magazine autumn 2012
Transcription
magazine autumn 2012
Irish Association of Speech & Language Therapists Update MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2012 IN THIS ISSUE..... SLT in Education AGM & Study Day IASLT Website Update Student Conference Questions & Answers Contents IASLT UPDATE AUTUMN 2012 Council 2012/ 2013 Contents Page/ Letter from PR 1 Office & Membership Update 2-3 Feature – Augmentative and Alternative Communication piece 4-5 Letter from the Chairperson 6-7 CPD Update 8-9 Questions & Answers with Victoria Joffe 10 SLT in Education – Update from UCC 11-13 Feature - Transitional Care Unit Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin 14 Website Update 15 IALP 16-17 Student Conference 2012 18-19 ISAYiT Camp 20 AGM & Study Day 2012 21 Conference 2012/ 2013 22-23 SIG Details 25 Update from IASLT New Graduate Liaison 25 Why join IASLT? Committee Members Jonathon Linklater (PR Chair), Adrian Bradley, Kristine Coffey, Sylwia Kazmierczak (PR Team) UPDATE is the bi-yearly magazine issued to Members of the Irish Association of Speech & Language Therapists, Block 4, Harcourt Centre, Harcourt Road, Dublin 2, . Tel: 085 7068707 Email: [email protected] www.iaslt.ie Letter from Committee Dear IASLT Members We are delighted to welcome you to the Autumn edition of UPDATE! Since the last edition, IASLT has merged what were the PR and Publications teams. You may have noticed that IASLT has been more visible, and audible, through newspaper and magazine articles, as well as TV and radio appearances. Our aim has been to promote awareness of speech, language, communication and swallowing difficulties. The PR team have produced a range of accessible factsheets that can be downloaded from www.iaslt.ie If you’d like to get involved with IASLT’s promotion of speech and language therapy and increasing awareness of those who it affects, please get in touch with [email protected] We don’t force everyone into frontline media duty and the backroom staff are vital to the team! UPDATE has kept the great format that the previous Publications Committee developed and, on behalf of Council, I’d like to thank Anne Marie Clancy and her team for the work they did in producing UPDATE. In this edition we’ve details on what IASLT has been working on over the last year including updates on registration, AGM, CPD and Conferences; past and future. We’ve also features from clinical, academic and personal perspectives of the speech and language world. We’re already looking for submissions for the next issue of UPDATE that will be popping through your letterbox (or SPAM filter) early next year. We’d be delighted to receive any articles that you would like to submit; from short articles to longer pieces. Even a haiku; submitted to next issue; would be great to read. And if it’s too long to wait until the next UPDATE, you can of course like and follow IASLT on Facebook and Twitter. LOL. ;-) Jonathon Linklater (PR Chair), Adrian Bradley, Kristine Coffey, Sylwia Kazmierczak PR Team Office & Membership update 2012 has been an exciting year for IASLT. In February, our first ever admin officer started work. Sandra Andreucetti works in the office on a part-time basis and is the first port of call for all queries. She can be contacted by email on [email protected] or info@iaslt. ie and on the main IASLT phone number 085 7068707. The membership committee changed in April 2012. Thank you to the previous committee who put so much of their time into the role. Our admin officer has taken on the role of processing memberships and we endeavour to respond as quickly as possible. However as the role is only part-time, there may occasionally be delays. If you have any queries in relation to your members, please email Sandra on [email protected]. The membership committee continues to process letters of good standing for those full members who apply for them. We are also working on producing information for members and streamlining the membership process. Our membership year runs from January to December and there is no reduction in fee if you join later in the year. Therefore to get the full benefit of your membership fee, please remember to renew your membership early each new year. Please do not renew in December for the following year – this confuses our computer system!! Finally, look out for the ‘Did you know…?’ news items which will appear monthly in members news. These will provide some basic information relating to membership and your organisation. Anne Healy, Membership Officer IASLT Update 2012 1 Augmentative & Alternative Communication and Assistive Technology – The dawn of a new i-Era by Adrian Bradley Following the publication of an article by Jon Henley in the Life and Style section of The Guardian on Sunday 16th September 2012, we are once again reminded of the difference that technology can make in the lives of people with impaired communication. As Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) we are intrinsically aware of the importance of being able to communicate, and the empowerment that it can bring to anyone with a communication impairment. