SpeakOut_December2014_FINAL_eCopy

speak out december 2014

what a year! Speech Pathology Australia reflects on significant achievements during 2014

speak out december 2014

National Office Level 2/11–19 Bank Place 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 Deborah Theodoros – President

Highlights in this issue...

Gaenor Dixon – Vice President Communications Robyn Stephen – Vice President Operations Tennille Burns – Director Belinda Hill – Director

Brooke Sanderson – Director Asher Verheggen – Director

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page 13: 2014 book of the year News and photos from the October Awards Ceremony

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Copyright © 2014 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. Advertisements Please refer to the ‘Publications’ menu at www.speechpathology australia.org.au to view the 2015 Speak Out ad kit. Any queries may be directed to Lana Busby, Publications Officer T 1300 368 835 E pubs@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Advertising Booking Dates for February 2015 Speak Out The official booking form must be received at National Office by COB Monday 12 January 2015 . Speak Out Branch Editors ACT – via pubs@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au New South Wales – Jesica Rennie and Eryka Arteaga Northern Territory – Erin Coonan Queensland – Simone Howells, Leanne Sorbello and Catherine Hicks South Australia – Emma Leeson and Josie Kemp Tasmania – Kate Day Victoria – Shane Erickson Western Australia – Johanna Eppler Please see the website for Branch Editor contact details. 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 ISSN 1446-053X

Page 6: trinh foundation and oic research grants Speech Pathology Australia supports speech pathology training in developing countries

contents 3 From the President 4 Association News

11 Spotlight on

Professional Support

• 2014 Lobbying, Policy & Advocacy • NHRA CouncilFest

12 ICP2014 – thank you!

13 Book of the Year Awards 2014

• Welcome Trish Johnson • SPA supports the Trinh Foundation and OIC Vietnam • EOIs sought: Clinical Guideline & Position Statements • 2015 Member Renewals & CPSP update • ASHA Award for Mark Onslow & Ann Packman • Embedding Simulation research update • November Board meeting

14 2015 National Conference

16 National CPD update 20 Professional Practice News

Private Practice – 2014 in review

21 Branch Pages:

• New South Wales • Northern Territory • Queensland • South Australia • Tasmania • Victoria • Western Australia

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Speech Pathology Australia

From the President

Welcome to this final edition of Speak Out for 2014. What a momentous year it has been for the Association! With the Senate Inquiry, the International Communication Project 2014 (ICP2014), and the strengthening of Certified Practising Speech Pathologist status and the mentoring program, significant activity has centred around two of our Strategic imperatives – Influence and Professional Standards. in the Asia-Pacific region. I am delighted to announce that funding was awarded to CABDICO – The OIC Project in Cambodia and to the Trinh Foundation for activities in Vietnam. We wish these organisations every success in their important work in these countries and look forward to reporting on the outcomes of their projects in Speak Out in the future. To this end, the Association invited applications for funding from two not-for-profit organisations

As you will read in this edition, considerable activity in lobbying, policy, and advocacy has occurred as a follow-up to the Senate Inquiry, and in response to Federal and State government consultative processes and local issues. Gail Mulcair, National Office staff, other Directors, and myself continue to engage in meetings with politicians and their advisors to gain support for the Senate Inquiry recommendations. Over 20 written submissions have been made in response to consultative processes across a wide range of pertinent topics including oral and mental health, child and youth health, a code of conduct for health workers, and child care and early childhood learning. A submission to the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme outlining the profession’s stance on inclusion in this Scheme was also made to the review committee. You can view these submissions on the Association website. State and Territory Branches continue to be active and creative in raising awareness of the plight of people with communication and swallowing disorders through high profile events and digital media. Congratulations must go to members of the Tasmanian Branch who organised a highly effective reception at Government House in Hobart hosted by the Lieutenant Governor of Tasmania. Numerous influential members of the justice, health and education systems were in attendance to acknowledge and support the work of our Association and its members. The short film produced by Tasmanian members is further testament to the impact that we can all have on raising awareness across Australia. SPA is committed to supporting developing countries to train speech pathologists and establish sustainable services for their people.

Private practitioners are a large component of our membership base. A review of activities during 2014 in this sector is outlined in this edition of Speak Out . I draw your attention to the array of resources now available on the SPA website for private practice members, the seminars that will be conducted in 2015, and the availability of an advisor in National Office to assist members with their queries. The ICP2014 is now coming to a close. The range of activities undertaken across the country under this banner has been fantastic. I am pleased to inform you that the ICP will continue into 2015 and we are working with our global partners in this initiative to determine the themes and activities for next year. My sincere thanks to everyone for their creativity and tireless efforts in making the ICP2014 such a success across the country. Congratulations to all of the new 2014 graduates in speech pathology. Welcome to the profession! We look forward to engaging with you throughout your careers. Your contribution to the Association, no matter how large or small, will make a difference in ensuring that services to clients with communication and swallowing disorders is optimised. Collectively, we will enhance the professional lives of all speech pathologists across Australia. As 2014 comes to a close, I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of myself, the Board of Directors, and staff in National Office to thank you all for your contributions to the Association and to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Happy holidays! The National Office and Branch staff wish you a happy and safe holiday and festive season. National Office will be closed from 12 noon on Wednesday 24 December 2014 and will re-open Monday 5 January 2015 .

