Speak Out December 2020

SPEAKOUT DECEMBER 2020 THE MAGAZINE FOR AUSTRALIAN SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS

Speechie Library

Talks 2020

PROTECTING YOUR STAFF FROM BURNOUT

Speech pathology in education National Early Language and Literacy Strategy Virtual Conference News Living and working in "COVID normal"

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 Letters may or may not be published in future issues of Speak Out magazine at SPA’s discretion.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 T 1300 368 835 E publications@ speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Advertising booking dates for February 2021 Speak Out . The official booking form must be received at national office by COB 15 January, 2021. 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 Brooke Sanderson – Director Bronwyn Sutton – Director Kathryn McKinley - Director Alison Smith - Director

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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. Member communities

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Speak Out | December 2020

Contents

December 2020

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Features

Regulars

Working rurally and remotely

29

From the President

3

Book of the Year Awards Awards celebrated online

7

Expert opinions - Can speech pathologists provide one?

44

Speechie Library Talks

10

Influencing the disability sector

37

Virtual National Conference News

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Speech pathology in Education

15

Cover pic: Renesmee

Hot topics in Ethics in 2020

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Yuen during her presentation at Lincoln Shire Libraries in South Australia. 10

In Practice - Protecting your staff from burnout Living and working in a COVID-19 "normal" world

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36

Close the gap Branch News

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December 2020 | Speak Out

From the President

C ongratulations! You made it through 2020! This will be the year we all will have stories to tell the next generation. This is the year we worked out how we put kindness first. How we put others first. How differently our time was spent, both professionally and personally. How we thrived, and what we learnt. How we changed. You know when you learn a quote or a fact completely new to you, but it turns out everyone else has been aware of it for ages? At the beginning of the year, I heard a quote ascribed to management philosophy extraordinaire Peter Drucker. Every time I mention it to someone, they nod their heads sagely. It’s this: “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” This quote puzzled me all year. I understand it on face value: that a flexible, unified culture is vital in order for any organisation to progress. But as the year unfolded, finally I am able to apply the quote to Speech Pathology Australia. And that helps me reaffirm that I am in the right place. 2020 marked the beginning of a new Strategic Plan. It followed on from its bold predecessor, continuing to consolidate the ground we made over the past three years. In this plan there are three big strategic goals, which I can quote (like the swotty Board member I am), and then branching off from those are twelve priority areas, which I can’t quote, but I could take a good run at them. Where I used to struggle was in reciting the five values that the strategic plan posits as prime characteristics of our profession. These days I rattle them off like a nursery rhyme. And there’s a good reason for that. In March, SPA staff suddenly exited National Office along with the rest of Melbourne. In the middle of a period of upheaval, strategies were reprioritised to accommodate the sudden needs for our profession, particularly those affected by lockdowns, or those in high-risk areas such as aged care, or hospitals.

But our values stayed the same. By now, are you curious as to what those values are? Wait no more! The first four are: cultural responsiveness, innovation, person-centred practice, and professionalism and ethical practice. Take a moment to think about 2020 for you and your work and think about how you moved in an agile manner, drawing on all of these values. I think I could write an essay about my thoughts on this (don’t worry, I’ll save that particular speech for the AGM. It’ll be online, so you can bring a snack). For now, though, I’ll be brief with just a few of my own thoughts. 2020 wasn’t solely about the pandemic. Black Lives Matter threw into sharp, and overdue focus how people of colour are treated. We hold a responsibility to ensure our Association responds to all cultures both within the profession and those which engage with it. SPA’s Response to Racism statement is on the website, and it drew a large amount of feedback. Next year, we will progress this further, both through our Reconciliation Action Plan and a range of other measures, secure in the knowledge that we as members want genuine cultural shifts to occur. We all shifted quickly with abrupt changes to the ways in which we work. In the early days, there was a lot of conversation about how best to look after vulnerable clients and their families. We worked from our homes, we used new resources, and we re-evaluated how to deliver evidence-based practice under novel conditions. Postponing the National Conference meant that the 2020 Code of Ethics and the Professional Standards for Australian Speech Pathologists received online launches, tied to significant dates. Both advance our culture significantly, with the Code of Ethics focusing specifically on the notion of kindness, and the Standards adding the professional attributes speech pathologists bring to their role, along with acquired knowledge and skills. Both of these core documents focus on the values of speech pathology, as well as the “what”.

