Speak Out June 2021

SPEAKOUT JUNE 2021 THE MAGAZINE FOR AUSTRALI N SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS In focus: Working with AHAs

BRANCH NEWS OUT & ABOUT

Member profile: Supporting services with telehealth

Conducting international telepractice

Get set for Speech Pathology Week

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June 2021 | Speak Out

Connect

SpeechPathologyAustralia

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 Maree Doble – Vice President Operations Kathryn McKinley – Vice President Communications Erin Coonan - Director Copyright © 2021 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 Letters may or may not be published in future issues of Speak Out magazine at SPA’s discretion.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 2021 Speak Out ad kit. Any queries may be directed to SPA Publications Manager Advertising booking dates for August 2021 Speak Out . The official booking form must be received at national office by COB 9 July, 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 Lucy Sutherland - Director Kathryn McKinley - Director Bronwyn Sutton - Director Alison Smith - Director T 1300 368 835 E publications@ speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

@SpeechPathAus

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SpeechPathAus

Speech Pathology Australia

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. Call: 1300 368 835 Member communities

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Contents

June 2021

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9 In focus

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Regulars

Features

In focus: Working with allied health assistants Providing a brighter future for the people of Vietnam Speech pathologists of the future supporting remote practitioners

From the President

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Board meeting report

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Fellowship Award winners

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Professional Education news

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National Conference 2022

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Student spotlight

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Cover pic: SA Branch

members Jenna Bongioletti (SP), with Vi Au enjoying advocating for the profession at the state's Parent and Baby Expo.

Mentoring and supervision

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Workforce analysis: Preparing for our future

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Member reflections on International Women's Day

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Branch news

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From the President

Thanks once more for picking up or clicking into the June edition of Speak Out . How are you doing? What’s interesting or engaging you? I’m being swept along by a feeling of optimism, in the face of everything going on at the moment. If you were one of the attendees at the SPA Conference at the beginning of this month, you may well be having similar thoughts. There was a massive amount of information and resource-sharing pouring out over three days, with chat boxes constantly being updated with ideas and questions. By the end of the conference, I literally had to lie down on my office floor for a couple of minutes, mind buzzing. I shouldn’t have been surprised. We’re kind of like that as a profession, aren’t we? Optimistic, enthusiastic, and bright. Helping and contributing is what we do. Building on each other’s ideas and enthusiasm just seems to be default operational mode. This spirit continues in this edition of Speak Out , which take an in-depth look at our work alongside allied health assistants. Given that over the past few years there’s been an increased recognition of the need for speech pathology, and we are scrambling to keep up with demand, allied health assistants are perhaps even more needed than ever before. The contribution of several perspectives here from National Office might help you to optimise the way you work with AHAs. As Associate Professor Sally Hewat describes, we’re living in a transformative age. There are massive, sudden, and often unpredictable shifts occurring across the political, economic, societal, technological, and cultural landscapes. And they’re becoming more frequent over time. As a result, I always value the members@work section of Speak Out , and this issue is no exception. We have a number of pieces for you to read, looking at the impact of supports in Vietnam, technology in remote areas, and the increasing demand and opportunities present in voice banking. Speaking of opportunities, before we know it Speech Pathology Week will be upon us. The theme for this year is 'Communication is everyone’s right'. There are digital and physical kits available to

start this conversation. The more support that we have around this year, the more successful we’ll be. You may well have an incredible idea already for your workplace or environment (and we can’t wait to hear about it). But if not, the Branches are all coming up with initiatives for August 2021. They would be more than happy to have you come along. Find our Branch details on the SPA website, by clicking Members, and then Branches. And let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to pick up just a fraction of the energy and happiness displayed on this edition’s cover? Tiyana Jones brings together a group of Masters graduates to reflect on the nature of speech pathology, and the advantages of working within a female led profession. She asks us to identify our heroes and those who pave the way for us. She challenges us to continue preparing for our next generations. For me, a great place to start in identifying heroes was at the awards ceremony this month, in which Dr Mary Claessen and Associate Professors Marleen Westerveld and Tanya Serry were recognised as Fellows of the Association. All three have had significant impacts on how I personally conduct my own clinical practices. I’m continually influenced and inspired in equal measure by colleagues in the profession. Before I go, I’d like to share a moment with you. Last week, I was on yet another Zoom conference, and there was a contingent of Melbourne-based speech pathologists online. Nearing the end of the fourth city lockdown, one joked “everyone hates Melbourne.” Every other participant very swiftly jumped in and mentioned how the opposite is in fact true. Victorians are our heroes. For those 2902 members, and on behalf of the other nine thousand of us: thank you for furthering the profession by linking together and continuing to advance the profession in new ways. And, yet another highlight in this issue is reading about the Welcome Night at ACU. After this lockdown, there will be other nights just like this, and all over the country too. We’re optimistic, and (spoiler alert) we’ll be going Beyond Borders before you know it.

