Speak Out June 2017

Policy and advocacy

Attending the NSW Legislative Council Inquiry into the provision of education into students with a disability or special needs in New South Wales schools is (back row from left) The Hon. Daniel Mookhey, Mr David Shoebridge, SPA National President Gaenor Dixon, SPA Senior Advisor Professional Practice Chris Lyons and, (front row from left) The Hon. Natasha Maclaren-Jones (Acting Chair) and The Hon. Duncan Gay.

pathologist is working with 10 per cent of the school’s student population, all of whom are Indigenous children who have multiple layers of disadvantage and complexity. None of these children would have access to speech pathology without the NDIS and the school is seeing great gains being made for these children. This scenario is not common but is an exemplar of what can happen when the NDIS and

are at the “pointy end” of disagreements about which sector is responsible for supporting a student with disability – this is particularly problematic in situations where the student has complex disability needs and has swallowing problems. This interface problem needs to be resolved at a policy level so that the students do not miss out on the support they need regardless of NDIS eligibility. We feel it is also important to highlight that the NDIS has been extremely valuable for many children. Right here in Newcastle at Waratah West Public School we can see a great example of where a speech pathologist is working within NDIS funding and is embedded within the primary school’s educational team. This speech

the Department of Education through a funding agreement to develop resources to help schools decide if and how they could employ a speech pathologist in their school. This is a good news story and I have with me today Christine Lyons who is our Senior Advisor Professional Practice who is also dual trained as a teacher and speech pathologist who is leading that project and can provide further details to you. Christine can also speak in detail regarding issues we are seeing with the interface between the NDIS and schools. As a national organisation we have members who work in schools, in private practice and through NDIS funding streams across the country. In some ways, our members 2018 Annual speech pathology Resource Guide!

education sectors interface well.” To read the full transcript of the session go to www.parliament.nsw. gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/ inquiry-details.aspx?pk=2416#tab- hearingsandtranscripts

Early bird discount 10%

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Planning is underway for the 2018 Speech Pathology Resource Guide – the ultimate guide to resources, services, tools and products for the speech pathology profession. Members can enter a free submission and take advantage of discounted display advertising. Early bird booking December 1 For more information visit the publications page of the SPA website or contact the publications officer at pubs@speechpathologyaustralia.org. au to receive the advertising kit and booking form.

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June 2017 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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