Tim Kittel

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Speak Out | December 2020

Association NEWS

The last Value of SPA is excellence. This one had me pondering. How do we evaluate whether our profession is truly excelling? And the answer came to me recently, when, in December I was invited to meet the graduating speech pathologists in South Australia. As I walked in, I wondered what they would be like. This is the year that really affected learning, with lectures online, placements hurriedly reorganised to suit the situation, and social distancing meaning that students couldn’t interact in the same way as usual. What would they be like? Well as it turns out, they are definitely SPA Ethics 2020 compliant, because they seem to be the kindest, brightest, and most generous people. I met a speech pathologist who will be finishing placement on Christmas Eve, and grateful that his clinical educator was willing to keep him on until then. Another was ecstatic that she spent four months away from home, because the Northern Territory found her consecutive placements. A third gushed about what an honour it was to be trusted to finish a placement in aged care. They aren’t at all put out. They don’t mention In accordance with Speech Pathology Australia’s Constitution, nominations are currently sought to fill three upcoming vacancies on the Board of Directors. Please note, under the current Constitution the Association cannot have any more than two Directors from any one state or territory. Given that there are two Queensland based Directors continuing in their current term, the Association cannot accept nominations from Queensland based members on this occasion. Speech Pathology Australia’s Board of Directors is responsible for the strategic development, implementation and evaluation of the Association's policies and procedures within the rules of the Constitution. Directors hold major responsibility within the Association and as such, many Directors have never previously undertaken a role with similar legal, financial and strategic management responsibilities. Every possible support and assistance is provided by experienced Directors, the Chief Executive Officer and National Office staff. This key leadership role offers a wonderful opportunity to develop new skills and contribute significantly to the strategic direction of the Association and the speech pathology profession. Directors are required to attend four Board meetings each year.

inconveniences, they just see the opportunities. They’re just excellent. So, if culture eats strategy for breakfast, Speech Pathology Australia’s culture stands strong, ready to take a bite at anything. When you do manage to get a bit of break over the holiday season, find a couple of minutes to reflect on what your colleagues and clients have taught you about the values of our profession. Because if you’re like me, they’ll make you smile. And here’s a dizzying fact, the cover of the February 2020 Issue celebrated our ten thousandth member. We’ve now passed 11,000. So, if you’re reading this, there’s a 9% chance that you’ve only received 1 to 4 issues of Speak Out . If that’s true, then welcome! The world isn’t completely back to normal just yet, but you’re in the right place. We have a feeling you’re going to fit in here incredibly well. Happy Holidays. Tim Kittel National President Board nomination forms and an information package are available on our website. Each nomination must address key selection criteria and completed nomination forms must be received at National Office by Sunday 31 January 2021. (Late nominations cannot be considered). The appointments will be effective from the 2021 Annual General Meeting in May for a period of two years. Voting members are encouraged to nominate, while retiring Directors are eligible to renominate. Speech Pathology Australia is committed to equity and inclusion and welcomes nominations from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people of all abilities, and people from LGBTQIA+ communities. Elections will be held if more than four nominations are received. For further information, please see the Director Position Description, contained within the Policy and Procedures Manual available on Speech Pathology Australia’s website, or contact the Association’s Chief Executive Officer, Gail Mulcair, gmulcair@ speechpathologyaustralia.org.au.

Call for Board nominations

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December 2020 | Speak Out

Association NEWS

CEO Reflections on 2020

As we move towards the close of 2020, many will be reflecting on this year as being like no other. As I reflect on the year, I am amazed and inspired by the collective positive spirit of our profession to rapidly respond, seek information, be guided by best-bractice, share resources and support colleagues. The COVID-19 pandemic

any advice and assistance to support personal health and wellbeing, we can also celebrate the positive opportunities and new learnings from this year. I’d like to thank all members who remained connected with the Association and profession and provided the valued "brains-trust" to support the advice and resources being provided by the SPA team. I’d like to particularly thank all of the members of the SPA COVID Advisory Group, as well as those who provided input to the wide range of professional development resources developed for members in the context of COVID-19. My thanks also to our wonderful team of SPA staff, who despite our own challenges, particularly for those based in Victoria, have maintained high quality and responsive services to our members. What words can I think of for the speech pathology profession and Association—resilient, dedicated, innovative, passionate, and overall, simply exceptional! Well done everyone, we’ve made it! Wishing everyone a wonderful and relaxing festive season and SPA looks forward to working with our fabulous members in 2021. Gail Mulcair Chief Executive Officer