Tim Kittel

Tim Kittel National President

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Association NEWS

Board meeting report May 2021

The second Board of Directors meeting for 2021 was held in Melbourne on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 May. This marked the Association’s first in person Board of Directors meeting since COVID-19 closed National Office in late March 2020 and interstate travel was not possible. The meeting was highly productive. In addition to general business and strategic items, induction was held for the incoming Directors and details in relation to the External (Independent) Director positions were discussed. A strategic presentation was received from the Disability and Policy and Advocacy teams, on the proposed NDIS Independent Assessments. Discussion following the presentation centred around incongruencies between the role and tasks of Independent Assessors and professional standards of speech pathologists. Further clarification is occurring around scope of practice and any implications for speech pathologists taking on these roles. SPA continues to advocate around our concerns of the Independent Assessment tools not being sensitive to the presentations and needs of those with communication and swallowing disorders. Advocacy activities and planned communications to members on this topic were noted. External Directors In line with Speech Pathology Australia’s Constitution, the Board of Directors has been seeking to appoint two External Directors. In appointing External Directors, the Association is aiming to build on the experience, skills and perspectives of the existing Board of Directors. While nominees were sought from the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community, the Association was unable to attract nominations from this community at this time. An External Director appointment is imminent, with representatives from the existing Board of Directors having interviewed several candidates last week, and a preferred candidate identified. Service provision Acknowledgement was given to the considerable feedback received from members and the public on increasing waiting times for consumers to access speech pathology services. It’s also been noted, that despite the growth in the profession, employing speech pathologists are experiencing difficulty recruiting staff. At the same time recent Private Health Insurance reporting has shown that while claims reduced significantly during COVID-19 related lockdowns, most professions are now returning to similar levels of service as were seen pre-COVID; however, there is some reduction in the levels of private health fund rebates Some of the meeting highlights included: NDIS independent assessments

for speech pathology, implying a lower access to services for these clients. National office staff and the Board of Directors recognise that there are complex issues potentially impacting on the speech pathology workforce and service provision. While the impact of specific funding schemes, such as the NDIS, is one factor, it is recognised that a comprehensive analysis of the profession and features influencing demand for and access to services is critical. The Speech Pathology Workforce Analysis project has commenced and will aim to unpack the data and trends impacting on speech pathology service provision now and with projections into the future. Other strategies to support members and consumers will also be developed. Pressures within the profession The Board discussed current pressures affecting the profession, with high workforce demand combined with the uncertainty of the current trajectory of the pandemic, resulting in many speech pathologists experiencing higher levels of stress, and potential impacts on mental health. The Association will look to encourage members to look after their health and wellbeing, in a variety of ways. Conference registration fee Contact has been received from some members in relation to the 2021 Virtual National Conference registration fee. The Board of Directors discussed the factors and costs involved in running the National Conference, in its usual format, including keynote addresses, multiple concurrent sessions, workshops and social/networking functions. It was recognised that even where the delivery of the conference this year is via virtual means, there remains significant costs involved in the IT platform and associated supports prior to and during the conference. A range of overheads, including infrastructure, staffing, contractors, training and speaker fees, are incurred regardless of the event being virtual or face-face, but acknowledging that catering and venue costs will not be incurred with the virtual format. It was recognised that there is always a balance of minimising the registration fee against meeting costs involved in conducting a high quality and successful conference. These factors will be communicated to members at appropriate opportunities. 2020-2022 Strategic Plan progress The significant amount of work done by the Association to progress the 2020-2022 Strategic Plan was acknowledged by the Board of Directors. Specific progress was discussed in the following areas • involvement and representation on a range of key bodies and expert working groups,

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Association NEWS

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building and strengthening of alliances, commissioning and commencement of the Speech Pathology Workforce Analysis project planned engagement with selected PHNs, continuing work on the Professional Self- Regulation Model Review, completed initial research phase of the Association’s website redevelopment, with current work on website design specifications, proposal under development for a promotional campaign to increase awareness of communication disability, swallowing difficulties, and the breadth of role of speech pathologists.

to meet the NHMRC Guidelines for clinical guidelines, SPA documents may not always be at this level. Additionally, many of the Association documents describe the profession’s practice within a given sector or context rather

than always relating to a clinical topic. Consumer decision making

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The final Consumer Decision Making Report was presented to the meeting. The report highlights several strategies to improve consumer ability to make informed choices when interacting with and utilising resources provided by the Association, including the Find a Speech Pathologist website. Accessibility of Speech Pathology Australia’s overall website was also highlighted in a website user research report, commissioned by the Association. Recommendations derived from the two reports will be used to inform the next stages of the website redevelopment and ensuring appropriate information and supports for consumers. The next Board of Directors meeting will be held on 27/28 August, 2021.