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Henley stresses, is a fast-evolving and vital field; which it is, and quite a specialised area of SLT. AAC is unique, even in our field, in its giving of voice where previously there was none. It is important to stress also that AAC is obviously not limited purely to Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCAs) but is inclusive of less hi-tech forms such as symbol/ picture-exchange systems, communication passports, etc. and can require various peripheral devices to aid access. However, this article focuses on the use of VOCAs and the emergence of eye-gaze technology in the last number of years. Henley reminds us of recent events played out through the medium of AAC including Stephen Hawking’s appearance in the opening 2 IASLT Update 2012 ceremony of the Paralympics and the much-publicised assisted suicide debate centred on locked-in syndrome sufferer Tony Nicklinson; both users of VOCAs and of peripheral assistive technology to access their devices; Hawking uses a switch activated by subtle movements of his cheek, whereas Nicklinson was using the eye-gaze technology. As members of the SLT community we are aware that VOCAs are not quite as new as Henley alludes to in his article. AAC is a field that has undergone great change but is still largely underpublicised, even now. In fact, far from being ‘new’, synthesisers as we now know them were developed as more modern versions of other forms of early twentieth century electrical synthesisers, which themselves were preceded by mechanical synthesisers dating back to the eighteenth century. The Voder, developed by H. Dudley at Bell Laboratories in 1939, was the first synthesiser which actually succeeded in generating continuous speech. Nowadays, the focus is on creating faster and more human voice-like synthesisers in a variety of accents and languages, and also on equipping these synthesisers with the ability to bear prosodic information/ intonation so that users can convey emotions/ mood using their VOCAs. VOCAs range from output devices using pre-recorded messages; which lack flexibility across situations and context and are limited in their ability to facilitate spontaneous conversation, to more high-tech synthesisers; which have their own issues in that the synthesisers do not always sound like natural speech and also at present they are quite limited in their prosody and how they can convey the emotions of the speaker. Synthesisers that can convey some emotions, for example to differentiate between happy/sad voice, are currently commercially available, but the range of emotions that can be inferred through the synthesisers is something that is very much in the development stage in the speech synthesis community at present, and is something that has come to the forefront in response to consumer wants and needs. From my experience with users of AAC devices, the issues they have with VOCAs are usually either that their messages are pre-recorded; typically using the SLT’s voice, typically female, and this can be an issue for many of the male service users that I have encountered, or the fact that the synthesiser is not available in their accent of choice. As more voices and accents become available this problem is reduced but it is still an issue for many users. Henley’s article also reminds us of the importance, not just of the device, but of how the user can access that device. The DynaVox EyeMax accessory (shown in Figure 1. below) is one such piece of eye-gase apparatus and is used in conjunction with the DynaVox Vmax. This piece of eye-gaze technology allows users to control their device by blinking or dwelling their eyes on the area of the screen they wish to select. The EyeMax uses infrared eye-tracking to establish the area of the screen that the user is looking at. It can be personalised to any individual as it must be “trained” before it can be used. To “train” the device, one opens up the training application on the AAC device itself and asks the user to focus on the centre of the screen for a particular length of time. During the training period, the EyeMax sends and receives infrared beams from which it can calculate the exact angles of the user’s eyes when staring directly at the centre of the screen. Using this information, it can then utilise its infrared function to calculate where the individual is focusing on the screen of the AAC device when they move their eyes too. Eye-gaze technology is a significant development and it has opened up the use of an AAC to individuals with significant motor disability and / or with direct vision in only one of their eyes. For the any AAC user the search for a communication device best suited to their needs and motor abilities is a critically important process and in some cases it can evolve over the course of a lifetime. Eye gaze technology is a significant option for users with limited mobility however. Figure 1. The EyeMax accessing a Dynavox Vmax With advances in technology AAC devices have now become personalised computers in addition to their functions as VOCAs. They are now used as environmental control systems, for browsing the internet, making telephone calls and sending text messages directly to mobile