Speak Out OCTOBER 2021 DIGITAL EDITION

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SPEAKOUT OCTOBER 2021 THE MAGAZINE FOR AUSTRALI N SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS

Get work ready

Book of the Year shortlist announced

Innovate RAP LAUNCHED

2021 RESEARCH GRANT AWARDS Autism diagnosis in private practice

Employing overseas qualified SPs

Aged care advocacy & news Special feature Your wellbeing at work

October 2021 | Speak Out Student spotlight Visual learning aids

Innovation Award winners

Book of the Year winning books

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 Inma Beaumont – Director (external) 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 Letters may or may not be published in future issues of Speak Out magazine at SPA’s discretion.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 Rebecca Faltyn Advertising booking dates for December 2021 Speak Out . The official booking form must be received at national office by COB 12 November, 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 Digital ISSN : ISSN 2208-7125 Erin Coonan - Director Alison Smith - Director Lucy Sutherland - Director Bronwyn Sutton - 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. Member communities

Speak Out | October 2021

Contents

October 2021

Welcome to the October edition!

FEATURE

From the President

Board of Directors report

An overview of the national strategic plan and priorities Innovation Awards - Meet the winners of the Association's Innovation Awards and find out more about their work.

BE A well being

Innovate RAP launched

New Medicare benefits schedule (MBS)

Book of the Year winners announced

Psychologist Annie Neeson provides tips and advice for remote working SPs 41

Employing overseas qualified speech pathologists

Disability Royal Commission update

Ethics - Working with separated parents

Member Q&A - Autism diagnosis in private practice

National Conference - Melbourne 2022

Student Spotlight - Visual learning for SP students Early career - Are you ready to transition into the workforce?

Cover pic: Get ready to transition into the workforce. After years of study it's time to get your career started. 51

Branch News - Catch up with what has been happening in your local Branch

October 2021 | Speak Out

Association NEWS

From the President

It’s October. We have new slogans to contend with, and “living with the new normal” is possibly well past its sell-by date. But let’s look at this new normal for SPA. Here’s a fun fact for you. In March 2020, we had 10,037 members. Now, 18 months later, we’ve finalised our membership renewals and we’re 12,245 strong. My arithmetic is pretty ordinary, but by my estimate, that means that 20% of SPA members joined during the COVID era. And here’s something I learnt about our profession over the past year or so: we really thrive on optimism. We enter our professional environments, and every day we establish that we are going to make things better. We’re introducing or re- learning communication goals, or we’re here to make mealtimes a safer and more enjoyable experience. Perhaps we’re pushing research, again, always wanting to make the world better for vulnerable people. Let’s throw this fact and presumption together. There’s a fifth of our membership who joined during a pandemic, and we’re bound together with a spirit of optimism. Sure, it’s being put to the test now, particularly in Melbourne and Sydney. But it still exists. The Association is the place to refuel if you are feeling low, or just needing that bit of inspiration. If you’ve never been to a Branch meeting, today is the day to find out when the next one is occurring. Speak Out has always been a “pick-me- up” place, and this issue of Speak Out is yet another bumper edition. Yes okay, quite a lot of us are working under restrictions, including National Office staff, but no one stopped. We’ve just passed the midpoint of our current Strategic Plan, and so it’s timely for us to let you know where we stand. You’ll find some of our accomplishments over the past 18 months listed under how we have advanced our Voice, our Impact, and our Workforce. We also are into the next phase of our Reconciliation Action Plan. Launching this online meant that we were able to include the voices of our members, our trusted

advisors, our Branches, and that of MP Ken Wyatt. This plan further looks to address reconciliation within our organisation and changing our professional culture towards a place that has no tolerance for systemic prejudice or racism. October is the month in which books and mental health swing firmly in focus. October is Mental Health month, and if we are to do our jobs well, we need to prioritise being at our best. To be “work ready”, you’ll find articles here on telepractice, professional support, remote work, reducing stress and burnout, and finding support. Mental Health Australia encourages all Australians to make a mental health promise, and I hope that after reading these articles, you’ll perhaps be a bit clearer on what your own personal promise might be. And of course, we’re all about books, with the winning Books of the Year announced, following our upcoming Speechie Library Talks running in 150 libraries over November. It is still the month in which we progress our position further. Thank you to those members who will give their time in November to meet parents and librarians and share our love of books. On a personal note, I’m feeling a little bit of personal guilt. This month I’ve been able to take a holiday, and escape for a bit of warmth. I’m very much aware that it is a few more months until everyone might be able to do the same. But for now, I’m writing this column on Larrakia country, sitting at the waterfront, with a fantastic view of the Darwin Convention Centre. I can’t help but imagine that alternative universe in which we all met for the SPA Conference this year. It would have been incredible. I’m filled with the hope that we do get to have an amazing conference experience, in a not- locked-down-Melbourne. Seven months and counting. We’ll be able to meet this incredible new 20% of pandemic members. We just need to keep that optimism flowing.