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Speech Pathology Australia practice documents

A strategic discussion paper outlining a number of proposals to improve the Association’s process for the development and approval of practice documents was well received by the Board of Directors, with some key recommendations to be progressed. The Board of Directors also agreed to rebrand ‘clinical guidelines’ as ‘practice guidelines’, this aligns with the terminology utilised within the Professional Standards for Speech Pathologists in Australia. It was also acknowledged that while aspiring

Gail Mulcair Chief Executive Officer

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Membership renewals are now open and must be completed by 1 July You should have received your membership renewal information by email by now. If you haven’t you can still log into your member account and renew online. Not sure of your username and password? Simply email membership@speechpathologyaustralia. org.au or call the membership team on 1300 368 835. Are you on direct debit? All direct debit payments will roll over into the new membership year with the first installment being made on 15 July. To retain your Certified Practising status, you MUST renew online and sign the member declaration and declare your CPD points or you will become a Non Certified member.

Are you renewing as a Certified Practising member? You will need to submit CPD activities from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021 to be able to renew as a Certified Practising member. You will also have to declare you have undertaken 1000 hours practise in the previous five years. Medicare Provider status If you have a Medicare Provider number you must renew by 1 July 2021 to avoid any potential disruption to your Medicare provider status.

Find everything you need to know about renewing your membership here!

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Association NEWS

Speech Pathology Week theme is set! Communication is everyone's right

In 2021 Speech Pathology Week will run from Sunday 22 to Saturday 28 August. The theme for the week in 2021 is: Communication is everyone’s right! Communication is a basic human right and Speech Pathology Week in 2021 will endeavour to alert the community to the role speech pathologists play in promoting this important fact. With more than 1.2 million Australians living with communication disability, the right to communicate has never been more important. The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted how isolating a lockdown can be for those faced with communication challenges. Early in the pandemic, the World Health Organization released the publication, Disability considerations during the COVID-19 outbreak . It highlights the actions that are required to ensure that people with communication disability can always access the health-care services and the public health information they require, during the COVID-19 outbreak and beyond. People with communication disability were also disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak because of serious disruptions to the services they relied on. This meant that during the pandemic the delivery of telehealth for people with communication disability became critical. Public health information, like all communication material, must be fully accessible. This means ensuring public

health information and communications are delivered in understandable and diverse formats to suit different needs; and that there is not a reliance only on verbal or written information. This ensures appropriate means of communication are adopted or put in place so that people with intellectual, cognitive and psychosocial impairments have access to understandable information. Making Australians aware of communication disability, and that communication is everyone's right has never been more important. As in previous years, Speech Pathology Week will be promoted through the general media and a digital and social media campaign. A dedicated campaign kit will be available for members to purchase. Separate marketing collateral will also be supplied to state Branches to help promote their own Speech Pathology Week events. A digital campaign kit, initiated in 2020, will be developed once again in 2021 and will be accessible for download from the Association’s website. For more information about Speech Pathology Week and to order a Speech Pathology Week kit visit the Association’s website: speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/week

Michael Kerrisk Communications and Marketing Manager

www. speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/week

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Fellowship awards announced Speech Pathology Australia recently awarded Dr Mary Claessen, Associate Professor Tanya Serry and Associate Professor Marlene Westerveld with Fellowship Awards in recognition of their significant leadership and contributions to the speech pathology profession. The awards were announced at the Association's recent AGM. Association NEWS

