP will then determine if a referral for a further 12 sessions is warranted. There is no limit to the number of blocks of treatment that the GP can refer for, as long as reports are provided and ongoing need clinically justified. Further information on this initiative can be found here: www. dva.gov.au/providers/improved-dental-and-allied-health- provider-information Veterans’ Mates program: MEDICINES THAT CAUSE DRY MOUTH Since 2004, DVA has funded the Veterans’ Medicines Advice and Therapeutics Education Services (Veterans’ MATES) program to improve the health of veterans by providing up-to-date health and medicines information specifically tailored for members of the veteran community and their healthcare team. These information sheets are typically sent to all GPs and other medical healthcare providers who are primary providers for targeted veterans. SPA became aware that the upcoming edition focussed on medications that cause dry mouth, and has obtained access to this information for members who may find this information useful. Here is a brief introduction and link to this information: An analysis of the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) health claims data identified that there are approximately 50,000 veterans dispensed medicines that can cause dry mouth. Despite being eligible for a DVA funded annual dental check-up, over half of the veterans dispensed these medicines had not had a claim for a DVA funded dental service in a two-year period. Therefore, the latest release of the DVA Veterans’ MATES program will be raising awareness of the medicines that can cause dry mouth and the subsequent implications on oral health. Established in 2004, the Veterans’ Medicines Advice and Therapeutics Education Services (Veterans’ MATES) program has improved the health of veterans by providing up-to-date health and medicines information specifically tailored for members of the veteran community and their healthcare team. More than 80% of health professionals who have given feedback on this national program, said they found Veterans’ MATES useful. As this topic focuses on oral health, it highlights the speech pathology services that are available for eligible DVA patients which might be helpful for patients with dry mouth who are experiencing speech and swallowing difficulties. The peer reviewed educational materials includes a therapeutic brief which encourages health professionals to consider whether a patient might have medicine-induced dry mouth and whether changes Veterans’ MATES put the spotlight on medicines that can cause dry mouth

could be made to their medicines to alleviate their symptoms. In addition, DVA patients who have been dispensed medicines that can cause dry mouth will receive a consumer brochure which encourages them to talk to their dentist, GP and pharmacist about their oral health. It also educates patients about the benefits of good oral hygiene, diet, and lifestyle in managing the symptoms of dry mouth. These materials will be distributed late November 2018 to GPs who are the primary providers for targeted veterans, dentists who provide services to DVA patients, as well as to pharmacists. Targeted veterans will receive the information in January 2019. The materials are available to download from the Veterans’ MATES website at www.veteransmates.net.au/topic-53

Therapeutic Brief

www.veteransmates.net.au

November 2018

Reducing the impact of medicine-induced dry mouth Having a dry mouth from the use of medicines is common, particularly among older people. 1-4 If left untreated, dry mouth can interfere with oral health and function, affect general health and significantly impair quality of life. 4-6 In 2017 the World Workshop on Oral Medicine VI documented a list of medicines that affect salivary gland function. 7

Inside

This therapeutic brief focuses on medicines with strong evidence that cause salivary gland hypofunction (objectively measured decreased saliva) and xerostomia (subjective feeling of having a dry mouth) based on theWorldWorkshop on Oral Medicine’s list. The brief outlines strategies to reduce the impact of medicine-induced dry mouth.

Key points MostDVApatientsareeligible to receivea fundedannual dental check-up Encouragepatientswithdry mouth to seekadvice from theirdentist tohelpalleviate symptomsandavoidpotential long-termeffects Reviewmedicines that causedrymouthand,where possible, consider reducing thedose, changing thedosing time, stoppingor changing themedicine Encourage yourpatients tohavea dentalcheck-up Askyourpatient if theyhavedrymouth Reviewmedicines thatcause drymouth • Aguide to reducing the impactof medicine-induceddrymouth Talk toyourpatientsaboutwhat they cando to reducedrymouth • Oralhealth • Dietand lifestyle • Resources forpatients

An estimated 50,000 DVA patients were dispensed medicines that can cause dry mouth*

73%

22%

5%

73%weredispensed onemedicine thatcan causedrymouth

22%weredispensed twomedicines that cancausedrymouth

5%weredispensed threemedicines that cancausedrymouth

*Medicinesare those included in theWorldWorkshoponOralMedicine’s listcategorisedwitha strong levelofevidence.