Tim Kittel

Tim Kittel National President

Speak Out | October 2021

Association NEWS

Board of Directors meeting report AUGUST 2021

The third Board of Directors meeting for 2021 was held via Zoom videoconferencing on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 August. The Board of Directors were excited to welcome the Association’s first external Director, Inma Beaumont, to the meeting. Some of the meeting highlights are outlined below. Definition of 'practice' The Board of Directors agreed to amend the definition of speech pathology practice to be more inclusive of the breadth of the profession. The new definition will be operationalised into Association functions including professional self-regulation (PSR) and certified practising member status from July 2022. The future definition, "Speech pathology practice encompasses roles in which a speech pathologist uses their knowledge, skills, professional attributes and ethical judgement to contribute to culturally responsive, lawful, safe and effective delivery of evidence-based speech pathology services. Practice in speech pathology is not restricted to direct services to individuals and is inclusive of all activities related to the provision of services to individuals, communities and populations with communication and swallowing needs. Speech pathologists may work in various roles such as practitioner, regulator, consultant, advocate, manager, academic, researcher, and in policy development and prevention and promotion. Speech pathology practice may be remunerated or part of a formal volunteer arrangement.’ Another component of this work is to consider and revise the Association’s core document Speech Pathology Scope of Practice , which is underway. COVID-19 While the Association continues to provide members with timely information in relation to the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation across Australia, the current level of fatigue and stress within the membership has become evident. To support members in managing workplace stress, resulting from their work with clients and their families during this time, the Association has partnered with a range of professionals, including mental health and mindfulness practitioners to develop a comprehensive self-paced learning program titled Riding the Tide of Work and Life Stress. Release of the first module of this complimentary program is imminent. CINAHL Complete trial A proposal to support members who do not have access to full text journals, was supported by the Board of Directors, with Speech Pathology Australia to offer

CINAHL Complete to the membership on a limited and trial basis. More details on this for members will follow. National Conference A strategic discussion paper regarding Speech Pathology Australia conferences was presented to the Board of Directors. The paper outlined a range of considerations in offering face-to-face events as opposed to virtual or hybrid events. While virtual events may improve accessibility, the significant infrastructure costs associated, and online fatigue were acknowledged. Incidental opportunities offered by face- to-face conferencing including social and networking events, informal discussions regarding research findings and development of early career researchers, were considered. While conversations will continue in relation to conference offerings with the Association’s incoming Conference Coordinator, the Board of Directors agreed that Speech Pathology Australia will continue to offer the National Conference in a face-to-face format wherever possible, which includes the planned National Conference in Melbourne next year. Website review The Association’s website review continues to progress well, with the Information Architecture (design) having been finalised. Tenders to build the website will be invited shortly. Speech Pathology Week While a full report is not yet available, the Board of Directors acknowledged the success of Speech Pathology Week 2021, with a number of representations seen in mainstream media, in addition to the Association’s social media efforts. A summary of the Association’s and members’ activities will be provided once complied. Book of the Year Given the current lockdowns in Melbourne, with a likely further extension, investigations will occur to potentially host the 2021 Book of the Year ceremony in Adelaide, South Australia in lieu of the planned Melbourne event. Student Engagement and Retention Project The Association’s Publications Manager, Rebecca Faltyn, joined the meeting to provide an overview of the Student Engagement and Retention Project. The project, which is being conducted in a number of phases, aims to find improved ways to engage and communicate with student members, identify the unique wants and needs