has impacted on all of us, both professionally and personally. The year has been difficult and challenging, and I don’t underestimate the time and stresses in needing to quickly adapt our way of practice and interactions with clients. Communication is what we as speech pathologists do well, and to the profession’s credit this remained at the forefront of decision making, while at the same time necessarily putting the safety and welfare of clients, families, colleagues and ourselves firmly at the centre of risk assessments and changes to clinical practice. The impact of 2020 is likely to extend into the new year, and while I hope that members continue to seek

National office will be closed from 24 December and reopen on 4 January 2020. The SPA team would like to wish all members a festive holiday season and a safe and joyous New Year.

Welcome Chantele!

Chantele Edlington has joined Speech Pathology Australia as the Senior Advisor Justice and Mental Health, stepping in to Mary Woodward’s maternity leave position. Chantele has been a speech pathologist since

to promote improved quality of life to vulnerable populations. She retains her role at Monash Health as the Discipline Senior Mental Health, Early in Life Mental Health Service, where she has worked tirelessly to promote the value of speech pathologists in this space and enjoys training and educating others. Chantele is looking forward to working within not only the mental health, but also justice space as part of this role and is keen to promote the value of speech pathologists in both these areas, nationwide.

ppy

holidays! graduating from LaTrobe University in 2005 and has worked for the past 10 years at Monash Health in child and adolescent mental health. Chantele has also completed a Master of Public Health and is passionate about working to influence system change

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Speak Out | December 2020

Association NEWS

Book of the Year Awards online in 2020

Marina Zlatanova author of Charlie's Shell accepting her award in the 3-5 age category.

Birth to 3 years: Meerkat Splash written and illustrated by Aura Parker Three to 5 years: Charlie’s Shell written and illustration by Marina Zlatanova Five to 8 years: Goat on a Boat written by Nick Dent and (illustrations Suzanne Houghton) Eight to 10 years: The Little Wave written by Pip Harry Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Authored Children’s Book Award: My Culture and Me written and illustrated by Gregg Dreise. To support the Book of the Year awards the Association once again created a promotional kit with posters, bookmarks and flyers sent to more than 70 libraries across the country. The Tasmanian Library Network also received 100 kits to distribute to participants in their annual summer library program.

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards received a record number of nominations in 2020, with 218 titles submitted for consideration. Unfortunately, the Association was not able to hold an in-person awards ceremony as it traditionally does each year. As a result, the winners of this year’s awards were announced via video on Friday 6 November. If you missed the video it is available online via the Association’s YouTube channel. https://youtu.be/ir7WtOWSaE8 This year’s awards also introduced an important change, with the Indigenous Children’s category replaced by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Authored Children’s Book Award. With this change, books authored by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander are eligible to win both their age-related category and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Authored Children’s Book Award. In 2020, the inaugural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Authored Children’s Book Award was won by Gregg Dreise. Gregg is no stranger to the Book of the Year awards, having been a winner in 2015 and 2017. Thanks always must go to everyone involved with the Book of the Year awards. With a record number of books nominated in 2020, the task of shortlisting was even more challenging. Therefore, special thanks to the awards shortlisters and judges who made the final decision about the winners in 2020. As announced in the October edition of Speak Out, five deserving books were awarded for their contribution to language and literacy development.

Watch the online awards ceremony

Michael Kerrisk Communications and Marketing Manager

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December 2020 | Speak Out

Book donations to worthy causes

Each year some of the shortlisted books from the Association's Book of the Year Awards, that are used by the Book of the Year judges, are donated to a range of worthy causes. The Cairns Hospital, Paediatric Ward received a donation of books from Book of the Year judge Laura Nelson, pictured second left. Receiving the books is (from left) Aneka Collison, Senior Speech Pathologist, Paediatrics, Rylie Hodgma A/NUM Paediatrics, Jolinda Cranitch Paediatric Pharmacist, Talei Higgins Registered Nurse, Paediatrics, Katie Doolan Registered Nurse, Paediatrics and Kirsty Patterson School Teacher, Paediatric Hospital School.