phones, and even accessing social media. There is no denying the massive impact that social media has had on the way we communicate with each other. It has opened up unlimited communication pathways to everyone on the planet and has significantly reduced the Six Degrees of Separation Theory; put forward by a Hungarian writer in 1929, and calculated using a formula developed following a study by Columbia University in 2003/2004, to 4.74 degrees in the space of three years according to the one study conducted jointly by the people at Facebook and the University of Milan. (For anyone interested in the Six Degrees concept, Google search ‘The Oracle of Bacon’ for some light relief.) Opening up social media applications to AAC users has also succeeded in giving them a voice as well as a means to stay in contact with friends and family member all over the globe, and the opportunity to find other AAC users/ people with similar impairments with whom they can share ideas and experiences. Today, we also have the selfproclaimed ‘first comedian to use a communication device’. Lost Voice Guy (www.lostvoiceguy.com) is a young man named Lee Ridley who has cerebral palsy and speaks using a Lightwriter in conversation, but performs his routines on an iPad. This guy is well worth looking up, especially as his emphasis is on ability, not disability. Lost Voice Guy’s work is just one example of how rapidly progressing technology is opening up a whole new realm of possibility to users of AAC devices. And while there is a long way to go, at the rate that the technology is improving presently, it will not be too long before many of the current gripes with modern synthesis and AAC will be resolved. That said, as with all technology, there will always be a need for improvement and advancement in the areas of synthesis and of AAC and Assistive Technology, particularly if they are to replace, or at least complement, the complex mechanism of natural human speech. Research and development in this area is extensive with new, improved AAC devices coming to the market with increasing regularity. As synthesis itself improves and develops so too does the quality of the communication devices which integrate it into their function. There are several State-of-the-Art features currently being incorporated into the new market leading communication devices, including the eye-gaze technology mentioned before. However, the advent of the iPhone and iPad is posing a serious threat to older, bulky and less-dynamicbut-no-less-significant-as-a-result communication devices that we were used to pre i-Era technology. Apple’s products are must-have gadgets for people of all ages and abilities, and are felt to be more socially acceptable as a VOCA by many users. Also, iPhones and iPads are lightweight and so much cheaper than many of the built-for-purpose AAC devices. The software of iPads, etc. can also be upgraded and updated without needing to replace the device itself, making it more cost-effective and increasing its longevity. At present, many SLT departments all over the country, and indeed the world, are developing, trialling, testing and examining different apps for different populations, to determine suitability and overall quality of the technology, so that recommendations can be made to clients as to which apps are worth investing in. It is reasonable to suspect that due to the ease with which anyone can develop and sell an app, and the inevitable over-saturation of the SLT app market, we may not have the means to evaluate all available options. We may, however, be able to select the best of a bunch, and recommend on that basis. This SLT speculates that much of our work will be carried out using such apps and devices within a generation (or perhaps, two). How we will respond to that as a profession is difficult to predict and will ultimately come down to individual therapist’s preferences. What is clear, however, is that the future for AAC, its technology and its users is bright, and continues to get brighter each day. IASLT Update 2012 3 Letter from the Chair 4 Dear Member, As this is my first issue of Update, I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Sinéad Kennedy and I took over as Chairperson from Deirdre Kenny in April. Deirdre did a fabulous job as Chairperson and represented the profession in a knowledgeable and effective way throughout her time – we wish her all the best on her new adventure. The AGM was held in April in Dublin and it was lovely to see so many of you there. We said goodbye and thank you so much to some very valued Council members: Deirdre Kenny, Edel Dunphy, Derval McDonagh and Aoife McGuire. We welcomed new Council members Stephanie McGrath, Adrian Bradley, Clare Hudson and Jenny Trundle. The new Council then met for the first time in May . I’d like to sincerely thank everyone on Council for the huge commitment that they give to IASLT. After the business of the AGM was done, we had a really useful strategic planning workshop facilitated by Libby Kinneen, HSE, where members had the opportunity to actively shape the future direction of the organisation. We also had a fantastic presentation by Rozanne Barrow, Rena Lyons and Brenda Byrne on communication disability and identity. 