October 2021 | Speak Out

Association NEWS

Association Branches Various topics raised by Association Branches were discussed, with many of these already being progressed. It was suggested that staff presentations could be included within Branch meetings to assist in disseminating information on current projects and priorities through the Branches. Feedback on this idea will be sought at the upcoming Branch Chairs meeting. Efforts are also being made to simplify the Branch budgets and financial reporting to assist Branches in utilising their budgets for appropriate projects. Speech Pathology Workforce Analysis Project Susan Nancarrow, Director, AHP Workforce presented on the progress of the Speech Pathology Workforce Analysis Project. The project aims to profile the supply (those coming into/leaving profession, participation), distribution (location, roles and services, organisation and models and settings of care), and demand/need for speech pathologists. A range of survey and data collection tools are being utilised to assist in the profiling, with the current mapping tool demonstrated. The next Board of Directors meeting will be held in conjunction with the Association’s Budget Meeting on 26 /27 November 2021. While we hope to host this meeting in a face-to-face format, this will be determined based on restrictions at the time. Gail Mulcair Chief Executive Officer The Association has initially purchased a limited 12-month trial subscription to the database, and will monitor its use by members and staff. As is the case for other Association journals, you must be logged into your SPA account to access the database. A maximum of 20 users will be able to access CINAHL at any one time. If the access cap is reached, you will receive a message indicating that this is the case and suggesting that you try again later. To maximise opportunities for all, and allow others to login in, users will be automatically logged out after a time period of inactivity. The trial has commenced and resources are being developed to support usage of the database, with more information to come. We believe that increased access to full text journal articles will play an important part in facilitating greater adoption of EBP across the profession.

of the cohort, and based on student needs design a recruitment and engagement strategic plan and marketing communications campaign. Cultural responsiveness The Board of Directors welcomed the recent appointment of Tara Lewis to the position of Senior Advisor Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and Practice. Tara will be integral in guiding several key priorities and contributing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective to inform Association functions and activities. Tara will also be Co-Chair for the Association’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee. An amendment to the Terms of Reference for the Advisory Committee in relation to the quorum, to ensure appropriate representation is received from those with an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, was approved by the Board of Directors. Ethics Board Ethics Board Chair, Trish Bradd, and SPA Manager, Ethics and Professional Issues, Trish Johnson, outlined the functions, responsibilities, and processes of the Ethics Board, highlighting resources developed to support the membership’s understanding of their responsibilities in relation to ethical and professional conduct. The Board of Directors was pleased to confirm the appointment of Suzanne Burow to the Ethics Board, as a Community Representative, for a further three-year term. Former Ethics Board member, Tristan Nickless was also appointed to the Ethics Board reserve pool. The responsibility to support members to implement evidence-based practice (EBP) within their practice is one that SPA takes seriously. One of the key sources of evidence to consider is high quality external evidence from published research. Members currently have access to the International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology (IJSLP) and the J ournal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology (JCPSLP) as part of their membership. However, difficulty accessing full text publications from other journals is a common barrier faced by members when implementing EBP. To enhance members’ access to the research literature, SPA has purchased a subscription to CINAHL (Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature), a database which includes over 40 journals relevant to speech pathology and allied health, including the full suite of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) journals. For some journals, there is a delay in the availability of full text articles which means that some articles published within the last 12 to 18 months may not be available immediately.

CINAHL: Access to full text articles

Access CINAHL here

Speak Out | October 2021

Association NEWS

Call for Director nominations

In accordance with Speech Pathology Australia’s Constitution, nominations are currently sought to fill four upcoming vacancies on the Board of Directors. 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. Voting members are encouraged to nominate, while retiring Directors are eligible to renominate. Elections will be held if more than four nominations are received. Speech Pathology Australia is committed to ensuring that the governance of the Association is informed by the perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander We want to hear from you! AHP Workforce project AHP Workforce have been working hard behind the scenes with the Association to get everything in place so that you can contribute to this important workforce project. Very soon you will receive an email containing a questionnaire where you will have the opportunity to have your say about the speech pathology workforce. This will help the Association to understand and respond to your needs and the needs of the speech pathology profession. The first cab off the rank in this project was the development of a very exciting, international first, geospatial tool that helps SPA to see where the need for services is compared to the supply of speech pathologists across Australia. We are about four weeks away from launching a campaign to gather data from you that will inform the workforce map and the future needs