The majority of DVA patients dispensed medicines that can cause dry mouth were aged 80 years or over

5% <1%

Aged 80 years or older 61-80 years 41-60 years ≤40 years

37%

57%

Reducing the impactofmedicine-induceddrymouth (November2018)

Veterans’MedicinesAdvice and Therapeutics EducationServices

REMINDER – don’t forget to check out the latest resources for free download from the Speech Pathology Australia Ageing and Aged Care page on the website: www. speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/SPAweb/Resources_for_ Speech_Pathologists/Ageing_and_Aged_Care/Ageing_and_ Aged_Care.aspx As always, feel free to contact national office at any time for further details.

Kym Toressi National Aged Care Advisor

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Co-author Harmony Turnbull with Fiona Bridger, who has cerebral palsy and uses a speech generating device.

We can all help to improve communication for people with disabilities

A round 5% of the population, or 1.2 million Australians have a communication disability. Communication disability can arise if a person has a health condition affecting their speech, language, listening, understanding, reading, writing, or social skills. Communication disability can be lifelong (as for people with cerebral palsy or intellectual disability) or acquired (as for people with stroke and aphasia, motor neurone disease, or traumatic brain injury). All people need to be able to communicate in order to work, build relationships, and seek the support they need. But they will encounter many barriers to taking part and being included. About 30% of stroke survivors have aphasia, a condition that affects their use of language. Over time, being excluded from conversation erodes social contacts and opportunities for conversation, resulting in loneliness and isolation, depression, anxiety and fear. People with aphasia report feeling alienated, inferior and shamed. They might have difficulty speaking, but are still aware of the world and conversations that happen around them and want to contribute. Supportive communication partners can do a lot to help improve communication access for people with communication disability. 1. Remove communication barriers People with communication disability often report others treat them as though they’re stupid. This negative attitude or expectation is a barrier to communication. Regardless of their speech abilities or cognitive skills, everyone has the right to communicate. So treat them the same as you would any other person, talk directly to them, and ask them questions.

2. Prepare for communication success • Communication disability is “invisible”, so ask the person or their close ones about how they communicate and what helps them to get their message across; • Keep background noise and distractions down, and give the person your full attention; • Use facial expressions and gestures to help to convey information, particularly if the person has difficulty understanding speech; • Give the person more time to respond, and get comfortable with silence while you wait – the perfect pause takes a little longer than you might be used to, so try counting to ten in your head and leaving that space; • Stay attentive and off your phone, unless you’re using the photos or video feature to help. Try using some little words such as “yes” and “mhm” to indicate acknowledgement and show active listening. This can help reduce the frustration and anxiety that comes from struggling to find the right words to say; • If the person uses communication technologies, watch what they’re doing and respond as you would usually. It’s just another way to talk. 3. Build a conversation together It takes at least two people to have a conversation, and supportive communication partners to make it a successful one. Give and take turns in a conversation to show respect and interest in what they have to say. If they’re struggling, give a cue or a prompt to help the person think of a word. If you haven’t understood the person, don’t pretend. Let them know you’d like to keep trying.

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A person’s cognitive-communication skills can grow when they experience more opportunities for inclusion in social situations, employment, and education. People with traumatic brain injuries can also learn strategies to improve their chance of success in conversation. Learning to plan the topics that need to be covered in a conversation, speaking slowly to encourage others to slow down, and finding a quiet place for that important conversation can all help. 4. Use communication aids and alternative strategies when you talk Communication involves more than spoken words. We can also communicate with gesture, facial expression, body language, and tone of voice. Learn how you use your own non-verbal communication, and try to pick up on other people’s cues. The use of sign language, writing, and drawing can all assist someone with communication disability to understand, and express themselves. Key Word Sign, a system for using hand signs and gestures as you speak, uses signs from Auslan. The idea is to encourage language use and growth, and help people understand the meaning in a sentence. You can use the online Auslan Signbank dictionary to learn some of these signs. Speech devices are technologies designed to help everyone communicate. But having a speech device and knowing how to use it is only the start. It takes persistence and a keen sense of humour to navigate a world in which people can respond inappropriately when you use the technology. People with communication disability ultimately need a willing and responsible community to access their communication rights. FITZROY READERS Popular with many speech pathologists. A proven, modern phonic approach. Very gently graded. No surprises. Countless happy tales of progress made. Sounds of English (with audio). Alphabet Bk. 80 storybooks, most w audio. Nine activity books. Interactive Software. Many support elements on our website: www.fitzprog.com.au