Dr Mary Claessen

Dr Mary Claessen is a speech pathologist, researcher and active member of Speech Pathology Australia with research interests in the disorders of speech, language and literacy, tongue-tie and paediatric feeding. Dr Claessen has demonstrated significant, sustained and outstanding contribution to the speech pathology profession, in particular, through her

of reading in Australia, together with enhancing speech pathology’s relevance and scope of practice of reading instruction and support in schools and clinical settings. Associate Professor Serry’s research and teaching focuses on how to facilitate greater collaboration between educators, parents, speech pathologists and psychologists, as well as ways to de-mystify the science of reading and making information accessible to all in the community, regardless of level of background knowledge. Associate Professor Serry has a longstanding and highly productive research collaboration as an Honorary Research Fellow at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and as a member of the Building Better Readers Research Team, to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and leadership to the speech pathology team, in ensuring the delivery of culturally sensitive teaching practices and the incorporation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teaching within the curriculum. Dr Claessen’s research and relevant publications has informed and supported the profession in their practice with children with disorders of speech, language and literacy. Dr Claessen is recognised by the Education Department of Western Australia and nationally as someone who has consistently provided leadership in research and scholarship through her research interests, developing capabilities of other team members, and dissemination of high impact research. Dr Claessen is a respected and valued colleague who participates in a wide range of voluntary commitments for the speech pathology community at large. Dr Claessen’s sustained contribution to the activities of Speech Pathology Australia is evident, having been involved in accreditation processes, advisory groups, practice document reviews, professional recognition assessments, the JCPSLP Editorial Board, as guest editor for both IJSLP and JCPSLP and the development of the Developmental Language Disorder Professional Learning Project. The Association was pleased to present Dr Mary Claessen with Fellowship, in recognition of her significant and meaningful contribution to the speech pathology profession within Western Australia and nationally, over the past 20 years.

commitment to developing the future profession of graduating clinicians and early career researchers. This is evident through Dr Claessen’s teaching roles, across both undergraduate and graduate entry masters courses, and the supervision of honours and higher degree research students. During Dr Claessen’s time as discipline lead and program director for the undergraduate and graduate entry master courses at Curtin University, Dr Claessen provided effective leadership to the speech pathology team through a number of school and faculty restructures, school and course reviews. Dr Claessen continues to be an active leader within the Faculty of Health Sciences at Curtin University. Dr Claessen is currently the only Kooda within the speech pathology team at Curtin University, providing support

Associate Professor Tanya Serry

Associate Professor Tanya Serry is a highly regarded and experienced speech pathologist, with over 35 years’ experience as a clinician, educator, researcher and policy advocate. Associate Professor Serry’s professional work across clinical practice, teaching, research, advocacy and advisory roles has done a great deal to advance the science

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Association NEWS

whose work has examined the delivery of evidence-based reading interventions for Year 1 students in disadvantaged areas of NSW. After leading a large Victorian Department of Education tender, Associate Professor Serry went on to lead the design and execution of a comprehensive mixed methods research project arising from this work. The project surveyed over 500 Department of Education and Training staff about their confidence and readiness to identify and support students who are struggling readers in both primary and secondary settings. In 2020, Associate Professor Serry and Professor Pamela Snow established the Science of Language and Reading (SOLAR) Lab within La Trobe University’s School of Education. The purpose of this virtual platform is to

promote the transfer of empirically-supported reading science into classroom practice. A key aspect of the SOLAR platform is its central positioning of oral language to the reading process. Associate Professor Serry has held the role of Editor, Australian Journal of Learning Disabilities, since 2018. A prestigious appointment, assisting to highlight the profile of speech pathology in the field of learning difficulties. In addition to her distinguished career as an academic, Associate Professor Serry has made significant and highly valued contributions to the work of Speech Pathology Australia in both honorary and invited capacities. Associate Professor Serry brings a thoughtful, considered, inclusive and respectful approach to all that she does and is an outstanding ambassador for the profession. research translation, and makes her work freely available to the profession and beyond through her own website. Associate Professor Westerveld is a very proud member of the CATALISE consortium, a panel of 59 experts representing ten disciplines from English-speaking countries. Their task, using an online Delphi technique, was to reach consensus regarding the criteria used to identify and classify language impairments in children. This exercise under the apt guidance of Professor Dorothy Bishop has resulted in two open access peer-reviewed publications. Associate Professor Westerveld has held a range of editorial and editorial board appointments, across a number of journals, including Folia Phoniatrica et Logopaedia; Language, Speech and Hearing Services in Schools , Journal of Speech, Language and Hearing Research , the New Zealand Journal of Speech-Language Therapy and the Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech- Language Pathology . Associate Professor Westerveld is currently an Editor for Language, Speech and Hearing Services in Schools, a Board member for the International Association for Logopedics and Phoniatrics and chair of the IALP Child Language committee. Associate Professor Westerveld’s impact on the profession has been significant and she continues to invest deeply in the speech pathology profession. Her contribution to Speech Pathology Australia has helped ensure the Association has achieved key deliverables. Associate Professor Westerveld held the position of Speech Pathology Australia Board Director from 2017 to 2019. Associate Professor Westerveld’s research record speaks for itself, as she continues to help children, families and those that support them to reach their potential. Finally, her engagement in teaching the future generation of speech pathologists will continue to have an impact on the profession for years to come.