2012 has been an extraordinarily busy year so far for IASLT and for the profession in general. Here are the top ten burning items that have been keeping us busy… IASLT Update 2012 1. Statutory Registration It has been announced that Speech and Language Therapy will be the next of the Health and Social Care Professions to go through the process of statutory registration. The Registration Board is being formed at the moment. IASLT Council met with Ginny Hanrahan and Mareeda Tracey from CORU to discuss plans in relation to this. IASLT is engaged in strategic planning around registration to ensure the strongest position possible for the profession in this process. 2. IASLT made a submission to the Task Force on the Child and Family Support Agency, (CFSA) the new agency that is being set up under the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. We attended the launch and wrote a response to the Task Force’s Report. This report recommends that paediatric Speech and Language Therapy in the community, as well as CAMHS, be moved from the HSE to the new CFSA. We are now in the process of establishing an Expert Group in partnership with the Vocational Group, SLT Manager’s Group and others, in order to engage in discussions with the new agency in relation to their recommendations for Speech and Language Therapy. 3. Continued Professional Development is continuing to be actively supported. We have secured funding for a wide range of training that will be available free of charge for Speech and Language Therapists, following consultation to see what you wanted in terms of training. The following CPD opportunities have been funded and will be available by the end of the year Lamh modules 1 and 2, Hanen ‘More Than Words’, Floortime, Connect, Motivational Interviewing and Michael Palin Stammering. National Manager Supervision training and research skills workshops have already been successfully completed by Speech and Language Therapists this year, with funding by the HSE secured by IASLT. We are hoping to further develop the scope of CPD in IASLT with the ongoing support of the HSE. 4. PR continues to raise awareness and promote the work of the profession though both print media and TV and radio appearances. A range of press releases and factsheets on speech, language, communication and swallowing disorders are provided to media outlets. SLTs have been speaking on subjects to add clinical angles and personal elements showing the reality of the impact that can be had on everyday communication, as well as offering advice to those affected. 5. In response to real concerns about the difficulties facing unemployed new graduates, IASLT hosted a solution focused forum attended by a range of stakeholders including representation from the following groups: new grads themselves, private practitioners, HSE, universities, SLT Manager’s group, and IASLT. Feedback suggested that the event was very successful and there were a number of positive outcomes and practical ideas for new grads. These are outlined in some detail in the resulting document which can be found on the website. 6. The IASLT Student Conference took place in UCC and was a very useful and enjoyable day, providing an opportunity for our students to explore ideas, as well as fantastic new learning provided by the speakers of the day. 9. IASLT continues to build international links and profile. We are currently engaging with our MRA partners in developing the Global Year of Communication for next year. Jonathon Linklater, Vice Chairperson, attended the New Zealand Speech Therapy Association conference on our behalf and I attended the RCSLT conference in September. We are also continuing on schedule to host the 2016 IALP conference here in Dublin. Planning is already well underway for the next IASLT conference, which will take place in April 2013. 10. As part of the IASLT strategic plan, we are engaged in ongoing liaison with key stakeholders such as the HSE, Impact, CORU, the Department of Health and other health and social care professional bodies in order to promote SLT and lobby on behalf of SLT in relation to a wide range of professional issues, for example, national recruitment, post development and retention, and the shaping of the profession overall. I hope that this summary gives you a bit of a flavour of what’s happening at Council level of IASLT. IASLT is an organisation of its members for its members. So, if you have any ideas that you’d like to share or if you’d like to get more involved, please get in touch [email protected] 7. Several important documents have been produced including a joint statement with INDI on over bed signage and new National FEDS Standards. There are currently working groups established to develop revised guidelines for SLTs in Mental Health and Standards for Neonatal FEDS. 8. The Standing Committees continue to be very busy. From further developing the website, to accrediting courses, to streamlining the membership renewal process, the work of the Standing Committees keeps IASLT going and for all of that work we are all extremely grateful. Best Wishes, Sinéad Kennedy IASLT