people. Accordingly, the Association’s Constitution was amended, at the 2021 Annual General Meeting, with one General Director position to be filled by an individual from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background. Director 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 Monday 31 January 2022. (Late nominations cannot be considered). Please note, under the current Constitution the Association cannot have any more than two Directors from any one state or territory, with the exception of members from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background. Given that there are two Victorian based Directors continuing in their current term, the Association can only accept nominations from Victorian based members that have an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background, on this occasion. The appointments will be effective from the 2022 Annual General Meeting in May for a period of two years. For further information, please see the Director position description, contained within the policy and procedures manua l available on Speech Pathology Australia’s website, or contact the Association’s Chief Executive Officer, Gail Mulcair.

of the speech pathology workforce. The tool is only as good as the data you can provide us! So please take the time to respond to the questionnaire when it lands in your inbox. Fine out more about AHP Workforce www.ahpworkforce.com Dr Susan Nancarrow and Dr Anna Moran

October 2021 | Speak Out

National strategic plan and priorities

An overview of current progress against the three pillars of the Strategic Plan 2020- 2022

OUR VOICE Pillar/strategic goal

Education and Training) reinforcing the link between adult literacy and early oral language as an underpinning competency. 1.2 Deploy interprofessional and international collaboration to improve outcomes • SPA and NZSTA representatives are working together with The Australia and New Zealand Intensive Care Society (ANZICS) to develop standards for allied health services in intensive care. • SPA hosted a podcast with the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) to promote the advocacy rights for those with communication and swallowing difficulties. • Partnership with Raising Literacy Australia to develop a series of picture books to promote early language development. • Continued involvement in the National Early Language and Literacy Coalition to form, and have government adopt, a National Early Language and Literacy Strategy. • Continued partnership with ALIA and SPA in relation to the Speechie Library Talks. • To address the well-being of members, Professional Education and Senior Advisor Justice and Mental Health, has worked with Lifeline Northern Beaches to develop a LIVE Online learning program addressing client and vicarious trauma. The Accidental Counsellor PLUS course runs bi-monthly via the Learning Hub and has been available for members and SPA staff. • SPA and NZSTA hosting meetings with the Philippines Association of Speech Language

Speech Pathology Australia is the trusted voice of the profession

This pillar is broadly focussed on advocacy and representation by the Association across a range of platforms, both nationally and internationally. There have been continued increased opportunities for representation at Federal and State/Territory government levels, as well as with key stakeholder and advocacy groups. Increased levels of attendance at strategic meetings have occurred along with a high level of submissions/ response to consultations and invitations to appear at key Royal Commission and Select Standing Committee inquiry hearings. Key areas of representation lie across disability/NDIS; aged care; hearing health; end of life/palliative care; education; and early language and literacy. Collaborative global and interprofessional efforts continue across a range of issues. Specific highlights against priority areas include: 1.1 Lead effective relationships with government and other key stakeholders • Meetings held and policy positions presented to the Minister for Health’s Senior Advisor and National Chief Allied Health Advisor in regard to the Aged Care Royal Commission report and the government’s response. • Attendance at Hearing Health Sector Alliance meetings with ministerial and department representatives, along with further involvement in specific working parties working towards the Hearing Health Roadmap. • Ongoing high-level contributions to the Primary Health Reform 10-year plan (providing allied health and speech pathology specific representation). • Engagement with, and presentation at the Queensland Parliament, Health and Environment Committee public hearing on Voluntary Assisted Dying draft bill, July 2021. • Presentation to the Adult Literacy Inquiry (Standing Committee on Employment,

Pathologists discussing future collaboration with the International Communication Project and hosting a webinar to promote the global profile of communication disability rights.

1.3 Ensure policy is informed by evidence • A proposal to support SPA member access to full text journal articles from within the CINAHL

database–a limited trial has been approved (see further information in this issue of Speak Out p6).

