SpeakOut_December2014_FINAL_eCopy

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

6 Speak Out December 2014

Speech Pathology Australia