Meerilinga (WA) children's centre

Dr Sharon Smart donated the books from the 0-3 year category for Book of the Year 2020 to Meerilinga Children and Family Centre in Cockburn, Western Australia. Meerlinga is a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity that promotes the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child; working with children, their families, early childhood professionals, planners and the community to raise the status of children in Western Australia. Meerilinga’s association with children dates back to 1911, to the pioneers of the kindergarten movement and the early learning advocates for children’s interests in this state. The staff were most appreciative of Speech Pathology Australia donating to their organisation and will include the details on their social media and in their upcoming newsletter.

Dr Sharon Smart is pictured with Susie Perkins from Meerilinga

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Speak Out | December 2020

Association NEWS

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST: Provision of supervision following a breach of Code of Ethics

The Speech Pathology Australia Ethics Board investigates formal complaints regarding a member’s professional conduct. Following a finding of a breach of the Code of Ethics , the Ethics Board may recommend that a member must undertake professional supervision to address the areas found in breach. Professional supervision is an important element of clinical governance and professional support for speech pathologists. It provides a structured process to support reflection, learning and wellbeing, enabling effective practice within scope of practice. Supervision following a Breach of the Code of Ethics provides assurance from an independent source that the actions that resulted in the breach have been considered, to assist in development of awareness, understanding and demonstration of appropriate

professional conduct. Supervisors are matched to the supervisee according to specific criteria such as the nature of the breach or a particular area of clinical practice. Speech Pathology Australia is calling for written nominations from experienced supervisors interested in providing supervision to members for this purpose. Members can self-nominate. Nominations must be in writing and address eligibility criteria. Please contact Trish Johnson, Manager Ethics and Professional issues on tjohnson@ speechpathologyaustralia.org.au for any questions about this role and for a copy of the eligibility criteria. Expressions of interest are to be submitted to Trish Johnson by COB 23 December 2020.

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December 2020 | Speak Out

Members put language and literacy front and centre

Throughout November the role of speech pathologists in language and literacy development was “front and centre” with more than 65 Speechie Library Talks conducted by members across the country. The Speechie Library Talks campaign is an initiative of the Association’s Communications and Marketing team in collaboration with the Australian Library and Information Association. More than 8 00 people took part in the sessions, either online via the library or the Association’s digital platform, or face-to-face at local libraries in states where COVID-19 restrictions allowed. The aim of the annual campaign, held in conjunction with the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year awards, was to connect members with their local library, and highlight the role of speech pathologists in language and literacy development. Members provided tips and information to parents and carers on how to read with their children at home. The campaign also showcased the Association’s Book of the Year Awards and the role of libraries in building language and literacy skills.

To date the feedback from parents and carers has been overwhelmingly positive with many pleased to have the opportunity to access the knowledge and skills provided by Association members, and to find out about the Book of the Year winning books. Members conducting the sessions also reported that taking part was a great experience and an opportunity to further connect with their local community. Members utilised a presentation developed by the Association’s Communications and Marketing team in consultation with Dr Michelle Brown. The presentation slides were also made available after each event to attendees. Each of the Speechie Library Talks presentations included a book reading of one of the Book of the Year winning books. The majority of the talks focused on the 3-5 age group with the winning book in that category, Charlie’s Shell , giving members the chance to create a fun and informative book reading for attendees. In addition to the Speechie Library Talks, the Association’s Professional Education team created

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Speak Out | December 2020

PREVIOUS PAGE The book reading of Charlie's Shell provided many opportunities for members like Danielle Roan, who conducted her presentation for Brisbane City Libraries, to demonstrate how to articulate and intonate when reading to children. ABOVE The online Zoom presentations were also well received. RIGHT Renesmee Yuen during her presentation at Lincoln Shire Libraries in South Australia. BELOW Members were provided with a 22 page presentation to utilise during their talks. BELOW RIGHT Diana Bleby conducted her presentation at City of Salisbury South Australia libraries.

a self-paced professional development program to enable librarians and early educators to upskill through learning more about the power of reading. The program content was developed by Dr Michelle Brown and Yvette Dempsey and was extremely popular with those keen to further their skills in language and literacy. Evaluation of the 2020 Speechie Library Talks campaign is underway and planning for 2021 has commenced. Members who would like to participate in the 2021 campaign should look out for the links to register in the April 2021 edition of Speak Out and the National eNews (please note that you must register to take part in the 2021 campaign). Alternatively, email the Association’s Publications Manager (Speechie Library Talks Campaign Manager) Rebecca Faltyn, rfaltyn@ speechpathologyaustralia.org.au.