Speak Out | October 2021

1.4 Advocate for areas of need and emerging priority • Mapping of primary health networks in terms

has been revised, with initial phase of scoping with key stakeholders (e.g., RACGP, AMA) and SPA members will proceed, to determine what may be the best approach to raise awareness of the needs of those with communication and swallowing difficulties with GPs and PHNs (timelines and scope of this project is being considered carefully in the context of member feedback on current high demand on speech pathology services). 2.2 Build the evidence of impact and cost benefit of speech pathology services • Cost Benefit Research: following on from the justice cost-benefit research, scoping and modelling is underway for another practice area, specifically in the area of early childhood. Specific organisations and economic modelling consultants are being consulted to inform the scope of this work and to identify any potential partners. To date, ARACY, MCRI, and consultants at PWC have been consulted. Early childhood education partners will also be consulted. A second area of potential cost-benefit intervention research is being considered for aged care services. 2.3 Support community and person-centred practice • Implement consumer decision making strategies. SPA staff have met with website designers Parisfirst to understand opportunities for the 'Find a Speech Pathologist' web function. SPA staff have prepared information for Parisfirst to progress the development of specifications. • Broader website review to enhance navigation and usability for members and the public is underway. 2.4 Promote services that are safe, inclusive and responsive to consumer need With respect to cultural responsiveness measures, a range of items have been progressed including: • Development of a new resource Planning your CPD: Optimising professional learning. This resource provides specific recommendations when seeking CPD related to cultural

of identified areas of need that align with speech pathology services and forming targeted approaches alongside relevant Branches and members.

OUR IMPACT Speech pathology is valued and recognised in the community A major focus of this pillar lies in raising awareness of the impact of communication disability and swallowing difficulties and

gaining greater recognition of the need for services. To support this intention, there needs to be strong evidence and cost-benefit research to demonstrate efficacy of intervention and positive impact on outcomes. Key activities involve SPA’s participation in the activities of the International Communication Project to promote global awareness, and other strategies to support understanding of communication disability and communication access, as well as supports for appropriate, culturally responsive and effective services. A review of targeted promotional activities forms part of this pillar. Specific highlights against priority areas include: 2.1 Increase recognition of the needs of people with communication and swallowing disorders • Communication Access Terminology project has now been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee, with research now well underway, with initial focus groups with people with lived experience of communication disability, as well as professionals. Large scale surveying will follow. This project is part of the broader strategy of establishing national communication access standards. • Building a range of promotional campaigns: following a workshop held with the Board, a targeted scoping project with a focus on general practitioners and the primary health sector has been agreed. A detailed proposal

responsiveness to seek CPD that is planned/ delivered by or in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, includes research that shows ethical practice working

October 2021 | Speak Out

National strategic plan and priorities con't

3.2 Build the capacity and capability of the profession • Core document Evidence-Based Practice in Speech Pathology has been updated and available on the SPA website. • EBP online education resource, revision nearing finalisation. 3.3 Understand, grow and support workforce of increasing diversity to respond to diverse community • Workforce Analysis Project to document current profile of the profession is underway. Scope of project has expanded to address 3.3.1 Part A and B of the strategic plan. Consultants, AHP Workforce, will combine SPA data, prevalence and need/demand data and geographical data from a third party to be able to map distribution. Stakeholder engagement has commenced with meetings with Professional Standards Advisory Committee and SPA Senior Advisor team. This project is critical given the growing concerns of inadequate supply of speech pathologists to meet demand. Of note in this context is the recent 2021 Skills Priority List shows speech pathology as having a national shortage with a strong future demand. A separate new project currently being scoped involves the need to better understand the interests and needs of public sector speech pathologists to ensure that membership is perceived as relevant and valued and services to this sector is available. A project officer is planned to drive this work. 3.4 Lead innovation in the speech pathology profession • Awarding of annual innovation awards in areas of practice and research, with available grants to be doubled in the next round. Progress against the Strategic Plan is presented to the Board at each quarterly Board meeting. Further updates will be periodically provided to members. Gail Mulcair Chief Executive Officer

with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and informed by indigenous world view, voices and practices. • Inclusion at a minimum in practice documents of key information from the EBP core document regarding EBP and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. • Established a new position, Senior Advisor Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and Practice, with Tara Lewis commencing in this role on the 16 August 2021. OUR WORKFORCE Pillar/strategic goal Speech pathologists are This includes supporting the professional skills and competency of the profession to deliver evidence- based practice and to build the research base of the profession. A critical component is to have an adequate supply of appropriately equipped speech pathologists to meet the growing demand of the community and to ensure that diversity is reflected in the profile of our membership. Specific highlights against priority areas include: 3.1 Promote commitment to professionalism and life-long learning • The Association's new Learning Management System continues to be expanded with flexible learning opportunities. • A website review is underway and has included strategies which will improve navigation to professional and clinical resources. • Reviews of the new Professional Standards equipped for quality practice that meets community needs The overall focus of this pillar includes the preparation of the profession to meet the needs of the community.

and PSR requirements have determined certain components of mandatory CPD and reinforcement of reflective practice.

