Speak Out October 2017

Branch News

So much to “access” in Tasmania! OUR MEMBERSHIP MIGHT be relatively small compared to other states but the creativity and commitment has been running high in Tassie this month. Our Speech Pathology Week activities included a community information stall at the iconic Salamanca Markets in Hobart as well as a breakfast in the north and south of the state for members to get together and celebrate the profession. Now getting out of bed early is difficult most winter days in Tasmania but when there is snow on the mountains it can be especially hard! A special thank you to those people who came to the early morning pre-work breakfasts and also to the wonderful volunteers who helped out at Salamanca on that chilly day. We always try to have one fun social event for members too each year and this time we held a children’s yoga session and lunch. This was a wonderful opportunity to bond with each other on a whole new level and learn some fun child-friendly yoga moves! September also saw the 2017 National Tour with Tanya Serry come to our shores. This event was very well attended and created some positive discussion and idea sharing. We always value the opportunity to hear about new research and discuss how it applied to our local contexts. There will be another literacy-focused workshop, this time run by Ros Neilson, in Hobart in late October so jump onto the website to find out more details and to register.

Tasmania

TAS 124 members as at September 2017

SP Week in WA

WEST AUSTRALIAN SPA members are no stranger to coming together to launch Speech Pathology week, and this year was no different. Our 2017 launch event at The Wembley Hotel saw upwards of 60 members celebrate and raise awareness of “Communication Access - Everybody Gets the Message.” While drinks and nibbles were enjoyed, WA speechies made the most of an opportunity to catch up with friends and colleagues, to make new connec tions and to welcome some newcomers to the WA membership. The highlight of the evening was listening to a range of speakers share their thoughts on and experiences with communication access. Speech pathologist Kelly Savage started the ball rolling with a wonderful reflection on her time working with clients with complex communication needs and sharing her passion for Variety Motor Mouth Camp. Kelly’s infectious passion and enthusiasm left many wanting to know about how to get involved; certainly encouraging those of us who may not usually work in the area of AAC to expand our skillsets. We then heard from Rod Mackintosh, a vastly experienced educator from Malibu School in Perth’s south, who shared his journey over many years creating low tech AAC resources for all

WA

schools to access. It was fascinating to hear from someone outside the Speech Pathology profession who shares the same passion for ensuring that communication is accessible for all students. He spoke about the challenges of consumer “buy-in” and the huge benefits to schools once communication access is seen as a priority. Finally, speech pathologists Freya Allen and Yvette Theodorsen shared their insights as WA representatives of AGOSCI; a group that aim to enhance participation for people with complex communication needs. There are exciting things to come for this na tional community as WA prepare to host the national biannual AGOSCI conference in Perth in 2019. Jessie Sansalone and Asha Bodycoat Public Affairs Portfolio

WA 902 members

as at September 2017

35

October 2017 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Speak Out