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December 2020 | Speak Out

VIRTUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2021

Join the virtual National Conference in 2021! Calling all speech pathologists! The Conference Planning Committee (CPC) warmly invites practitioners, students, researchers and academics to join them for the 2021 virtual national conference. The conference is being held online from Monday 31 May – Wednesday 2 June 2021 inclusive. If you have not done it already, save the dates in your diary now! Abstract reviews The CPC together with the Scientific Program Chair 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 250 submissions, many directly addressing the conference theme, we are confident we have created 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

The Conference Planning Committee considering the reviewer feedback and formulating the program.

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Speak Out | December 2020

Professor Swathi Kiran’s keynote address Understanding, facilitating and predicting aphasia recovery and after rehabilitation will take place Wednesday morning. Please visit our 2021 virtual national conference website www. speechpathologyaustralia.

touches to the structure of the 2021 virtual conference program and are confident that it offers something for everyone and is thrilled with the program’s alignment 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 presentations. The 2021 virtual conference will see a dedicated section for posters where the author will present a two minute video talk about their work. While we can’t physically get together for any social events, the CPC is ensuring there is the opportunity for delegates to "virtually" get together for networking, a chat, or general discussion. At this time the Board is yet to decide if the Speech Pathology Australia AGM and presentation of awards will be held on the Monday evening. Stay tuned for more details closer to the opening of registrations in February! Keynote and invited speakers update Presentations each morning by one of the keynote and invited speakers connect with the conference theme Local Contexts, Global Practice. There are multiple ways that speech pathologists undertake work each day and our keynote speakers will share their expertise. Professor Yvette Hyter’s keynote address

org.au/spaconf2021 for more detailed profiles of our keynote and invited speakers and their abstracts, together with all other areas relevant to the virtual conference. Registration brochure and conference registration 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 2021 Speak Out , which will have an overview of the program format. Early bird online registration will commence on Wednesday 10 February 2021 where you will be able to register for the full three days, or just the day/s of your choice. Members will be able to access the program, select the sessions they are interested in attending, and register. Then when the virtual conference commences it can be attended from the convenience of your home or workplace. Sponsors and exhibitors There will be a virtual exhibition and delegates will be able to book an appointment and then meet online with the exhibitor/sponsor to discuss their product and service. Visit www.speechpathologyaustralia.org. au/spaconf2021/Sponsors_and_Exhibitors to view who is currently participating. On behalf of the CPC, we wish you a safe and happy festive season and look forward to bringing you more virtual conference news in 2021. Bea Staley 2021 Conference Convenor

on Monday morning Engaging in culturally responsive and globally sustainable practices will kick off the conference very much in alignment with the conference theme. Associate Professor

Sally Hewat will challenge us all to think about the

future of the speech pathology profession given this current time of technological and global transformations in the Tuesday morning Elizabeth Usher Memorial Lecture titled Speech pathology in the transformative age: Are we still relevant ?

Pamela Richards National Conference Manager

www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/spaconf2021

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December 2020 | Speak Out

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.

Speak Out | December 2020 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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Speech Pathology in Education

Practice document review

The development and review of practice documents is one of the functions of the Speech Pathology Australia Professional Standards (PS) Unit. Practice documents comprise clinical guidelines (CG), position statements (PS) and core Association documents. The practice documents for Speech Pathology Services in Schools (2011) are currently under review. The Association recognised the need for a significant redevelopment of these documents. A working party was established in January 2020 to undertake this significant task and we are pleased to have appointed Rachael Furner as the project officer. The long-term aim for the redevelopment of these guidelines is to present best- practice principles in order to inform the work of speech pathologists in education, and to ensure service users and stakeholders receive consistent quality service. The development and review of practice documents is subject to a robust quality process that aims to align with best-practice principles in the development of guidelines. The principles and processes are outlined in the Association's policy and procedures. As part of the process the Association consulted with stakeholders via an online survey. The aims of the survey were to: • to gather awareness data on the current clinical guideline. For example, are speech pathologists aware that a guideline for school practice exists? • to gather use data on current clinical