Update 2012 5 UPDATE FROM IASLT CPD PROJECT MANAGER By Edel Dunphy The position of CPD Project Manager within the IASLT has gained great momentum and relevance to the profession over the past three years. The last twelve months has seen increased cooperation and collaboration between the CPD officers from AOTI, ISCP, INDI and IASLT and more recently from the IIRT, podiatry and the Irish Institute of Clinical Measurement. This article updates you on achievements over the past 12 months. Health and Social Care Professionals Education and Advisory Group In 2009 the HSE published ‘The Education and Development of Health and Social Care Professionals in the Health Services’. This document focuses on the twelve Health and Social Care Professions (H&SCP) named in the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005. A number of themes emerged 6 IASLT Update 2012 through the consultation process and key aims and areas for focus were identified. There were recommendations in relation to putting in place mechanisms to facilitate consultation with key stakeholders including professional bodies and higher education institutes, supporting and fostering an interdisciplinary approach to education and training, taking a coordinated national approach and developing structures and systems to enable engagement with senior professionals in each profession in relation to the planning of education and development. In this context the H&SCP Education and Development Advisory Group was established to seek input from H&SCP in relation to education, training and development issues. I am a representative on this group. Within this group there are a number of subgroups that I am involved in; workshops were facilitated by Judith Thornton, SLT Manager, Co. Kildare. • 2 PECS workshops were also delivered. 1. CPD Subgroup; These took place in September 2011 and A sub-group formed with representation from March 2012 with 120 Speech and Language the Advisory Group and others from the Therapists attending this training. professions with an interest in CPD. Achievements • Interdisciplinary Research Workshops; The from this subgroup include the following; tender to deliver these workshops was won • The development of CPD statement for by the TCD TICHE Consortium. The Dublin HSCP’s. and Cork workshops were delivered in April • Identification of tools available to support 2012 and the Galway workshop in May 2012. CPD identification & planning & provision • Peer Supervision Programme for Managers; • Identification of CPD evaluation mechanisms This programme was developed by Health in place across HSCP’s Management Institute of Ireland and with • Identification of audit mechanisms currently the support of a subgroup of OT and SLT in place for CPD participation within HSCP’s Managers and was delivered in May/June 2012 over 3 days with a follow-up day 2. HSCP Hub Subgroup; planned for 2013. A Hub dedicated to Health and Social Care • Early Intervention workshop for managers; Professionals has recently been launched on A one day workshop was held in Dublin on www.hseland.ie. This was developed by a October 25th, 2011. Approximately 65 subgroup of the H&SCP Education & managers attended from the four disciplines Development Advisory Group and is managed of OT, SLT, Physiotherapy and Psychology. by the H&SCP Education & Development Unit The focus of the workshop was on improving in the HSE. This hub is intended to be for and Interdisciplinary Team working in the context about Health and Social Care Professionals and of Early Intervention. The keynote speaker has the following core purposes: was Professor Mary Beth Bruder from the • To increase awareness of Health & Social University of Connecticut. Other speaker Care Professions including the diversity of included Caroline Cantan, an Early disciplines and the breadth of services Intervention team sharing their experience provided. of working in an Interdisciplinary manner and • To increase awareness of the significant a father reflecting on his and his son’s contribution H&SCP make to the health, experience of Early Intervention services. care, wellbeing and quality of life of the population. CPD Funding 2012 • To provide a forum for sharing and learning In February 2012 I made a further number of among professions. submissions to the HSE to request funding for • To promote collaborative practice and CPD events. The submissions made were based teamwork across professions. on nationally identified need following • To develop a community of practice. collaboration with the SLT Managers group, The hub is located on www.hseland.ie and is IASLT members and SIGS. Funding has been accessible to all Speech and Language sanctioned for the following for 2012; Therapists irrespective of your work location. 