Speak Up

In this week’s episode to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we speak with Catherine Lee from the Neurodiverse Safe Work Initiative, an organisation with a focus on creating an environment for neurodivergent workers to thrive. Catherine speaks about the role speech pathologists can play in supporting someone to advocate for their needs at school and work, how and when to disclose and how employers can create a workplace culture that is neurodiversity affirming. Resources:  Neurodiversity celebration week: https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/ The Neurodiverse Safe Work Initiative https://www.neurodiversesafework.com.au/ Neurodiversity workplace profiler https://www.neurodiversesafework.com.au/the-neurodiversity-workplace-profiler/ Neurodiverse safe work self assessment checklist: https://www.neurodiversesafework.com.au/academy/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/NDSW-Self-Assessment-Checklist.pdf Use code ‘SPA2025’ for 10% off of your first course with the Neurodiverse Safe Work Academy in 2025, including any new courses https://www.neurodiversesafework.com.au/academy/ Join Catherine for the micro certification Neurodiversity Awareness Training: Diversify your workforce for success: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/neurodiversity-awareness-training-diversify-your-workforce-for-success-tickets-1236814267769 Australia’s National Autism Strategy https://www.dss.gov.au/national-autism-strategy Universal design: https://universaldesign.ie/about-universal-design/the-7-principles Job access: https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/ Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. 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 and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/). You will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved. Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

In this week’s episode SPA’s Jessica Kaplonyi speaks with Tracy Lazenby-Paterson from the National Health Service and Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists in the UK, and Dr Arlene McCurtin from the University of Limerick in Ireland, about research into thickened fluids and people living with dysphagia. They discuss misconceptions about thickened liquids as an intervention, unintended consequences, re-examining client outcomes, and alternative approaches to achieve them. Resources: McCurtin, A., Collins, L., King, L., Lazenby-Paterson, T., Lisiecka, D., Leslie, P., McInerney, M., Moran, A., O’Keefe, S., Smith, A. (2024). Beyond thickened liquids: for your consideration. Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology. 26: 2. 128-166. https://doi.org/10.1080/22000259.2024.2359368 Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. Position paper on the use of thickened fluids in the management of people with swallowing difficulties. RCSLT Position Paper 2024. London: RCSLT, 2024. Available at: http://www.rcslt.org/members/clinical-guidance/dysphagia/thickened-fluids SPA Resources: SPA Position statement (public): The role of speech pathology in informed choice and shared decision-making in dysphagia. (Public) https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=107 SPA Practice guidelines (members only): Dysphagia https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=125 Informed choice and shared decision making with people who eat and drink with acknowledged risk: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=521 Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. 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 and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. Free access to transcripts and for a full list of resources / references for this podcast is available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved. Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

In this week’s episode we hear from Mary and Fiona from the Professional Recognition Team about the new program to enable speech pathologists to return to practice. Mary and Fiona speak about the new program having self-directed learning goals, and condensing the program to be completed in less time, so speech pathologists can safely and effectively return to practice. Resources: Re-entry membership: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/join/Re-entrying-the-Profession/Re-entry-membership.aspx Return to Practice guide: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=896 Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. 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 and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub, you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved. Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

In this week’s episode Dr Darin Woolpert and Dr Michael Cannizzaro discuss what Generative AI is (and is not) effective at when analysing language samples, and the importance of practitioner knowledge and critical thinking when using AI. Resources: A full list of resources / references for this podcast is available via the SPA Learning Hub. ChatGPT LSA Spanish poster: https://asha2024-asha.ipostersessions.com/default.aspx?s=06-F3-6C-72-52-5C-36-DD-7D-FB-F9-F3-3E-8F-4B-31 University of Vermont CSD department: https://www.uvm.edu/cnhs/csd SPA Resources: SPA Position Statement: Artificial Intelligence (AI) in speech pathology – Ethical considerations: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=935 SPA FAQ: Ethical considerations when using Artificial Intelligence in speech pathology (Members only): https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=940 S6E14: Ethical AI in Speech Pathology, part 1: https://soundcloud.com/speechpathologyaustralia/ethical-ai-in-speech-pathology-part-1 S6E15: Ethical AI in Speech Pathology, part 2: https://soundcloud.com/speechpathologyaustralia/ethical-ai-in-speech-pathology-part-2-community-voices-s06-e15 Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. 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 and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. Free access to transcripts and a full list of resources / references for this podcast is available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved. Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