guideline. For example, what do they use the guideline for? ​ • to understand needs of speech pathologist working in schools. For example, what do they want from the new guideline? The survey was distributed to members in August 2020. We were extremely pleased with the level of engagement in the process, with 616 responses received. 85% of the respondents were members of the Association. A range of workplace settings were represented in the data. 61% of respondents work in primary and secondary settings while 39% of respondents reported working in early years settings in some capacity. Results of the survey indicated that 81% of the respondents were aware that guidelines existed and 70% had accessed the current document. This means that 30% of the respondents, although working within the sector had not accessed or read the current guidelines. The following were listed as reasons for accessing the guidelines: • to communicate the roles and responsibilities of speech pathologists in schools • to check evidence-base for school practice and design service models • to shape responses for responding to student referrals and to assist other speech pathologists in their practice. In order to assist in the redevelopment process and ensure we captured the needs of speech pathologists working in this sector, respondents

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December 2020 | Speak Out

were asked what they wanted from the new guidelines. The following themes presented: • to be evidence informed • to describe the desired outcomes for students with speech, language and communication needs in education setting • to make actionable recommendations for practice, to be accessible (e.g., clearly structured and easy to read), to describe what stakeholders want from speech pathology services in education and to describe aspirational practice. It was also interesting to gather information from speech pathologists regarding the ongoing barriers to implementing best-practice in education settings. Three key barriers were identified: • "buy in" for the intended changes proposed by speech pathologists from leadership (54%) • access to resourcing (e.g., money and staffing) (34%), and • availability of professional support for speech pathologists own practice (16%). Other barriers identified through this process included; insufficient time to collaborate with teachers and parents, inconsistent understanding of best practice between speech pathologists and employers, challenges with time management and large caseloads and lack of role clarity. ​ The information provided by respondents will be used to develop guidelines that are relevant and useful for decision making, transparent and accessible and evidence-informed with actionable recommendations. We would like to thank those who completed the survey for their contributions, which will support in shaping this important work. Further consultation with stakeholders will occur throughout the process with roll out of the updated practice documents in August 2021. The Association will provide relevant CPD to support members in their understanding and use of the documents. I would like to thank the members of the working party who volunteer their time on these projects. Further details on the results of this survey are available on the website, www. speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/education ​Jane Delaney Senior Advisor, Early Childhood and Education

Top 10 areas speech

pathologists want addressed by the practice guidelines Evidenced ways of working in education settings Collaboration with others, including education staff, students and external speech pathologists Leading influence and effective change management Outcome driven practice Designing effective service models (resourcing and caseload management) Role clarity – what do speech pathologists do in education contexts A clear vision for speech pathology practice in education (why do speech pathologists work in education?) Effective planning and implementation of interventions Responding to a variety of needs in education context Curriculum based practice Undertaking practice improvement

Rachael Furner Project Officer

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Speak Out | December 2020

National Early Language and Literacy Strategy

The National Early Literacy and Language Coalition (NELLC) represents a broad cross- section of stakeholders in the sector, working together to progress a National Early Literacy and Language Strategy. Speech Pathology Australia was pleased to be involved in this initiative. The Coalition includes the following partners: Australian Library and Information Association, The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation, Australian Literacy Educator’s Association, Early Childhood Australia, National and State Libraries Australia, The Smith Family, Indigenous Literacy Foundation and Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth and Murdoch Children's Research Institute. We have the support of the Ian Potter Foundation, which has provided funding for a three-year project 'Early Language and Literacy: Reviewing the evidence, good practice guidance, and developing a national strategy.' Release of the National Early Language and On 2 November 2020 the NELLC released a discussion paper which outlines the objectives and priorities of a National Early Language and Literacy Strategy. Objectives of a national strategy The central objective of a National Early Language and Literacy Strategy is to establish a coordinated national approach to enhancing babies’ and children’s early language and literacy development in Australia. The overarching and long-term goal is to ensure that, before starting school, children are provided with the best opportunities to develop the foundational language and literacy skills required to learn, be healthy, develop a positive sense of identity and culture, and participate within their family, community and society, throughout their childhood, into adolescence and adulthood. A National Strategy intends to do this by: • establishing a common understanding around early language and literacy development Literacy Strategy Discussion Paper