Associate Professor Marleen Westerveld

Associate Professor Marleen Westerveld’s sustained commitment to the speech pathology profession, both within Australia and internationally, has been demonstrated throughout her 34 year career. Associate Professor Westerveld has extensive clinical and

research experience in literacy and language development, particularly in typically developing children, children with Developmental Language Disorder, and Language Disorders associated with biomedical conditions. Associate Professor Westerveld has been the principal researcher on numerous funded research projects and collaborated with reputable key stakeholders such as, the Queensland Department of Education, the New Zealand Ministry of Education, Autism Queensland, the AEIOU Foundation, as well as speech pathologists and other allied health professionals, parents, and children. Associate Professor Westerveld’s research focuses on the spoken and written language skills needed to participate successfully at home, in school, and in the community. Associate Professor Westerveld has a particular interest in spontaneous language sampling and analysis, oral narrative development and intervention, emergent literacy development and disorders, and reading comprehension difficulties. During her career, Associate Professor Westerveld has been successfully awarded $1.6 million in research grants and published more than 60 peer reviewed papers, 2 books and 5 book chapters. She has presented her research at conferences across the world. Associate Professor Westerveld values the importance of

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Association NEWS

Evidence-Based Practice for Speech Pathology in Australia (Revised) Now a core association document

In 2010, the Association released its position statement Evidence-Based Practice in Speech Pathology in acknowledgement of the critical role evidence-based practice (EBP) has in informing the work of speech pathologists in Australia. The position statement has now been framed as a core Association document to reflect the Association’s position that the incorporation of the best available evidence into practice is not optional, and must be considered in line with the Association’s Professional Standards and Code of Ethics . The Evidence-Based Practice for Speech Pathology in Australia (2021) states that responsibility for EBP is shared, requiring the successful interplay and contributions of the Association and its members, universities, speech pathology students and workplaces.

Specifically:

• Speech Pathology Australia has a responsibility to promote and support evidence-based practice. • Speech pathologists have a responsibility to engage in evidence-based practice. • Speech pathology clinicians and researchers have a responsibility to contribute to building the evidence-base. • Universities have a responsibility to promote knowledge of evidence-based practice. • Workplaces have a responsibility to support evidence-based practice.

The EBP core document can be found at: www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/EBPAust

Expressions of interest Professional Standards Advisory Committee members

The Association is seeking expressions of interest from members who are interested in nominating to be a part of the Professional Standards Advisory Committee (PSAC). The PSAC is an advisory committee to the Board of Directors of Speech Pathology Australia, providing expert advice to the Board and CEO on the quality, maintenance and monitoring of professional standards functions. The PSAC have direct links to the Professional Standards business unit at SPA, and oversee to ensure professional standards functions are provided in an efficient, effective, equitable, transparent and accountable manner and to ensure ongoing quality improvement is in place that meets best-practice. The PSAC comprises six appointed committee members who have broad experience at a senior advisory level and demonstrated high-level problem-

solving skills. The PSAC meet four to six times per calendar year or as required, and meetings take place online or face to face as determined by the Chair. The Terms of Reference for the PSAC can be viewed at www.speechpathologyaustralia > About Us > News If you are interested in nominating to join the PSAC, please provide a copy of your resume and a 300-500 word summary detailing your knowledge, experience and how you address the essential criteria to Stephanie Ashworth, Administration Assistant via sashworth@ speechpathologyaustralia.org.au by 5pm EST on Friday 9 July, 2021 Any queries regarding joining the PSAC may be addressed to Stacey Baldac, Manager Professional Standards via sbaldac@speechpathologyaustralia.

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What a journey this has been, little did we know that in 2019 when we volunteered to be on the 2020 Conference Planning Committee (CPC), we would still be here in 2021 and organising a virtual event. On behalf of the Darwin Conference Planning Committee (CPC) we would like to thank all those who participated and contributed in any way to our first virtual national conference. We thank our keynote and invited speakers who also continued on with us from 2020 to 2021; Professor Yvette Hyter, Professor Swathi Kiran, Associate Professor Sally Hewat and Melanie Mununggurr, who spoke about her perspective as a Djapu, autism mum. To all the presenters in the oral and workshop sessions, and to the many poster presenters, thank you for proceeding with your presentation in the virtual format. Plus our chairpersons who kept the sessions running smoothly. It was wonderful that the CPC was able to present a full conference, including some elements of the NT, and were encouraged by the number of people who registered to attend. As always, we appreciate the participation of the First virtual national conference success

sponsors and exhibitors and hope the delegates enjoyed the "online" way of making contact. We are also very grateful for the support and guidance provided by Pamela Richards and Colleen Moloney and with the smooth running of the conference. This is also reflected in the assistance provided by Ray German and his team from Manta Communications who worked with our presenters. Thank you to those who took the time to provide feedback via the conference survey. We look forward to analysing the feedback to reflect on this conference as well as inform the planning of future conferences. The August 2021 Issue of Speak Out will include the full "wrap up" of the 2021 Virtual National Conference: Local Contexts, Global Practice . We look forward to telling you more about it then. Bea Staley 2021 Conference Convenor Pamela Richards National Conference Manager

