Speak Out December 2019 V2 DIGITAL EDITION

“Regardless of your journey, I believe that every one of you has the potential to change lives and to make an impact.”

Staff and students at ACU North Sydney Campus, and the graduating class and staff at the ACU Brisbane Campus.

Time to reflect and celebrate for ACU speech pathology students

One journey is near its destination and another is set to begin for hundreds of undergraduates who celebrated their achievements at the 2019 School of Allied Health Final Year Student Conference. More than 100 soon-to-be graduates of speech pathology gathered across Australian Catholic University’s Brisbane, Melbourne and North Sydney campuses to recognise the contributions their peers have already made and will continue to make as graduates. The event provided an opportunity for students to reflect on their exciting, uncertain and nerve-wracking entry into their chosen courses. “Since that time, you have worked, studied, no doubt partied, met the most amazing people, formed lasting friendships, learnt to navigate your professional discipline, experienced fantastic learning opportunities, and many of you have experienced international learning experiences,” said National Head of School of Allied Health Professor Suzanne Kuys. “You are about to embark on an even more exciting journey: that of a healthcare professional. The knowledge, the attributes and experiences you have had during your time at ACU will be there underpinning your path. “Regardless of your journey, I believe that every one of you has the potential to change lives and to make an impact.” The keynote speech was delivered by Nicole Turner, a Kamilaroi woman and Chair of Indigenous Allied Health Australia. She spoke about the many issues affecting Closing the Gap policies and challenged the cohort to make a difference.

The conference program was rich in diversity. Speech Pathology Honours Research Project outcomes and oral presentations were among the wide range of work showcased. Students presented case study data based on professional practice placements at organisations that included early intervention agencies, community health centres, and schools. Bachelor of Speech Pathology Honours student Rachel Maiden explored the instructional strategies used by speech pathologists to teach Key Word Sign in clinical practice. “We conducted an online survey and follow up interviews with speech pathologists to determine how they were selecting instructional strategies and factors influencing these decisions, within an Australian context. “Learning from speech pathologists in clinical practice was invaluable, and it was a privilege to share their enthusiasm for Key Word Sign and bring these experiences to life through research. “As the first member of my family to attend university, being able to conduct an Honours project and immerse myself in the research process was incredibly rewarding. “Completing my placement in Broome in Western Australia, and now being able to present my research to peers and colleagues, have provided me with remarkable clinical and professional experiences.” ACU prepares future speech pathologists with specialised knowledge to improve their clients’ lives. For more information, visit acu.edu.au. By School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University

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December 2019 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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