Deborah Theodoros National President

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association news

2014 – A significant year in Lobbying, Policy and Advocacy

been significantly active in liaising with state governments and lobbying for improved or increased services to school aged children. Notable work has been done by the Tasmanian Branch leading up to their election earlier in the year, the Northern Territory Branch, the New South Wales Branch and the Victorian Branch. Along with activities associated with the ICP2014, these Branch-initiated policy and advocacy activities have been a great platform to raise awareness about communication and swallowing disorders with key decision makers in governments and education departments. Part of the Team – Speech pathology and mental health The current review of mental health programs and services being conducted has provided the opportunity for the Association to advocate for the importance of access to speech pathology services for patients with comorbid communication/ swallowing difficulties and mental illness. Several meetings were held with advisors to the Prime Minister and the federal Minister for Health, and with the National Mental Health Commission and the NSW Mental Health Commission. Thank you to Mary Woodward, Natalie Albores and Narelle Anger for sharing their expertise and representing the Association, alongside CEO, Gail Mulcair, in this advocacy work. Representation on Alliances/Networks – being the ‘speech pathologist’ at the table We have also seen an increase in the Association’s representation on cross-professional bodies such as the National Aged Care Alliance, the National Rural Health Alliance, the Allied Health Professions Australia and the National Alliance of Self-Regulating Health Professions. These opportunities ensure that the views and experiences of speech pathologists (and people with communication and swallowing difficulties) are represented in broader discussions about policy and planning that affect our members. Notable thanks goes to Jade Cartwright and Amanda O’Keefe for their representation on NACA and NRHA respectively throughout 2014. 2015 – We’re just getting started... One of the strategic imperatives of the Strategic Plan 2014–2016 is ‘influence’. With the commitment of our Board, the investment in resources to support this work through a new position of Manager, Policy and Advocacy, a ‘roadmap’ for government work outlined in the Senate Committee’s recommendations and through the contributions and efforts of members – we look forward to building on the momentum generated in 2014 to progress our goal to strengthen the profession’s standing and improve the lives of people with communication and swallowing difficulties. ronelle hutchinson Manager, Policy and Advocacy

This year has seen a significant increase in the lobbying, policy and advocacy work of the Association. Membership of the Association provides more than direct benefits to individual members – it provides a strong and unified voice to advocate to governments on issues that affect speech pathologists and the people we work with. The Senate Inquiry – Speech pathology in the spotlight Without a doubt, this has been a once- in-a-profession opportunity to draw national attention to the challenges faced It is a major achievement of the Association after many years of tenacious lobbying that an Inquiry was held. Work continues with advocating that the federal and state governments commit to enacting the recommendations made by the Senate Community Affairs Reference Committee. Written Submissions – Speech pathologists going on the ‘record’ A key policy and advocacy activity of the Association is preparing written submissions to a range of federal and state government consultative processes – going ‘on the record’ with the views of the Association (and its 6,000+ members). In 2014, over 20 written submissions were made – including diverse submissions to: • the Senate Inquiry • the review of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme • the National Oral Health Plan • the National Review of Mental Health Programs and Services • the draft National Child and Youth Strategic Framework for Health • the Productivity Commission Child Care and Early Childhood Learning and • the National Code of Conduct for Health Workers. Thank you to the many members who provided advice for these submissions – their contributions ensure that what is ‘on the record’ accurately reflects the realities of speech pathologists working in Australia. Branch Policy and Advocacy – Focusing on state and local issues Whilst a main focus has been on national policy and advocacy work this year, a number of our Branches have February2014 SenateCommunityAffairsReferencesCommittee Submission to the Inquiry into theprevalenceof different typesof speech, language and communication disorders and speechpathology services inAustralia by people with communication and swallowing difficulties and the value of speech pathology services in Australia.