Save the date for the 32nd World Congress of the IALP Congress theme: Together Towards Tomorrow intervention with Multilingual Children – Evidence Based Practice • Technological Developments to Enhance Assessment and Treatment • Improving Quality of Service Provision www.ialpauckland2023.org The following three themes will permeate the programme: •

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in focus

From TalkHQ in Northern Queensland is Alex Hartley, speech pathologist and team leader, and Elise Teitzel AHA.

Working with allied health assistants (AHAs)

The use of allied health assistants (AHAs) to complement speech pathology practice is on the rise. In response, National Office staff have put together the following information to help you navigate an optimal working relationship with allied health assistants (AHAs), and we hear from members who share their experiences of developing and maintaining an AHA program at their workplace.

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June 2021 | Speak Out

EXAMPLES OF AHA TASKS

T he following information was developed to provide examples of tasks that an allied health assistant (AHA) can perform under the direction of a speech pathologist. The work of an allied health assistant is not limited to this set of examples. These activities can be undertaken following delegation by a qualified speech pathologist and with ongoing supervision. Speech pathologists delegating tasks to allied health assistants should be familiar with the key principles outlined in Speech Pathology Australia’s document Parameters of Practice (SPA, 2016 ). These examples are based on the table of competencies presented in Appendix B (p24-29) from this document and identifies activities which may be delegated to an allied health assistant (AHA), and the level of support required. Assessment Conduct specific screening tasks and record data (e.g., checklist) without interpreting the results Records observations of a client’s interactions with peers using a checklist. Monitor mealtimes (e.g. lunch) in home setting, using a mealtime observation checklist. Act as an ‘unfamiliar listener’ when assisting with intelligibility assessments. Record a language sample as directed by the speech pathologist.

Intervention Support development of specific skills

Work through a literacy program with a young person to support development of phonemic skills and reading. Support a young child with childhood apraxia of speech, whose parent/s have limited capacity to implement the programme at home, by doing ‘drills’ of speech sound production, practising production of sounds in core words and working through auditory bombardment activities. Support pre teaching of activities. For example, reads a chapter of a text/novel with the child that class teacher plans to work on as a whole class activity. Identifies new or unfamiliar vocabulary and discusses meaning of these words with child and uses them across range of activities, for example, explaining difference and similarities between two words; formulates sentences with words to demonstrate understanding of meaning of the word; defining words using key features. Practise semantic language tasks with an older person with aphasia as part of their individual therapy program designed by the speech pathologist. Provides additional sessions to increase the frequency of the intervention, to target specific speech and/or language structures using frameworks identified by the speech pathologist. Support a young person to improve their persistent difficulties with sequencing of activities following a traumatic brain injury from a recent car accident. Take photos of items in the home and daily activities which have been identified as priorities by that person. Create a low-tech communication aid using these photos according to the designated design of the speech pathologist. The AHA (and others) practises use of the aid, including help to prompt sequencing of daily tasks. Practise prescribed dysphagia exercises, e.g. chin tuck against resistance and prompted effortful swallow with a 46yr-old person who has had a stroke and has recently been discharged home. Assist a speech pathologist in preparing food/drinks/ equipment required for feeding therapy sessions as directed by the speech pathologist. Assists with transitioning the client, clearing up and setting up for the next session.