3. Research; One of the core areas of focus and collaboration for the HSCP Education and Development Advisory Group is research. One of the first actions taken by advisory group was to commission a study so that a baseline of research activity levels, skills, training needs and preferences for development of research capacity could be established. The HSCP Education and Development Advisory Group has identified and committed to a number of key actions on research in 2012. An immediate priority is to encourage service-based research and evaluations that can help identify and focus how scarce resources may be used to maximum effect to achieve optimal service user outcomes. SLT Specific CPD; • 4 ‘Its More Than Words’ Workshops – one in each HSE region. • 2 x Michael Palin, School Aged Stammering Workshops (40 SLT’s will attend each workshop) • Lamh 2 Module; funding for 4 workshops. Interprofessional CPD; • DIR/Floortime; 2 workshops. • CONNECT Making Communication Access a Reality; 1 workshop. • Lamh Module 1; funding for 250 participants. • Motivational Interviewing; 4 workshops. Speech and Language Therapists working in the publicly funded health service are eligible to apply to attend these CPD events. Please check the IASLT website for updates! CPD Funding In 2011 proposals were submitted to the HSE and funding was sanctioned for the following; • ‘It Takes Two To Talk’ Hanen workshops were delivered from Sept 2011 – Jan 2012 (Mullingar, Cork, Galway and Dublin). These IASLT Update 2012 7 Questions & Answers Dr Vicky Joffe I am Associate Dean for taught postgraduate studies and international affairs in the School of Health Sciences, and Reader in developmental speech, language and communication difficulties in the Division of Language and Communication Science at City University London. My areas of clinical and research expertise include specific language impairment, child speech disorder, the interface between education and speech and language therapy, collaborative practice and the training of teaching staff, the relationship between language and literacy, language and communication intervention in secondary school students and evidencebased practice for children and young people with special educational needs. I recently completed a Nuffield funded intervention 8 IASLT Update 2012 research project (ELCISS) on enhancing language and communication in secondary school students with language and communication impairments through narrative and vocabulary enrichment (www.elciss.com). I am trustee and councillor for research and development at the RCSLT and chair of the RCSLT’s national special interest group for older children and young adults with speech, language and communication needs. I am also a trustee and governor of the Link school, a school for students with special educational needs and a trustee of ICAN, a children’s communication charity. I serve as an associate editor for one of ASHA’s journals, Language, Speech and Hearing Services in Schools. If someone wrote a biography about you, what would the title be? She came, she saw, she conquered What’s your favourite weekend activity? I have two delightful 2-year old nephews, Isaac and Noah who keep me very busy. I annoy their parents terribly, I am sure; by doing all the fun stuff they want to do but are not usually allowed to do. For example, eating chocolate just before lunch and running free in a toy shop. I pretend I do it for them, but… What would you do if you weren’t afraid to? Be more proactive in connecting with strangers. It always strikes me as being such a shame that we all keep so separate from each other and go about our day to day activities without sometimes so much as a glance or thought at the person walking by, or sitting next to us on the tube or bus. There are many people out there feeling lonely, fragile and scared, and I believe that very often just one smile or word can make that all important difference and change someone’s day, and sometimes even life. If you could be or do anything else - what would you be? President of the World. I know that sounds like a complete megalomaniac, but I would love a shot at bringing peace to the world and eradicating poverty. And to balance the megalomaniac tendencies one might fear I had, it would not be on my own! But I would assemble a team around me of dynamic peacemakers and ‘can do’ people who would cut through all the bureaucracy and for once and for all create peace amongst us all. I don’t think things always have to be as complex as we make them. What was your favourite toy (or game) as a child, and why? I am going to have to be honest here and say dolls! Sorry, I am sure that has made many a person shudder, but it is the truth. I loved my dolls, looking after them, lining them up on the floor and teaching them (yup I am afraid so!), dressing them, scolding them…you get the picture I am sure! My nurturing tendencies were certainly there from the start. What are you most proud of? I would like to say that I am most proud of being a special daughter, sister, aunt and friend. I hope that this is how the people in my life see me, and it is these relationships that I am most proud of and feel most privileged to have. What do you like most about your job? What do you like least? I love the variety, the freedom to follow different paths and start innovative and exciting projects. I love working with students, learning from them and seeing how they develop and grow as therapists. I love being challenged and questioned and trying to find answers and solve complex issues. I love that part of my