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Speech Pathology Australia

Insights from the 2014 National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) CouncilFest meeting

As the SPA representative on the National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) I was fortunate to attend ‘CouncilFest’ – the annual face-to-face meeting of the NRHA from Friday 19 – Tuesday 23 September 2014 in Canberra. CouncilFest brings together the 37 member organisations of NRHA with an interest in improving the health of people living in rural and remote areas. The agenda for the meeting included a standard council meeting, reports from staff in the organisation, several sessions developing a “top five priorities for the NRHA” list, presentations from a variety of “Friends of the Alliance”, a full day visit to Parliament House and the Annual General Meeting. I was very nervous about attending my first CouncilFest, mainly because it included preparing for the first session titled “Councillors’ (musical) reflections”! I was required to reflect on my interest in and aspirations for rural and remote health using one or more of the following: a musical instrument (including voice); musical terminology; rhythm; and/or musical allusions. I survived this session with a successful avoidance strategy – we ran out of time for me. However over the course of the weekend I did participate in the morning line dancing and a choir performance. I must admit the activities were an excellent way of keeping the group energised as well as quickly breaking down any barriers.

Fun times aside we were there to discuss serious issues. We spent many hours discussing a variety of broad issues that affect rural and remote health and came

opportunity to attend Question Time and observed both the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition deliver speeches. The day was exciting, exhausting and left me feeling hopeful that those in positions of power are listening, asking the right questions and share our vision for rural and remote health. Other sessions during CouncilFest included conversations with representatives from the National Disability Insurance Agency and the Department of Health as well as presentations from Royal Far West and Voices for Indi. Overall I found CouncilFest to be inspiring and educational. It was heartening to know there are similarities in the issues faced both across professional health practitioner groups and the various geographic locations. There are definitely lessons to be learnt and support to be gained from our colleagues in the National Rural Health Alliance. It is also an excellent platform to raise awareness of our profession specific challenges. I look forward to developing in my role on the NRHA as representative for speech pathologists in the SPA Rural and Remote Member Community. Amanda O’Keefe Speech Pathology Australia Rural & Remote Member Community and SPA representative on the National Rural Health Alliance

Amanda O'Keefe

up with the following “Top 5” list: 1. Primary Health Networks (PHNs) that serve rural and remote areas must be locally managed. 2. Improvement in internet connectivity in rural and remote areas. 3. Opposing the deregulation of university fees. 4. The development of an

implementation plan for enacting the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan.

5. Increased investment in public dental services.

With the issues clarified our group of approximately 40 descended on Parliament House wearing our newly issued #loverural t-shirts. We were stopped abruptly in our tracks by the increased security measures which had been implemented only a few hours previously. After an hour or so of negotiations we were escorted to our meeting room in Parliament House. We spent the day in small groups presenting our issues to over 45 politicians, including meetings with Minister Peter Dutton and Minister Fiona Nash. We also had the

Welcome, Trish – Senior Advisor Ethics and Professional Issues

leadership roles within speech pathology, including senior clinician in a stroke unit, speech pathology manager, and most recently as a manager of a multidisciplinary allied health practice. Trish has recently completed a Masters in Management which will assist her to support speech pathologists in appropriate decision- making as well as valuing each individual’s experience and expertise.

Speech Pathology Australia is pleased to welcome Trish Johnson to National Office as the incoming Senior Advisor Ethics and Professional Issues. Trish has commenced in this role to provide advice and support for SPA members and the general public regarding ethical queries or complaints. Trish has many years of experience in clinical and

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association news

Working to build a better speaking world! Speech pathologists know how to speak. It’s our business to! But speech pathologists also know that money can speak louder than words. It’s why, Speech Pathology Australia has recently awarded two project grants of $25,000 to assist with speech pathology training and supports in developing countries within the Asia-Pacific region. This objective, as highlighted in Goal 1.3 of the 2014–2016 Strategic Plan, is also directly aligned with the work of the International Communication Project. Applications were invited from not-for-profit organisations engaged in the provision of speech pathology services or training programs in developing countries within the Asia Pacific region. Candidate organisations were required to clearly demonstrate the significant and positive impact they are having within the region and provide details on a specific project or research to be supported by these funds, as well as the organisation’s long-term goals. We are pleased to announce that applications were considered and approved for the following two organisations: • Trinh Foundation Australia (Vietnam) • OIC – The Cambodia Project , auspiced by CABDICO (Cambodia)

In Cambodia today it is estimated that there are around 600,000 people with a communication or

swallowing disorder. This is at a time when there are no university-trained Cambodian speech pathologists in Cambodia. Through the grant, Speech Pathology Australia is supporting OIC – The Cambodia Project , its pilot programs, providing Cambodian community workers with speech therapy training and strategies that are then delivered to children and adults in community and school settings. Evaluation of the swallowing and communication outcomes for individuals following the training is a part of identifying the potential impact of establishing a more formal training program for speech pathologists in the future. On 12 November 2014, Speech Pathology Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms Gail Mulcair, presented Mr Weh Yeoh, the founder and Managing Director of OIC, with a ‘cheque’ for $25,000 to support the project’s work in providing speech pathology training in Cambodia. The cheque was presented at a fundraising event organised by OIC. The event was also supported by former MP Maxine McKew and Australia’s only Cambodia-born MP, Hong Lim. For further information about OIC, visit www.oiccambodia.org .

