Speak Out October 2016

Association news

World Congress in Dublin a success

The 30th World Congress of the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP) was held in Dublin, Ireland from 21- 25 August, with a strong Australian presence. From the perspective of Speech Pathology Australia the congress was a tremendous success, including literally raising the Australian flag at the “Olympic-style” opening ceremony. Along with the Association’s National President, Gaenor Dixon, and myself, as CEO, representing Speech Pathology Australia, there was a strong contingent of Australians presenting excellent work. Professor Linda Worrall was one of the principal keynote speakers and presented on Neuroscientific Implications in Assessment and Intervention for Aphasia , as well as additional aphasia related standing committee sessions. Other numerous standing committee topics and general sessions presented by Australians included children's speech-language, motor speech, application of the ICF, occupational voice disorders, telepractice, simulated learning, cultural competence and global considerations on SLP education, to name only a few. Speech Pathology Australia itself was involved in two presentations around the International Communication Project (ICP) alongside other founding members of the ICP. A particular highlight was a panel presentation on Global reach for, “Communication as a basic human right” through the ICP involving the five presentations of: Dr Gloria Weddington (Guyana); Dr Shyamani Hettiarachchi (Sri Lanka); Mr Dien Le Khan, via video and represented by Professor Lindy McAllister on the panel (Vietnam); Ms Nana Akua Owasu, via video and represented by Ms Karen Wylie on the panel (Ghana); and Ms Sue Park (Fiji). Other International Communication Project involvement at the congress, included an all day meeting of members from all founding organisations of the ICP to discuss a number of matters that we have only been able to consider on early morning (for Australia) telephone conferences. It was good therefore, to be able to debate a number of important matters

The Australian contingent at the IALP dinner. Representatives of the ICP Founding Members at an ICP meeting. Opposite Page Anna Miles, Annette Rotherham with National President Gaenor Dixon and SPA Chief Exectutive Officer Gail Mulcair after the announcement of NZSTA’s successful 2022 IALP bid. Gaenor Dixon with the SPA poster display.

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October 2016 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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