Speak Out June 2021

Branch News

and for them to get to know members of our team and talk about health in a positive, friendly, play-based environment focusing on prevention. We had a range of activities on offer targeting communication, fine motor and physical skills. Future days will be held across June and July. Families as first teachers The Families as First Teachers (FaFT) program is an early learning and family support program for remote Indigenous families. The aim of FaFT is to improve developmental outcomes for remote Indigenous children by working with families and children prior to school entry. The program uses the Abecedarian Approach including conversational reading, learning games, enriched caregiving and language priority. When visiting community, our speech pathologists work closely with FaFT educators and caregivers to provide support within their existing structures and strengths, connect with referred clients and their families, and provide advice and strategies when requested. Families and Babies Program Child and family health nurses invited our speech pathologists to join in facilitating their Families and Babies Program, for caregivers with babies aged 0-6 months to learn about early development. In addition, one of

our speech pathologists completed training with remote child and family health nurses about early interaction and communication milestones. Professional development to community organisations On request, we have delivered training to various organisations including to: • MacDonnell Regional Council - MacKids Childcares - early childhood development and the roles of allied health therapists • YMCA Childcare – use of visuals to promote communication and participation • Bradshaw Primary School – supporting oral language development in the classroom. For more information about the diverse and rewarding work that is speech pathology in Alice Springs, please contact Victoria.bishop@nt.gov.au Victoria Bishop and Aedín Gray Speech Pathologists Children’s Development Team, Alice Springs Central Australian Health Service

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June 2021 | Speak Out