From left: Chyrisse Heine, Gail Mulcair and Weh Yeoh.

professionals. There are now 33 qualified locally trained speech therapists in Vietnam. For further information about the Trinh Foundation Australia, visit www.trinhfoundation.org . A cheque presentation with the Trinh Foundation Australia is anticipated to be held in the New Year.

In Vietnam , Speech Pathology

Australia is supporting the Trinh Foundation Australia with a grant to help develop and deliver an integrated professional development program, with sustainable interpreting and translation and associated resources, for local speech therapy graduates.

Trinh Foundation Australia was established in 2008 to develop

speech therapy training in Vietnam in response to requests from local health

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Speech Pathology Australia

EOIs sought to join a working party to develop Speech Pathology Australia’s Clinical Guideline and Position Statement about Stuttering Management Are you currently involved or interested in stuttering treatment and would like to contribute to shaping policy about it for Australian speech pathologists? We are seeking a broad representation of clinicians, managers and researchers involved with speech and mental health management for stuttering clients of all ages. If you are interested in being a member of this working party, please send your CV along with a brief 500-word statement outlining your experience with stuttering treatment or research to Victoria Brown at vicki.brown@sydney.edu.au by 23 January 2015 .

Expressions of Interest (EOI) – Project Officer

Transdisciplinary Position Statement The role involves reviewing the Transdisciplinary Position Statement on behalf of Speech Pathology Australia. The purpose of this position statement is to guide professionals and employing organisations when implementing a transdisciplinary model of practice within their workplace. The position statement will discuss the current evidence regarding transdisciplinary practice, the implications and recommendations for speech pathology practice in the Australian context. Interested members should submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Senior Advisor Professional Standards (Stacey Baldac) by 31 January 2015 . Stacey is available to answer queries and provide the project brief to members. The written EOI should include the following: • Curriculum Vitae • Statement against Key Selection Criteria (available in the Project Brief from the Senior Advisor Private Practice) • An example of the applicant’s professional writing skills • The names of two referees. For further information or enquiries regarding the above position, please contact Stacey Baldac by email: saps@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au or by phone on 03 9642 4899 .

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Located next to busy Stockland Balgowlah Shopping Centre, we have two professional health suites on offer. Both are part of a building providing allied health services to the general public and adjacent to dental specialists. Facilities include central airconditioning, common reception area, kitchenette and internal amenities. Both suites are suitable for dieticians, occupational therapists, speech pathologists or other allied health professionals. Rent from $260.00 pw ex GST and including all fixed outgoings. Both will be available early December. For a viewing contact Mr Auckland Lai on 0419 888 733 .

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association news

Membership Renewals for 2015 are now open

Members should by now have received their membership renewal information in the post. If you have not yet received yours please contact us at membership@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au .

Membership button (should you require your log-in and password please contact us). Payments can be made online in full by credit card (VISA or MasterCard) or you can provide your bank account details and elect to pay by direct debit on a Monthly, Quarterly or Yearly basis. Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) status can be earned annually by Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) Practising and Full-time Postgraduate Student members who meet the requirements of SPA’s Professional Self Regulation (PSR) program. PSR provides a framework for acknowledging participation in activities which maintain currency of and enhance the speech pathologist’s professional knowledge and skills.

Within the information provided and found on the Association’s website, there is notification of membership fees for 2015 and some recent changes, including: • Renewals now payable by Credit Card online or Direct Debit (bank account) only. • Changes to the PSR program. To renew your membership, simply log into online. speechpathologyaustralia.org.au and click on the Renew

Professional Self Regulation... changes to requirements relating to Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) status

program, to be conferred with Provisional CPSP status.

2014 members renewing in 2015 • With your 2015 membership renewal, the current PSR structure remains; that is, to be a CPSP – you need to declare at least 15 points for activities undertaken in 2014. (This will be across at least 2 different activity types given the ceiling of 12 points per activity type.) If you are in your third/final year of your triennium, you also need to achieve a total triennial minimum of 60 points. • With your 2016 membership renewal, the triennium structure ceases and an annual program commences, and you need to achieve a minimum of 20 points per annum, across at least two different activity types. New graduate members regarding Provisional CPSP • As of 2015, new graduate speech pathologists can earn Provisional CPSP in their first year of joining as/upgrading to Practising membership. The member application form includes an agreement to undertake a minimal level of clinical supervision, and undertake professional development, as part of the Professional Self Regulation Updating your Practice details Your Practice Details will show during your renewal process. We would encourage you to use this opportunity to confirm your current details, as having this information up-to-date assists the Association in its lobbying and advocacy, and for those who wish to appear on the Find a Speech Pathologist Search, it provides the public with accurate information. Remember you can also log in at any time and update your details. To update and add to these, go to: Update My Profile , and follow the steps below: • To view, edit or delete an existing practice, click View next to the Practice/Facility name. • To add a new practice, click Insert New Practice . • If you have added a new practice and it doesn't appear automatically in the list please refresh your browser page.