• reflecting and building upon existing strategies, initiatives, services and programs • identifying priorities, targets and responses in the short, medium and long term. The discussion paper outlines the objectives and priorities of a National Early Language and Literacy Strategy based on the evidence reviews undertaken between March 2019 and June 2020. The reviews included peer- reviewed literature, existing national and international strategies, policies and programs, in addition to previous work undertaken by the NELLC, its content will frame the co-design by the working group of a draft National Strategy In support of the launch of the discussion and evidence papers, ARACY hosted a National Language and Literacy Strategy (NELLS) webinar. The webinar was presented by Associate Professor Tanya Serry and Dr Rebecca Goodhue and outlines: • the progress NELLC has made in developing the National Early Language and Literacy Strategy • NELLC’s recently released discussion paper and evidence reviews • how this evidence can be used today to help more young children develop better literacy and language skills earlier. NELLC would like to acknowledge The Ian Potter Foundation for the funding to assist in the development of the strategy. We encourage members to read and share these documents as widely and as often as you can through all your channels and networks to help drive the discussion of the need for a National Strategy. Jane Delaney Senior Advisor, Early Childhood and Education www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/ education due to be undertaken in early 2021. Early language and literacy webinar recording

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December 2020 | Speak Out

Research Grants

Queensland Registration Board Legacy Fund Grant 2020 EACH YEAR, TWO GRANTS ARE AWARDED TO SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS RESIDING AND WORKING IN QUEENSLAND. THESE GRANTS ARE ONE OF FOUR SCHEMES FINANCED FROM THE LEGACY FUNDS REMAINING AT THE CLOSURE IN 2013 OF THE REGISTRATION BOARD OF QUEENSLAND. THEIR PURPOSE IS TO SUPPORT RESEARCH INTO COMMUNICATION AND SWALLOWING DISORDERS ACROSS THE LIFE SPAN. WE CONGRATULATE THE SUCCESSFUL 2020 APPLICANTS, HELEN SMITH AND EMMA FINCH, AND LOOK FORWARD TO SHARING THE OUTCOMES OF THEIR RESEARCH.

Helen Smith Helen will work with her colleague Kym Dunstan to undertake this project. Using co-design to develop a supportive shared book reading environment within a vulnerable Queensland community centre. Evidence supports the importance of shared book reading to promote language and literacy development, with increased benefit shown for children from disadvantaged backgrounds (Shahaeian et al., 2018). While many literacy programs are available, not all of these incorporate shared reading or address the specific barriers identified as relevant to disadvantaged or vulnerable families. Further, community centres exist in areas of vulnerability to provide community support to disadvantaged families. However, there is little evidence regarding the opportunities that exist within a community centre environment to influence shared reading, particularly for disadvantaged families who often have poorer home literacy environments (Canfield et al., 2020). This research project will address existing gaps by investigating the current shared reading practices of families attending the Yarrabilba Family and Community Place (YFCP). Yarrabilba has been identified as an area experiencing high levels of vulnerability (ABS, 2017; AEDC, 2018). The research will utilise a co-design model and involve families and community members as authentic partners in the process. The use of a co-design model to engage families in the project will have important implications for the transferability of the study results as it ensures a two-way transfer of knowledge between researchers and consumers. It is anticipated that the information gathered from this research project will inform the co-design of a supportive environment that promotes shared reading among families attending the YFCP to positively impact on child language and literacy development.

Helen Smith and Kym Dunstan

Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS]. (2017). 2016 Census QuickStats. Retrieved from https:// quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_ services/getproduct/census/2016/quickstat/ SSC33237 Australian Early Development Census [AEDC]. (2018). Data Explorer: Yarrabilba, Beaudesert, QLD. Retrieved from https://www.aedc.gov.au/ data/data-explorer?id=137936 Canfield, C.F., Seery, A., Weisleder, A.,Workman, C.,Brockmeyer Cates, C.,Roby, E.,Payne, R., Levine, S., Mogilner, L., Dreyer, B., Mendelsohn, A. (2020). Encouraging parent- child book sharing: Potential additive benefits of literacy in health care and the community. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 50, 221- 229. Shahaeian, A., Wang, C., Tucker-Drob, E., Geiger,

V., Adriana, G.B., Harrison, L.J. (2018). Early shared reading, socioeconomic status, and children’s cognitive and school competencies: Six years of longitudinal evidence. Scientific Studies of Reading, 22 (6), 485-502.