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Functional support in settings outside the clinic Provide regular and frequent coaching or modelling and/ or supports the use of strategies in a client’s everyday environment based on a session provided in the clinic by the speech pathologist. Spend time at the home of an 8-year-old child who has Autism to support them to interact with siblings, with a focus on communication development as directed by the speech pathologist, for example, developing the use of 3-4 word utterances and commenting. Attend the school setting to facilitate use of Key Word Signing for a 10-year-old child, including a focus on supporting their peers to interact more successfully with the child, and increasing the capacity of the class teacher to use Key Word Signing. Work with an older person with Down Syndrome to practice using apps for communication, with the goal of supporting more successful community access, and developing confidence with unfamiliar communication partners. Develop visual resources in consultation with the speech pathologist to act as a reminder for how and when apps could be used. Support communication interactions between clients who have had a stroke in a community aphasia group. Support client’s communication partners, such as friends, family, carers etc by modelling strategies to increase opportunities for communication in settings outside of the clinic. Support with technology and use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Assistive Technology (AAC AT) Work with a family and a young person to identify individualised vocabulary needs within a particular context or setting, and then to find pictures or programe them on the young person’s electronic aided augmentative or alternative communication device. Support a young person with literacy difficulties to learn how to text message on their phone. Demonstrate the use of an about me book to care staff so they can understand preferences for personal care routines of an older person with dementia. Support a young person who is recovering from a traumatic brain injury by providing frequent and regular sessions to practice use of yes/no switches, including as part of partner assisted scanning of non-electronic aided AAC. Visit a client’s home to demonstrate the use of visuals for self-care skills as part of the morning routine for getting ready for school. Observe a child who is deaf or hard of hearing in their school environment, to identify communication opportunities and any barriers, for example, issues

related to missed interaction opportunities when the child did not hear their peer try to engage. Assist the speech pathologist to run a social skills group for people with a disability living in the community; model appropriate social communication skills; support any group members to use non electronic aided AAC (designed by the speech pathologist); provide extra opportunities for group members to practise skills. Support staff with the set up and modelling of an assistive listening device with older person in residential aged care. Planning, maintaining and delivering speech pathology services Assist with filing/uploading case notes and other client documentation in clinical records at the end of each session. Arrange home visit appointment days and times with client. Identify, collect and collate images for use in low tech communication boards, talking mats, communication books, etc. Create communication boards with personalised vocabulary for a client and using photographs from their specific environments. Program AAC AT devices. Create resources for a client as agreed with the speech pathologist. Support with setting up and delivering small intervention

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in focus

groups as agreed with the speech pathologist. Supports with food shopping for feeding therapy sessions as directed by the speech pathologist. Undertake audits (e.g. compliance with documentation policies, IDDSI Levels, COVID Safe Plan) Clean equipment and treatment areas between client appointments. Monitor supplies of stationery, assessment forms, and re-order as required.

Assist with administrative activities such as photocopying, shredding, laminating. Assist the speech pathologist with education sessions or promotion of the profession (e.g. stalls in the community, such as, Speech Pathology Week, training of hospital kitchen staff re making thickened fluids) Undertake pre contact screenings/checks (e.g. COVID screening checklist, home visit risk assessments) Support speech pathology delivery of telepractice consults by providing on-site support for technology set up and client positioning, as instructed by the speech pathologist. Support the speech pathologist during clinical sessions. For example, the speech pathologist completes a language assessment checklist with a parent/carer while the AHA performs early language stimulation with the child under the speech pathologist’s supervision.

Draft handouts, letter templates, as directed by the speech pathologist (who signs off on the final version).

Collect data for quality assurance projects.

Collect survey from clients as instructed by the speech pathologist for service review purposes.

Develop systems to assist with running the speech pathology practice/department as directed by the speech pathologist (e.g., spreadsheets, databases etc).

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Ethical issues WORKING TOGETHER

C hanges to funding models and increased in providing support to the work of a speech pathologist and for clients with communication and/or swallowing difficulties. Ethical issues when working as and with an AHA may arise when: An AHA is asked to work outside of their scope of practice An AHA is asked to carry out a task which is outside of their scope of practice for example to perform an assessment, make a clinical decision about a client’s goals or work independently with a client without regular contact from the supervising speech pathologist. An AHA does not have regular, timely and sufficient support from a speech and language pathologist A client’s quality and/or safety of care may be compromised if an AHA does not have access to regular, timely and sufficient contact with a speech and language pathologist to discuss and review the client’s intervention plan and progress towards goals. This may lead to an AHA having to make decisions without support, working outside of their scope of practice, or decisions regarding interventions provided being delayed, any of which can compromise the quality of service and care for clients. An AHA is asked to seek advice regarding a client’s care from multiple speech and language pathologists It is best-practice for the same speech pathologist to oversee and manage a client’s care. Ethical issues could arise if AHA’s are working independently demand and access to services have resulted in an increase in allied health assistant (AHA) positions and recruitment. AHA’s play a vital role