Bronwyn Hemsley Professor of Speech Pathology, University of Technology Sydney Harmony Turnbull Associate lecturer, University of Technology Sydney Joanna Steel Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Technology Sydney Lucy Bryant Postdoctoral Research Associate in Speech Pathology, University of Technology Sydney Melissa Brunner PhD Candidate and Research Associate, University of Technology Sydney Communication access in any environment paves the way for people with communication disability to engage, interact, and take part – to be involved in whatever is going on. It’s just as important as physical access for people who have a physical disability. So next time you meet someone with a communication disability, find out how they get their message across, and try having a conversation.

This article was originally published on The Conversation

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National Conference

Come to Brisbane in 2019!

conference program and are confident that it offers something for everyone and aligns with the conference theme. When developing the program, the CPC has carefully considered and taken on board feedback regarding the density of content in oral presentation sessions and a positive response to the continued inclusion of some presented e-posters (PePs). Also, the 2019 conference will see the return of paper posters. Plenary sessions are scheduled for each day. The Pre-registration and Welcome Reception will be on the Sunday evening and the Conference Dinner will be on the Wednesday evening. The Speech Pathology Australia AGM and presentation of awards will be held on the Monday. Information will be available to delegates as to options nearby for dining. Stay tuned for more details closer to the opening of registrations in February! Keynote & invited speakers update Presentations by the keynote and invited speakers connect with the conference theme Engaging Collaborating Empowering . There are multiple ways that speech pathologists undertake work each day and our key note speakers will share their expertise in engaging, collaborating and empowering in their fields. communication at the cost of a better understanding of our work. She will share the efforts currently underway in the field of aphasia research to support better communication between international, multilingual, multidisciplinary researchers and clinicians, journal editors and methodologists and the shared responsibility in this undertaking. Marian will also broaden our thinking in our work with our clients post stroke. Speech and language pathologists are well positioned to observe and report oral health issues identified during the course of their work with these clients. Oral health is an important component of overall and systematic health. Marian will share with us an understanding of the current best practice and clinical guidelines relating to oral health after stroke. She will engage us in the key role speech pathologists play within multidisciplinary teams in this work. Professor Marian Brady will challenge our thinking in our collaborative work in two ways. She will ask if we risk over simplifying what we do to facilitate

T he 2019 CPC warmly invites practitioners, students, researchers and academics to Brisbane! The conference is being held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC) which is a purpose-built convention centre and event venue in the heart of South Bank. South Bank is a cultural, social, educational and recreational precinct located in the suburb of South Brisbane. The BCEC is also home to bars and cafés. The BCEC is adjacent to the South Brisbane Railway Station, close to the Cultural Centre and South Bank Busway stations, is also easily accessible by taxi, City Cat (through the Parklands’ river terminals) and car. Onsite parking can be accessed from both Merivale and Grey Streets. If not already, save the dates, 2 – 5 June , in your diary now! Abstract reviews The CPC together with the Co-Scientific Program Chairs would like to thank the reviewers for their thorough process. Each submission was independently rated by two reviewers against a strict set of criteria. With 377 submissions, we are confident this will ensure a program of the highest quality, variety and interest for our profession. Program development The CPC spent the first weekend in November considering the reviewer feedback and formulating the program. They are currently putting the finishing touches to the structure of the 2019

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Professor Susan Rvachew will commence her collaboration with us in the Masterclass that will be offered before the conference begins. She will explore the why, when and how to implement an input-oriented approach to phonological intervention with children. For some children, there are many reasons to delay direct speech practice, and begin with this approach targeting the child’s