• In 2015, Practising Membership is the requirement to be eligible for Medicare and Private Health Fund Provider Number registration. • As of 2016, CPSP status – full and provisional – will be deemed as the requirement to be considered a Practising member, and therefore eligibility for Medicare and Private Health fund Provider Number registration, as well as other Practising membership entitlements. Those in the membership categories of Non Practising and Re-entry can participate in PSR and submit points, but cannot earn Certified status until they transfer to practising membership. If the member meets the PSR requirements, they will become eligible to be Certified as a CPSP. We would like to commend the high number of Re-entry and Non Practising members participating in PSR. Further information is available via the SPA website under Information for Members > Professional Self Regulation (PSR) . pathologists with a provider number early 2015 to ensure they are current financial members of Speech Pathology Australia, which is a requirement for speech pathologists in order to maintain a Medicare provider number. Medicare will be checking whether or not SPA members with a provider number have renewed their membership by the due date (1 January 2015). Please renew early to avoid any potential disruption to your Medicare provider status. We look forward to your continued membership and support throughout 2015. Sharon Crane Senior Advisor Professional Education & Certification (CPD & PSR) and Marni Bradley Manager, Member Services and Operations Medicare Provider Status Medicare Australia will be conducting an audit of speech

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Speech Pathology Australia

Two more good reasons SPA partners with Guild Insurance... more cover and 2 months extra at no additional cost.

When you take out a policy with Guild Insurance, you’ll get a range of additional new covers, including expanded cover for legal fees, intellectual property breaches, liability for loss of important documents and so much more. You’ll also get an extra 2 months cover at no additional cost. That’s 14 months for the price of 12 months - that’s great value! Already with Guild Insurance? You’ll automatically get these great new benefits when you renew your cover. With so much extra, there’s no better time to be with Guild Insurance. Apply today. guildinsurance.com.au 1800 810 213

www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Insurance issued by Guild Insurance Ltd, ABN 55 004 538 863, AFSL 233791 and subject to terms, conditions and exclusions. Guild Insurance supports your association through the payment of referral fees. This information is of a general nature only; please refer to the policy for details. The 14 month for 12 offer is only available to new and renewing customers who purchase or renew their existing policy before the 1st of March 2015. Please contact Guild Insurance on 1800 810 213 for further information. GLD2899 Speech Pathology Ad 09/2014.

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association news

Prof Mark Onslow and Ann Packman receive ASHA journal award

At this year's ASHA convention, Professor Mark Onslow and Ann Packman were awarded the most prestigious ASHA Journal Award, the Alfred K. Kawana Award for Lifetime Achievement in Publications. Mark and Ann are colleagues at the The Australian Stuttering Research Centre at the University of Sydney, and this is the first time that a team has received this award. The Alfred K. Kawana Award is reserved for outstanding researchers who have a sustained history of exemplary publications in ASHA journals. You can read more about the Award via http://journals.pubs.asha.org/SS/Alfred_K_Kawana_Award_for_Lifetime_ Achievement_in_Publications.aspx . Speech Pathology Australia congratulates Mark and Ann on what is a very significant and well-deserved achievement, and thanks them for their contribution to the speech pathology profession both in Australia and internationally.

Embedding Simulation in Clinical Training in Speech Pathology research update (Phase 1)

Does simulated learning provide speech pathology students with competency outcomes comparable to those observed in traditional clinical placements? Simulated Learning Environments are recognised as a valuable learning method, enabling students to develop technical and non- technical skills that prepare them for future clinical practice. Recent research in physiotherapy has determined that a proportion of traditional clinical time could be replaced by simulation experiences without undermining students’ development of knowledge and skills (Blackstock et al., 2013; Watson et al., 2012). Phase 1 of the “Embedding Simulation in Clinical Training in Speech Pathology” project was funded initially by Health Workforce Australia then transferred to the Department of Health (Commonwealth), with full support of Speech Pathology Australia. The overall aim of this project is to determine if students in accredited speech pathology programs achieve a comparable level of competency in placements when an average of 20% of the placement time is replaced with simulated learning activities compared to traditional clinical placements. Phase 1 involved consultation with all Australian universities training speech pathology students (15 universities) across 19 undergraduate and graduate entry training programs. The purpose of the Phase 1 stage was to develop the design of a randomised controlled trial methodology and the framework for simulation interventions appropriate for facilitation of speech pathology students’ competency in adult clinical practice in a range of settings, including acute, rehabilitation, disability and aged care. Through this consultation and development phase, the team has identified university programs able to implement the trial (Phase 2) and a large scale multisite funding application was submitted in October to the Department of Health to seek support for this exciting initiative. Watch this space for future updates! The “Embedding Simulation in Clinical Training in Speech Pathology” Phase 1 project was led by a Project Team from five Australian universities.