In this week’s episode, SPA’s Policy, Advocacy and Government Relations Team speak about the work they have been doing. Then we receive an update about changes in the NDIS that have occurred since 3 October 2024, including things to keep in mind when using the new AT pathway for replacement supports. Resources: Contact the Policy, Advocacy, and Government Relations team: policy@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au NDIS webinars / events: https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/events ARATA: https://www.arata.org.au/ SPA resources: Checklist for requesting NDIS AT and replacement supports: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=1016 AAC guideline: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=122 Guide to report writing: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=441 Regulation survey results: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=972 2024 Advocacy timeline: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Members/News-and-publications/Publications/Speak-Out-Articles/Featured/2025/02.-February/advocacy-wins-for-speech-pathology.aspx Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. 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 and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved. Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

In this week’s episode the podcast production team, Nathan Cornish-Raley, Renae Hobson and Nadia Marussinszky, give a peek behind the curtain on the Speak Up podcast and what listeners can expect for Season 7. Nadia also chats to SPA’s new CEO, Lyn Brodie, about her vision for the Association and the profession. Resources: SPA Strategic Plan 2023-2025: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/About-Us/Our-organisation/Strategic-plan/Strategic_Plan_2023.aspx?hkey=c4810902-bd5a-4b17-8e32-0ee7073458c2 Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. 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 and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved. Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

In this week’s episode, Jane Villari, Assistant Director in the Food, Nutrition and Dining Advisory Support Unit at the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, speaks with Kym Torresi, SPA Senior Advisor Aged Care. Jane and Kym discuss the Food, Nutrition, and Dining Unit, and the supports that speech pathologists can access from the FNDU to support person centred care and co-design with individuals in aged care. Resources: Food, nutrition & dining information for providers: https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/providers/food-nutrition-dining-information-providers Strengthened Quality Standards: https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/providers/quality-standards/strengthened-quality-standards Food, nutrition & dining: Resources for older Australians: https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/older-australians/health-wellbeing/food-and-nutrition Food, nutrition & dining: resources for workers: https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/workers/food-nutrition-and-dining-resources-workers Communication hub: https://www.communicationhub.com.au/ Contact the Food Nutrition and Dining Unit: 1800 844 044 – available 9.00 am - 5.00 pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT), Monday to Friday. Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. 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 and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved. Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

In our third instalment of the Summer Listening Series Connie Huang from the Early Career Reference Group offers her reflections on episode 31 from season 4 The Speech Pathology Role in Palliative Care. Lisa Terry and Samantha Bradley, Senior Speech Pathologists from Monash Health, speak with Dr Laura Chahda, from the University of Melbourne, and Dr Lindsay Carey, from La Trobe University. Laura and Lindsay explore the role of speech pathology in palliative care through the lens of their award winning paper “Speech-language pathologists and adult palliative care in Australia”. Resources: Are you interested in joining the Speak Up podcast reference group? You can read more on our website: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Members/Members/News-and-publications/Articles/December-2024/speak-up-podcast-reference-supr-group.aspx?name=speak-up-podcast-reference-supr-group Follow this link to access Laura and Lindsay’s award winning paper from the International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology (member log in required): www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.108…07.2020.1730966 Later in 2025 a new book will be released by Laura Chahda, Bernice A. Mathisen and Lindsay B. Carey. The book is titled "Speech-Language Pathology and Palliative Care" and will be available to order soon. Follow this link for information about the Speech-Language Pathology and Palliative Care Special Interest Group (member log on required – scroll towards the bottom of the page): www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/SPAweb/…03f2789 Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. 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 and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved. Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

Join Associate Professor Jade Cartwright, an expert in mealtime care, and Natalie O’Brien, a skilled speech pathologist, as they dive into the transformative initiative surrounding Maggie Beer’s Big Mission. They discuss the crucial role of speech pathology in enhancing dining experiences for those with swallowing difficulties. The conversation highlights innovative strategies that address malnutrition and social isolation in aged care. Together, they explore the collaborative efforts required to create joyful and dignified dining environments for residents.

In this week’s episode, speech pathologist Ashleigh Glover offers her reflections on AAC across the lifespan, a conversation between Kristen Potts and Amanda Hartmann. Kristen, a private speech pathologist, explores four AAC case studies across the lifespan with Amanda, an experienced speech pathologist and AAC enthusiast. Amanda is a lecturer at the University of Queensland, a consultant with AssistiveWare and runs her own private practice, 4 Little Monkeys, in Brisbane. Resources: Are you interested in joining the Speak Up podcast reference group? You can read more on our website: EOI Speak Up podcast reference group Amanda will be running a course for SPA starting in March 2025: AAC intervention - practical clinical strategies for SLPs: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=919955 SPA member resources: Augmentative and Alternative Communication Practice Guideline: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=122 SPA 2025 Conference Support Fund: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/CPD-events/SPA-conference/2025/Conference-support-fund.aspx Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. 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 and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved. Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.