Speak Out June 2019

WA

Nulsen therapy provides services to over 200 people with complex disabilities living in over 40 group homes around the Perth Metro. Over 90% of these residents live with dysphagia and are therefore affected by the global implementation of the International Dyshagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI). The rollout of IDDSI at Nulsen was a large undertaking for a relatively small Speech Pathology team- it involved the updating of over 120 documents and culminated in an organisation-wide launch event and cooking competition. We wanted to use this great opportunity to encourage more initiative and imagination in the world of modified diets in the disability sector, and also to spread awareness of dysphagia and raise the profile of speech pathology within the wider organisation. The event included a cooking competition, open to support staff and residents at our group homes and judged by residents; a modified lunch spread of pureed and minced and moist options (lovingly prepared by the SP team); demonstrations of various techniques (piping, food moulding) and equipment that can be used to modify meals and liquids; and a presentation from a dietitian on nutritional considerations for people with Dysphagia. We were able to have some items donated for our prize packs, and were lucky enough to give away an all-in-one cooker to a very pleased resident! The event was a huge success and had very positive feedback from all who attended. The outcomes of the event and the overall rollout were incredibly positive in engaging both staff and residents in thinking differently about modified diets and raising awareness about the experiences of people who live with dysphagia. It also encouraged initiative and imagination from staff when thinking about food preparation for residents for Dysphagia and the significant role it can play in increasing quality of life and positive participation in mealtimes. Re-imagining modified diets Variety Motor Mouth Camp Since 2011, Variety – the Children’s Charity of WA has funded and delivered the Variety Motor Mouth Program – a fun, activity-based program for children who use AAC aids. This year 15 speech pathologists volunteered to assist both children and their families to develop their skills and confidence in using their AAC device to communicate in everyday life. The 2019 Variety Teen Motor Mouth Day on Saturday 27 April was a great success, filled with communication, learning and fun community based activities. Seven teen AAC users, their parents, and volunteers teamed up for a day of communication activities at the Cockburn Integrated Health Facility and The Simulation Centre. Activities included Talking Mats, Bingo, Family Feud, rock-climbing and a 9D cinema! We were joined by our AAC mentor, Joey Harrall, who presented to the group, sharing his experiences as an AAC user. The goals for the day were to learn new communication skills, communicate with unfamiliar people in the community, build independence in everyday interactions, raise awareness about AAC, and continue to build a supportive and inclusive AAC community in WA. So far, Variety WA and its dedicated Motor Mouth committee has delivered eight multi-day Motor Mouth Camps and even more Motor Mouth Day programs. Applications are now open for the next Variety Motor Mouth Camp, which will be held from 28-30 September.

WA 1079 members as at April 2019

37

June 2019 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Speak Out