Members of the project team ( pictured ): • Dr Anne Hill, The University of Queensland (Project Leader) • Prof Liz Ward, The University of Queensland • A/Prof Bronwyn Davidson, The University of Melbourne • Dr Ruth Nicholls, The University of Melbourne • Assoc Prof Tricia McCabe, The University of Sydney

• Dr Alison Purcell, The University of Sydney • Dr Sally Hewat, The University of Newcastle • Ms Joanne Walters, The University of Newcastle • Assoc Prof Elizabeth Cardell, Griffith University • Ms Simone Howells, Griffith University

• Ms Stacey Baldac, Speech Pathology Australia • Mrs Adriana Penman (0.4FTE) and Ms Daniella Cain (0.4FTE), project officers. If you would like further information about this project, please contact Dr Anne Hill at ae.hill@uq.edu.au . Simone Howells on behalf of the The “Embedding Simulation in Clinical Training in Speech Pathology” Project Team References: Blackstock, F.C., Watson, K.M., Morris, N.R., Jones, A., Wright, A., McMeeken, J.M., et al. (2013). Simulation can contribute a part of cardiorespiratory physiotherapy clinical education. Simulation in Healthcare, 8 (1), 32–42. Watson, K., Wright, A., Morris, N., McMeeken, J., Rivett, D., Blackstock, F., et al. (2012). Can simulation replace part of clinical time? Two parallel randomised controlled trials. Medical Education, 46 , 657–667.

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SPOTLIGHT ON PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT

Board Meeting Report

Mentoring update First off, a big thank you to those of you who registered as mentors after reading the October Speak Out . We now have mentors available in nearly all states, although we will need many more as students begin to graduate, find employment and discover they need more support. As the year draws to a close we have tallied 41 mentoring partnerships this year. Increased success of partnerships has been observed, in terms of ongoing regular contact between mentee and mentor, relative to other years, due to the new more mentee driven processes in place for establishing partnerships. Evaluations of the program will be sent out to participants as they reach the 12 month mark, although partnerships may continue beyond this point if they are still meeting the needs of the mentee and mentor. We are anticipating increased uptake of the mentoring program with the introduction of Provisional Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist status, so please consider mentoring as a form of professional development for yourself in 2015. Mentoring – Not just for new graduates While many new grads take up the opportunity of some extra professional support through joining the mentoring program, more experienced speech pathologists can also benefit from mentoring both as mentees and mentors. Speech pathologists who have worked for several years and are now: • relocating; can benefit from the support of a mentor who has skills, experience and local knowledge in the desired location and field of practice. It’s also important to remember that mentors gain much themselves, through participating in mentoring partnerships including: • increased confidence; • reduced professional isolation for sole therapists; • new knowledge of resources, practices and work places which the mentee shares; • sense of contribution and giving back to the profession. To join the mentoring program, as either a mentee or mentor, please go to the Mentoring Program webpage: http://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/ information-for-members/mentoring-program . For any queries regarding professional support (supervision and mentoring) please don’t hesitate to get in touch – psa@ speechpathologyaustralia.org.au . Meredith Prain Professional Support Advisor • changing field of practice; • new to a senior role; and/or • undertaking a research project.