and wellbeing. In her lecture, Suzanne will explore research and developments in SLT through a te whare tapa wh ā health lens. She will discuss information about research undertaken in the context of this model. The projects presented will highlight the key role of communication and support across the life span, from school entry to adolescence to older adults with neurological conditions. We will be invited to consider the need for a holistic approach, responsive, research-led University programs, and an effective and involved speech language therapy workforce for successful translation of research findings into practice. Please visit our 2019 joint conference website for more detailed profiles of our keynote and invited speakers and their abstracts, together with all other areas relevant to the Conference. Sponsorship & exhibition The Sponsorship & Exhibition Invitation is now available from our website. Please visit www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/ nzspaconf for full details. The following companies/organisations are exhibiting at the 2019 joint conference: AGOSCI, Control Bionics Inc, ELR Software, Flavour Creations, Fun Stuff Educational and Therapeutic Resources, Guild Insurance, JCPSLP, IDDSI, IJSLP, Inline Systems, Nestle Health Science, NZSTA, Oral 7, Precise, Pearson Clinical Assessment, Pro-Ed Australia, Reading Doctor, Rip Rap Books-Cumquatmay, Silvereye Learning Resources, speechBITE, Speech Pathology Australia, Taylor & Francis, The University of Queensland and Wise Words Australia. Accommodation & transport Discounted rooms have been blocked booked by OzAccom for delegates at various hotels within close walking distance to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Visit the conference website and the accommodation link to make your booking. Transport from the airport terminal: Taxi – There is a designated taxi rank at the terminal. Depending upon traffic, prices could range from $33.00 to $60.00 one way. There is a $3 levy added to fares for taxis leaving the airport. Uber – The domestic terminal pick-up zone is located between the taxi rank to the left and the public passenger area to the right. Follow the signage for the pre-booked, ride-booking pick-up lane. Airtrain – Quick and easy, it's just 20 minutes by train from the airport to the city. Trains run every 15 minutes during peak times and every 30 minutes off-peak periods. The one-way adult fare is $15.00. airtrain.com.au/brisbane-connect Shuttle bus – We have arranged with Con-x-ion a 10% discount for conference delegates. Please use this link when making your booking to transfer from/to Brisbane airport. www.con-x-ion. com/Pages/ConferenceTransfers.aspx?pid=SPEECH19 Public transport to the BCEC – translink.com.au Transport tickets – translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/buy- and-refund-tickets Registration brochure & conference registration form We are currently working through the information needed for inclusion within the online registration brochure and conference registration form. The conference flyer will be included in the February 2019 Speak Out, which will have an overview of the program format. Early bird registration will commence on Wednesday 13 February 2019. To view all the above information please visit www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/nzspaconf

knowledge of the acoustic characteristics of sounds and words. For children presenting with phonological delay or consistent phonological disorder, this approach combines procedures used to strengthen acoustic-phonetic representations of words. Speech pathologists will be empowered to implement evidence- based treatment procedures more effectively. In her Keynote address, Susan will share a review of a ten year program of research on children’s ebooks. This research highlights the transactional nature of shared reading and will highlight the implications of the transactional approach for speech-language intervention. Well before the onset of formal reading instruction, preschool aged children acquire a foundation of knowledge that supports the acquisition of reading and writing skills. An important context for learning these precursors is shared story book reading. The growing popularity of ebooks for children has the potential to disrupt or enhance the shared reading experience. Susan’s Seminar will also help us develop an understanding of the need to consider speech-language interventions that are properly targeted at the child's underlying psychololinguistic deficits. Learning is then measured by generalisation and retention is enhanced. This session will help implement assessment procedures to identify the cognitive-linguistic processes that underly a child's speech disorder in order to select and target intervention procedures more effectively.

Professor David Copland is the recipient of the 2019 Elizabeth Usher Memorial Award. In his lecture, David will ask us to consider the need to reconsider how we assess and treat aphasia. There has been increasing interest in applying various principles of neuroplasticity to aphasia treatment and developing treatments that directly modulate brain function. He will explore whether current

aphasia treatments can be improved by applying neurobiological principles such as intensity, dose, and timing and will consider whether other learning-related principles may also be relevant. How will emerging techniques that could directly use brain activity guide treatment? Should we be cautious or optimistic? Professor Suzanne Purdy is the recipient of the 2019 Grace

Gane Memorial Award. Professor Sir Mason Durie developed the whare tapa wh ā model of health (1982), which represents a M ā ori view of health and wellness in four dimensions: taha wairua (spiritual health), taha hinengaro (mental health), taha tinana (physical health) and taha wh ā nau (family health). Speech language therapists will recognise that all four dimensions are needed to support health

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