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Emma Finch Exploring communication needs following minor stroke Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally. Comprehensive guidelines exist for the rehabilitation of people with severe post-

The aim of the project is to assess the communication (language and conversation) skills of people with minor stroke in the first 3-months post-hospital discharge. Forty people with minor stroke will complete an assessment battery and semi-structured interview 1-week and 3-months post-stroke. Improving our understanding of how the language and conversation skills of people are affected by minor stroke will enable us to develop effective assessment protocols and interventions to manage unmet communication needs in this growing population. The study has the potential to change the clinical practice of SLPs working with people with minor stroke. Allen, S. (1997). The prevalence and consequences of unmet need: Contrasts between older and younger adults with disability. Medical Care , 35, 1132-1148. Heinemann, A. W., Sokol, K., Garvin, L., & Bode,

stroke impairments (Stroke Foundation, 2017). However, less attention has focused on the needs of people with minor stroke. Furthermore, current communication measures may not be sufficiently sensitive for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to detect language and conversation difficulties post- minor stroke. This means people with minor stroke may be unable to access essential SLP services. This is highly significant because the negative implications of unmet needs include adverse health consequences such as lower life satisfaction and poor psychological wellbeing (Allen, 1997; Heinemann, 2002; Op Reimer, 1999). Early work by the team revealed people with minor stroke self-report communication difficulties (primarily at the levels of word finding and conversation) 2 months post-stroke. Thus, there is an urgent need for a detailed investigation of communication function post-minor stroke.

R. K. (2002). Measuring unmet needs and services among persons with traumatic brain injury. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation , 83(8), 1052-1059. Limburg, M., & Van den Bos, G. A. (1999). Unmet care demands as perceived by stroke patients: Deficits in health care? Quality in Health Care , 8(1), 30-35.

Op Reimer, W. J., de Haan, R. S., Rijnders, P. T.,

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December 2020 | Speak Out

Research Grants Viewing storybooks through the eyes of preschoolers with Autism

In 2017, Dr Marleen Westerveld and her colleagues were awarded a grant for her study Examining the visual attention to print vs. pictures during shared book reading in pre-schoolers with autism. The grant was funded through funds retained following the closure of the Queensland Registration Board. Applications for these grants are open to speech pathologists living and working in Queensland. The study built on research which suggests that preschool-age children with autism demonstrate significant strengths in letter knowledge compared to their peers without autism. It investigated whether preschoolers with autism demonstrate a preference for looking at print (vs pictures) compared to their typically developing peers during shared book reading. The study used eye tracking technology and tasks developed for the study by PhD scholar Rachelle Wicks to address two questions: (a) Do preschoolers with autism show a higher preference for looking at print (as opposed to pictures) compared to their typically developing (TD) peers? (b) Is prompting successful in changing where preschoolers with autism look (print or pictures) and are children’s responses to prompts moderated by number of autism traits? Thirty four preschool children with autism and 27 typically developing children took part. All completed a total of approximately 90 minutes of assessment, over one or two sessions. Children’s eye movements were recorded by a remote eye tracker while viewing a digitised, narrated storybook on a computer monitor. Autism traits were measured using the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ). Emergent literacy (letter knowledge and word reading) and eye tracking tasks were presented in a standard order. Eye tracking tasks were administered at the beginning and end of the session to avoid potential carryover effects. The results showed that both groups of children looked at pictures more often than print. Children with autism did not look at pictures as often or as long as typically developing children, and the difference was statistically significant. Preschoolers with autism looked more frequently at print but the overall duration of focus on print was the same. Prompting to both

Dr Marleen Westerveld and PhD Scholar Rachelle Wicks

print and pictures was successful in changing the focus of children with autism. This change was influenced by the number of autism traits: as these increased, the frequency and duration of focus on the picture decreased. The findings suggest that prompting children with autism to look at pictures or print during shared book reading may help guide and sustain their attention, regardless of autism severity. Shared book reading provides the perfect opportunity to focus on emergent literacy skills with children with autism, who as a group, are at high risk of persistent literacy difficulties. The study findings have been summarised in the following short 4-minute video: https://youtu.be/ fgQDzKzlSNo

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Speak Out | December 2020