job is reading, critiquing and evaluating new information. I love that I have the opportunity to be a therapist, an academic, a teacher and a manager. And what I like least and find most frustrating is that the day does not have enough time to allow me to do all the above! Where is your favourite place to visit? This is too hard a question to give just one answer as travelling to different places and meeting different people is a passion of mine. So, any place which has beautiful beaches and the sea is a favourite. Cape Town probably tops my list as it not only has what I think are the best beaches in the world, but it has the African energy and my roots are deeply ingrained in Africa. I also love to visit places that are different, dynamic and have their own energy. I don’t think I could ever tire, for example, of San Francisco, New York and Chicago. When you graduated what were your ambitions for your career? This is such an interesting question as I am not someone who ever has had the 5-year plan or made any explicit career plans. I remember feeling elated and privileged to be part of speech and language therapy profession and just wanted to get out there, do the best I could and make a real difference. I am ambitious though and I probably wanted to change the world. Do you have any wise words for new graduates? Never ever ever underestimate what you can do and how much of a difference you can make to the lives of others. Throughout my career I have been humbled by the people with whom I work, how much they let me into their lives and give me a chance to work with them and make a difference. And to listen really carefully to what people are saying to you and what they want from you. It is so easy to think we know best, and I have learned that invariably we do not. Listen to their priorities and needs and find ways of meeting them. And finally to embrace all the experiences and enjoy! The previous question asks about my ambitions as a new graduate. I can hand on heart say, that as a new graduate, I did not have any idea how wonderful a career as a speech and language therapist can be. It has exceeded my expectations in every way possible, and it continues to excite and invigorate me. So just enjoy it, because it does bring with it great fulfillment and satisfaction. Dr Vicky Joffe Associate Dean, School of Health Sciences Reader, Division of Language and Communication Science City University London e: [email protected] IASLT Update 2012 9 SUMMER STUDENTS Research Projects in UCC This summer, three final-year students in the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences in University College Cork (UCC) have been awarded a scholarship for conducting a research project under the supervision of an academic staff member in the Department. The three awardees are Zoe Rooke, who has been awarded the HRB Summer Student Scholarships 2012; and Deirdre O’Leary and Leanne Hickey, who have been awarded the UCC College of Medicine and Health Summer Bursaries. Here are the details of the projects they conducted. Zoe’s study – The prevalence of speech and language impairments among a nationally representative sample of Irish nine-year-olds My research has utilised data from a national survey, Growing Up in Ireland – The National Longitudinal Study of Children (GUI). The rich data source afforded by GUI has enabled me to investigate the prevalence of speech and language difficulties among Irish nine-year-olds according to multiple informants; parents, teachers and direct assessment. While above the critical age for speech and language difficulties; the results ultimately suggest that a relatively high prevalence still pertains to this group. Comparison of the 10 IASLT Update 2012 findings with those from Australia and Scotland has led me to consider the unique context of Ireland for speech and language development, as well as the adequacy of current service provision. (Research supervisor: Dr. Ciara O’Toole) Deirdre’s study – Does an unfamiliar accent affect the accuracy of sentence comprehension in typically developing children and children with Down syndrome? As society continues to become a mosaic of multiple cultures and nationalities, individuals now encounter a whole spectrum of different spoken accents. A comprehensive review of the literature in accent variation has suggested that the presentation of spoken material in an accent that is unfamiliar to the listener can have a negative impact on comprehension. Speaker accent is rarely addressed or compensated for in comprehension assessments although from the extensive literature, it is clear that an unfamiliar accent can negatively affect speech clarity. Therefore, I intend to investigate the effect of an unfamiliar accent on the sentence comprehension of young children and children with Down syndrome. Findings may help SLTs approach assessments of receptive UCC final year SLT students: Deirdre O’Leary, Zoe Rooke, and Leanne Hickey (from left to right). language appropriately to ensure an accurate account of the child’s receptive abilities is obtained. (Research supervisor: Prof. Fiona Gibbon) Leanne’s study – Developing a protocol for charting social interactions