The final Board meeting for 2014 was held on the 14–15 November 2014. An important component of the meeting was the review and approval of the Association’s Budget for 2015. A range of budget proposals for the operational and strategic activities of the Association were presented for consideration, with the Board accepting the final budget, following some amendments. Aged care, disability, data governance, website re-development and supporting enhancements to professional development delivery are just some of the key strategic focuses included within the 2015 budget. Further information on these important strategic activities will be communicated with members over the coming year. Some further highlights from the meeting include: • The Board agreed to maintain active involvement in the International Communication Project into 2015 and beyond. Strategic Goals and Key international collaborations for the project are currently under consideration by the International Strategic Advisory Group and Working Party. • It was noted that a range of meetings have been established with Ministers, Shadow Ministers and Ministerial Advisors communication disorders and speech pathology services in Australia report and associated recommendations. The main aim of these meetings is to secure a positive Government commitment to the Senate Report’s recommendations. • Advocacy priorities have been determined for the ensuing period, bearing in mind the Senate Inquiry and key areas of required lobby. These include: Aged Care, Disability, Primary Health Networks, School-aged services, and Data improvements and governance . • The Association continues to lobby, on behalf of the profession, for inclusion within the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS) for Health Professions, with a further submission put forward for consideration within the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council Review of the scheme. A report on the review of NRAS has not been released at this time. • 2015 will see significant work undertaken in relation to development of Models for Clinical Education, Models of Professional Development and the profession’s 2025 Blueprint , and has been supported by budget approvals. • Investment Strategies and the National Office premises were carefully considered, with the input of a financial services consultant, with the current premises unable to cater for an expanding level of staff required to meet the needs of the membership. Re-location options were discussed. • Methods of highlighting and celebrating Speech Pathology Australia’s Award Recipients were discussed, with a range of ideas proposed for 2015. • The Board noted the high level of positive feedback being received from the membership in relation to CPDLive Events . These events will continue to run through 2015. The next Board meeting will be held in February 2015. following the release of the Senate Inquiry into the prevalence of different types of speech, language and

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ICP2014

ICP2014 – thank you for your efforts!

With the year rapidly coming to a close it is an appropriate time to thank everyone who has been involved or associated with an International Communication Project 2014 (ICP2014) event. The range of events organised and conducted by members during the year highlighted just how involved members were, and how keen they were to promote the aim and objectives of the International Communication Project. It is important as this year ends to remember that the aim of the ICP2014 was to highlight the importance of human communication – and how communication disabilities significantly impact every aspect of an individual’s life. The events organised by members (and their state Branches) gave voice to the huge number of people whose lives are impacted by a communication or swallowing disorder. ICP2014 has the triple objectives of raising the profile and status of communication disabilities with international health bodies and policy makers; increasing public awareness of communication disabilities and the significant impact they have on people’s lives; and encouraging people around the world to join together and make a difference in the lives of people living with a communication disability. This was always going to be a big ask and a huge agenda for one year alone. That’s why, the International Communication Project and its aims and goals continue. In 2015 we need to find new ways to remind people that communication is the most fundamental of human capacities and that everybody has the potential to communicate.

In closing, while it is dangerous to pick out individual events or activities that have progressed or highlighted the ICP2014’s objectives, I would like to draw attention to one or two. The first, is the Western Australian Branch’s video ( Communication Matters ) that promotes the key message that with time, creativity and support, communication can be improved for everyone (in this case, residents in aged care). Everyone should watch it! You can view Communication Matters via Speech Pathology Australia’s YouTube page . The second, were the key strategic events held by the Queensland and Tasmanian Branches that successfully engaged key external stakeholders (politicians, senior public servants, journalists, other health practitioners and the like) in a dialogue about communication matters. Such events are crucial in raising the profile and status of communication disorders with policy makers and those who influence the daily public discourse on such matters. Thirdly, there were literally dozens and dozens of small events that raised the profile of human communication. In Portland in Victoria, Caroline Shepherd, Fiona Coulson and Suzanne Guerin conducted a drawing/writing competition with three primary school classes, encouraging the younger pupils to draw what communication meant to them, while asking the older ones to write about it. Their efforts were topped off when they secured a photograph of the Victorian Premier holding the Nation for Communication bubble! Finally, to everyone who took the time or made the effort to get involved with the International Communications Project 2014… thank you! Michael Kerrisk Communications and Marketing Manager

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Speech Pathology Australia

2014 book of the year

Above: Many of the ceremony guests were children from North Melbourne Primary School.

Above: The winning authors/illustrators (from left): James O'Loghlin, Scott Prince, Dave Hartley, Ann James, Meredith Thomas, Janeen Brian, Bob Graham and Sue Whiting.

Above: Ann James and Meredith Thomas accept their award in the Birth to 3 Years category for I'm a Dirty Dinosaur from Let's Read Senior Project Officer Elise Willersdorf (centre). Left: Speech Pathology

Australia Director Tennille Burns once again hosted the Book of the Year ceremony.

Above, from left: Author Bob Graham with the letter he wrote to Children's Institute CEO Glenda Strong many years ago; and a page from Silver Buttons which Bob Graham read aloud to the ceremony attendees.