and seeking clinical advice and supervision from multiple speech pathologists who may have differing approaches, knowledge of the client and styles of working. The overall clinical management and responsibility lies with the speech pathologist and not with the AHA. A speech pathologist does not have a working relationship with a designated AHA It is best-practice for a speech pathologist to work with an AHA they have met and have a working relationship with. Each AHA will have a different set of knowledge and skills they bring to the role, will need differing amounts of support and be able to undertake different tasks. It is important that a speech pathologist is able to meet with the AHA on a regular basis so that they can make informed decisions on what tasks are appropriate for the AHA to carry out and they are aware of what support needs to be provided to the AHA within this role. A speech pathologist is requested to take on the supervision of a full time working AHA however a limited amount of time is allocated to provide this support It is best-practice for a speech pathologist to have regular meetings with an AHA to discuss client’s progress, care and clinical decision making. The amount of time required to provide appropriate supervision is dependent on a number of factors, such as; how many clients the AHA is able to work with, the complexity of the programs and the individual needs of the clients and AHA. It is important to remember that additional responsibilities sit alongside these discussions and it is important to have time for these in the working week. This may include; writing or countersigning clinical records for sessions provided by the AHA, having time to re-assess and/

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or review as the qualified professional, liaising with families/other professionals, providing support to the AHA to complete their tasks and being available to answer potential urgent questions from the AHA on an ongoing basis. When agreeing to work with an AHA it is important the speech pathologist discusses with their employer how much time they require to complete all of the tasks required in order to responsibly carry out their duties to the clients on their caseload. Case study 1 A speech pathologist and AHA work within a school and together provide assessment and therapy to a large caseload of young children. When directed by the speech pathologist, the AHA is confident to carry out set intervention plans provided by the speech pathologist within small therapy groups and individual therapy sessions. The speech pathologist receives a new job offer and submits their resignation from the post at the school. There are difficulties recruiting into the post within the notice period and there are a number of school children that will require end of year NDIS reports in a few months’ time. The speech pathologist is asked to provide intervention plans for the AHA to continue after their contract terminates until another speech pathologist is able to be recruited. They are also asked to provide future NDIS reports for children they know well, in case it takes longer than a couple of months to recruit a new speech pathologist. Discussion Ethical issues could arise if an AHA is working independently without a speech pathologist overseeing the intervention plan they are carrying out. During this time, client’s presentations may change, clinical questions could arise and clinical decisions may need to be made. It would be unethical for an AHA to be working without regular and sufficient access to a speech pathologist who is overseeing the client’s care. This could result in an AHA working outside of their scope of practice and reduced safety and quality of care for the client. Ethical issues can also arise if a speech pathologist is asked to prepare reports for in the future. During the time frame before the report due date there could be changes to the client’s presentation and it is unknown what progress they will make during this time. Speech pathologists are only able to provide reports based on known information that is current at the time of writing. Case study 2 A final year speech pathology student carries out voluntary work with a disability organisation and has regular contact with a client who accesses speech pathology services. The client’s family approach the student and offer them paid work as an AHA in order to help the client achieve their NDIS goals and work on their communication goals outside of sessions. The family believe the student would be well placed to provide the work as they already have a relationship with the client and are nearing the end of their

studies. The speech pathology student has shadowed some therapy sessions with the speech pathologist and feels confident enough to support the client with reaching their goals outside of sessions. Discussion Although the student has developed their knowledge and skills in the provision of speech pathology interventions as they progress through the course, the student is not yet a qualified speech and language pathologist and should not be undertaking tasks that are the responsibility of a qualified professional. By having a discussion with the speech and language pathologist working with the client, the student’s understanding of these ethical and professional obligations is developed. The student is then able to discuss with the family how they could work within a delegated framework, to still provide the input they are seeking in an appropriate way. Case study 3 A speech pathology student is employed by an organisation as an AHA. The role provides excellent opportunities for the student to develop their clinical the organisation to provide support to clients from a pre- prepared intervention plan written by an unknown speech pathologist. Regular supervision with a team of multiple speech pathologists is discussed and agreed between the student and the organisation however there are problems with the logistics and organisation of this. Discussion Ethical issues could arise if an AHA does not have a working relationship with the speech pathologist who has set and provided the intervention plan for a client. The knowledge and skill set of the AHA will be unknown by the speech pathologist providing the intervention program and there will be no opportunity for discussion and support for the AHA. Furthermore, ethical issues could arise if the AHA is requested to seek support from multiple speech pathologists regarding a client’s care or does not have access to regular, timely and sufficient time with the managing speech pathologist regarding clinical decision making and management. skills whilst in training and paid employment to fund their studies. The student is requested by

Trish Johnson Manager Ethics and Professional Issues

Kelly Williams Ethics Advisor Nadia Marussinszky Ethics Advisor

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