Read the 2020-2022 Strategic Plan

Speak Out | October 2021

Association NEWS

Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

Speech Pathology Australia’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan was launched online on September 22. This is the second RAP for the Association, and outlines the actions and deliverables we will address over the coming two years as we move to meet the commitments made in our Apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Key deliverables over the next 12 months include the development of a culturally responsive strategic framework to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members and to further educate non-Indigenous members and staff We were honoured to be able to include an address from the Honourable Ken Wyatt, AM, MP, Minister for Indigenous Australians. He was the first Indigenous person elected to the House of Representatives, the first to hold a cabinet position and the first to lead the Department of Indigenous Affairs. Before entering politics, Minister Wyatt held high level positions in both Health and Education and supported his community in numerous ways. He was awarded the Order of Australia in recognition of his services to Aboriginal Health. We acknowledge that working towards reconciliation is an ongoing process in which responsibility is shared by all members and staff. We recognise that a reconciled Australia is one where the communication rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are not only respected but visible within all the Association’s functions and activities. We urge you to take the time to read our Innovate RAP and to embark on the steps needed to move the profession along the path to reconciliation. Cori Williams Project Consultant Tara Lewis Senior Advisor Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy & Practice

"An Innovate RAP outlines actions that work towards achieving your organisation’s unique vision for reconciliation. Commitments within this RAP allow your organisation to be aspirational and innovative in order to help your organisation gain a deeper understanding of its sphere of influence, and establish the best approach to advance reconciliation. An Innovate RAP focuses on developing and strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, engaging staff and stakeholders in reconciliation, developing and piloting innovative strategies to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples." Reconciliation Australia. “Reconciliation isn’t a single moment or place in time. It’s lots of small, consistent steps, some big strides, and sometimes unfortunate backwards steps…” Karen Mundine

Chief Executive Officer, Reconciliation Australia.

Read the Innovate RAP

October 2021 | Speak Out

Association NEWS

Member perspectives Balancing speech pathology and footy

Tallisha is a proud Torres Strait Islander woman that grew up on Yugambeh Country outside of Meanjin (Brisbane). Tallisha graduated from the University of Queensland and works as a paediatric and adult speech pathologist at the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health. Tallisha says she loves working as a speech pathologist as she feels she can give back to the community and her mob. She says she loves spending time getting to know so many different families and hearing their stories. Tallisha works alongside children and their families as well as in aged care facilities. Not only is Tallisha a deadly speech pathologist, she has represented Australia in indoor volleyball, rugby 7s, rugby 9s and rugby league. Tallisha began playing rugby league in 2013 with the Burleigh Bears and represented the Indigenous All Stars from 2014-2016; 2019-2020, captaining the team in the last two years. She also represented Queensland in 2018-2021 as well as the Australian Jillaroos in 2015, 2019 and 2020. Just recently, Tallisha played for the Brisbane Broncos in the grand final and came away with the trophy and championship ring. As a result of advocacy from the Association and other allied health professions, new MBS items will be available from 1 November 2021, for eligible allied health practitioners including speech pathologists participating in multidisciplinary case conferences with medical practitioners. The new items apply to non-admitted patients under the care of an eligible allied health practitioner for: • chronic disease management under the care of a medical practitioner in either community or residential aged care settings, • early diagnosis and treatment for children under 13 years with, or suspected of having, a pervasive developmental disorder (including autism) or an eligible disability, under the care of a specialist, consultant physician or medical practitioner.

Talisha with the Grand Final trophy she won with the Brisbane Broncos team.

New Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Case conferencing item numbers for allied health use

Under the new items, eligible allied health practitioners may claim reimbursement for participating in multidisciplinary case conferences for the following periods of time: 15-20 minutes, 20-40 minutes and over 40 minutes. These items will be able to be accessed in- person, via videoconference or telephone, using the same item number. The new items are intended to increase uptake of multidisciplinary case conferences, improve care coordination and support outcomes that matter most to clients and their families. This fact sheet outlines eligibility for new items, details of each of the item numbers and how they can be accessed and SPA’s document about Medicare programs has been updated to reflect the addition of these new items. The full item descriptors can be found on the MBS Online website at www.mbsonline.gov.au .

Speak Out | October 2021

October 2021 | Speak Out

Association NEWS

Incoming National Farewell to Pam Richards It is with great regret and sadness that we bid Pam Richards a very fond farewell.

After 13 plus years with Speech Pathology Australia, Pam has elected to resign from her position as National Conference Manager, as she moves to retirement and pursuit of new adventures. Over this extensive period, Pam has coordinated and executed our National Conferences with precision and a high attention to detail. Pam has worked with many conference planning committees over this time, and she has always been highly regarded and appreciated for her collaborative approach in bringing each conference together and delivering them to a high standard of quality and positive learning experience for delegates. Pam’s flexibility and meticulous planning came to the fore during 2020 and 2021, when firstly the 2020 Darwin Conference needed to be postponed due to COVID-19, and then in 2021, the conference needed to be quickly transformed into a fully virtual event, but still with a distinctive SPA format as well maintaining a Darwin "feel". We wish Pam every success and happiness for the next chapter of her life and wish to express our gratitude and appreciation for her excellent management of 13 and-a-half Conferences over her time with Speech Pathology Australia. Pam, you will be very sorely missed by us all and we extend our very best wishes to you for all the future brings.

Gail Mulcair Chief Executive Officer

An engaging new therapy app for people with aphasia to train single word reading at home. Co-designed by people with aphasia and demonstrated to significantly improve reading accuracy and speed. Find out more at: www.ucl.ac.uk/aphasia

Speak Out | October 2021

Association NEWS

Thank you, but it's not farewell

In acknowledgement of Dr Cori Williams

Stephanie Gershon has joined Speech Pathology Australia as the National Conference Coordinator (replacing Pam Richards). Stephanie has a long background in conference and events management, and has planned and delivered large conferences across Australia and New Zealand. Her most recent position, which she held for 11 years, was with the College of Intensive Care Medicine of Australia and New Zealand. In 2021, she managed the College’s Annual Scientific Meeting, which ran over 3 days on a virtual platform, while in previous years, conferences have been held in-person in Australia and New Zealand with a mix of international and local speakers, including keynote and concurrent sessions, and including sponsorship and exhibitions. Stephanie’s previous roles have been across commercial and professional associations, including with Waldron Smith Management, the Australian Physiotherapy Association and The Meeting Planners. Welcome Stephanie to SPA—we look forward to you taking on the management of our National Conference and know you will bring a wealth of experience and ideas. Gail Mulcair Chief Executive Officer New National Conference Coordinator commences With the commencement of Nicole McGill in the expanded role of Senior Advisor Evidence Based Practice and Research (EPB), I wish to warmly thank and acknowledge the significant contributions made by our outgoing staff member in this role, Dr Cori Williams. While Cori will remain involved in certain aspects including finalising the revised EBP learning modules and the current year’s research grant reviews, Cori has otherwise handed over the reins to Nicole. Cori held the role of EBP and Research National Advisor (becoming senior advisor) since early 2012, and has been instrumental in providing members with a high level of education and resources to promote and inform evidence-based practice within the profession, as well as streamlining the criteria and review process for the SPA Research Grants program. Cori has always brought to the role a high level of experience and academic knowledge and has shared this knowledge with members and staff alike. Cori has presented at many SPA conferences on the topic of EBP and revised online learning modules will continue to be of significant value and importance to members. We are very fortunate that Cori will be continuing with SPA in other areas of Association activity, in particular to continue support for the implementation of the Association’s RAP, as well as being appointed project officer to develop the Association’s Response to Racism Position Statement. So we are pleased it is not farewell to you Cori, but an enormous thank you for your dedicated and high quality contributions in the areas of EBP and research. Gail Mulcair Chief Executive Officer

October 2021 | Speak Out

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