2014 Book of the Year Awards ceremony

The Book of the Year Awards ceremony was an outstanding success. The awards were again supported, as in previous years, by the Children’s Institute at The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. The highlight of this year’s ceremony was the reading of a letter by the Chief Executive Officer of the Children’s Institute, Glenda Strong, which she received as a young girl in grade two at primary school. The letter was written by Bob Graham, the winning author of this year’s Five to 8 years book category. Bob had formerly corresponded with Glenda Strong’s grade two class thanking them for a letter they had written to him about one of his recent books. It was therefore fitting that Bob Graham was on-hand to personally receive the award for his book, Silver Buttons ; and then to follow this with a personal reading of his winning book. A reading that was enthusiastically received by over 95 children from North Melbourne Primary School, who were in the audience. As announced in the October edition of Speak Out , five deserving books were awarded for their contribution to

language and literacy development. It was pleasing that all the authors and illustrators were there in person to receive their awards. Birth to 3 Years: I’m a Dirty Dinosaur by Janeen Brian and Ann James Three to 5 Years: A Swim in the Sea by Sue Whiting and Meredith Thomas Eight to 10 Years: The Adventures of Sir Roderick the Not-Very Brave by James O’Loghlin Indigenous Children: Deadly D & Justice Jones – Making the Team by Scott Prince and Dave Hartley Thank you to everyone involved with the Book of the Year Awards in 2014. A special thank you to all our judges who gave their time to complete the important task of judging the books. Without their efforts, there would be no awards. Five to 8 Years: Silver Buttons by Bob Graham

Michael Kerrisk Communications and Marketing Manager

Speak Out December 2014

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www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

2015 national conference news

17–20 May 2015 National Convention Centre, Canberra, Australia

a collaborative classroom-based writing lab approach to blend language instruction for all students including those with a range of special needs, a must for paediatric speech pathologists. Professor Emeritus John (Jay) Rosenbek’s keynote address will describe the simplifications of Evidence Based Practice and propose that a return to complexity may restore its original promise. Professor Rosenbek will overthrow the tyranny of the randomised clinical trial and describe how practice can be based on the best available evidence, not the best possible evidence. This will be followed by a seminar emphasising procedures for evaluating and treating persons with one or a combination of the commonly recognised motor speech disorders. Additionally, Professor Rosenbek will conduct a pre-Conference clinical Masterclass; the emphasis will be on a variety of specific aphasia interventions including attention and intention therapies, VNeST and ARCS. Professor Rosenbek will include description of the active ingredients needed for successful therapy. This Masterclass is a must for clinicians working in the area of aphasia. Associate Professor Pamela Snow , invited presenter of the 2015 Elizabeth Usher Memorial Lecture, will discuss that learning to read is an inherently linguistic task. This presentation will adopt a critical stance with respect to the way in which the notion of “evidence” has been constructed (and contested) in education, and will argue for a more assertive and visible presence for speech language pathology in education policy and practice debate. It will be argued that access to evidence-based early reading instruction is as much a social justice and public health equity issue as is access to population- based neonatal screening, safe housing, and clean water. This presentation is highly anticipated and will encourage

Keynote & Invited Speakers Update

Challenge, Broaden, Revolutionise – Canberra is an exciting, energetic and innovative city. The perfect location for speech pathologists to learn, innovate and create. The 2015 CPC invites clinicians, researchers and academics to Challenge and question how they currently deliver speech pathology services, Broaden their knowledge and thinking about speech pathology practice, and Revolutionise the future of communication and swallowing interventions. The CPC is excited to present internationally renowned keynote speakers to lead and motivate Conference delegates to challenge, broaden and revolutionise speech pathology practice. Paediatric and adult clinicians alike will be inspired to think ‘outside the box’ and consider new and novel approaches within their area(s) of clinical practice. Professor Nickola W Nelson’s keynote will address the heterogeneous group of unexplained language and literacy disorders of childhood. Professor Nelson will explore the evidence that supports the fact that some young children with oral language problems become school aged, adolescents, and adults with literacy problems and will further consider if there are individuals with literacy problems for whom oral language difficulties cannot be detected. A detailed follow up seminar provides delegates a model of oral and written language development and disorders which guides assessment and intervention for language and literacy disorders in school aged children. Professor Nelson will be presenting a pre- Conference Masterclass while in Canberra, providing delegates with practical methods to gather and analyse written story probes to describe a student’s strengths and weaknesses at multiple language levels. She will further teach delegates how to use

Abstract Reviews The Conference Planning Committee (CPC), together with the Scientific Program Sub Committee Chair (SPSC), would like to thank the reviewers for their thorough process. Each submission was independently rated by two reviewers against a strict set of criteria. With 216 submissions, we are confident this will ensure a program of the highest quality, variety and interest for our profession. All authors have been notified as to whether they have been successful or not. Program Development The CPC and SPSC are currently finalising the structure of the 2015 Conference program. We will continue with the concurrent sessions of oral, workshop and poster presentations. Plenary sessions will be scheduled for each day. The Pre-Registration and Welcome Reception will be on the Sunday evening and the Conference dinner will be on the Wednesday evening. The SPA AGM will be held on the Monday, with the Restaurant night on the Tuesday evening.

speech language pathology as a profession to bridge the health and education paradigms.

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Speech Pathology Australia