between children with autism and their assistance dogs This research project aimed to provide a more objective evaluation of the benefits of assistance dogs towards the social interactions of children with autism, following related parental reports of this nature. Firstly, a tried and tested coding scheme was used to code the videos of two children interacting with their assistance dogs and an accompanying person. Subsequently, modifications were made to this coding scheme. Inter-rater reliability of both coding schemes, comparisons between schemes and generalisation of the modified scheme were examined. As a result, the modified coding scheme proved to be more suitable for analysing social interactions of this kind. (Research supervisor: Dr. Alice Lee) For queries regarding the abovementioned projects, please contact the research supervisors – Prof. Fiona Gibbon ([email protected]), Dr. Ciara O’Toole ([email protected]), and Dr. Alice Lee ([email protected]). Transitional Care Unit Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin (O.L.C.H.C) The Role of the Speech and Language Therapist Ciara Murphy The Transitional Care Unit (T.C.U) is a seven bedded unit which was opened in January 2006 in O.L.C.H.C. to care for children who require long-term ventilation and are medically stable. Previously, these children were cared for in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. This was acknowledged as being an inappropriate environment to meet these children’s developmental, psychological and emotional needs.1 T.C.U. aims to provide children and their families with an opportunity to develop globally within the hospital environment while enabling parents to become their children’s primary carers as well as facilitating their role as parents. Since opening in 2006, 34 patients have been admitted to T.C.U. and this unit has had 100% occupancy from April 2006. A recent audit of clinical data2 indicated that 70.6% of these patients were under 1 year on admission and 54% of this group were <6months old. 52.9% of the 34 patients admitted had cardiac diagnoses and 80% of patients had a tracheostomy in situ. 35.3% of the 34 patients admitted were born prematurely (<37 weeks) and 67% of these were born at less than 32 weeks gestation. Figures above highlight the heterogeneous nature of the patients admitted to T.C.U., although, 80% did have a tracheostomy in situ. The reasons children receive a tracheostomy is primarily as a result of upper airway obstruction, prolonged ventilation, secretion management, and aspiration3. At present all 7 children on T.C.U. have a tracheostomy in situ. In T.C.U. there is a multidisciplinary team which strives to provide a holistic environment to care for both the children’s medical and developmental needs. As a result of prolonged hospital stays, medical histories and tracheostomies, many of these children reach their developmental milestones more slowly than is typical for a child of their age. Therefore the need for early intervention is warranted. The team includes: doctors, nurses, discharge coordinator, clinical nurse facilitator, physiotherapist, play specialist, speech and language therapist, dietitian, psychologist, music therapist, and E.N.T. clinical nurse specialists. Multidisciplinary team meetings are held fortnightly and members of the team work together to provide holistic care for each child. IASLT Update 2012 11 My role as a Speech and Language Therapist in T.C.U. As a speech and language therapist in T.C.U. my role encompasses communication assessment and intervention, feeding, eating, drinking and swallowing (F.E.D.S) assessment and intervention, and the education of parents and staff members. Given the diverse population of children with tracheostomies there is very little research into both swallowing and communication with this population. Therefore, we rely regularly on local evidence and liaising with SLT’s both here and in the UK for guidance. Limited paediatric research suggests evidence of pharyngeal stage swallowing difficulties in children with tracheostomies 4, 5, 6; however, literature recommends individual and instrumental assessment as indicated. From our experience in OLCHC and that of other SLT’s working with this population, it appears that children with tracheostomies vary significantly in the frequency and degree of dysphagia and this can often be related to their underlying/ coexisting condition. Therefore, both assessment and management of swallowing disorders in the unit are carried out with the help of the team and at an individual level. “Caterpillar Club” (Communication group run weekly in T.C.U.) 12 IASLT Update 2012 Many of the children come to T.C.U. on enteral feeds e.g. nasogastric, nasojejunal, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). Many of the children are on continuous feeds rather than bolus feeds as a result of vomiting, reflux, or risk of aspiration. These children have also spent long periods of time in the intensive care unit requiring a range of medical interventions. As a result of these negative oral experiences many of the children arrive in T.C.U. with an oral aversion. The initial focus is to reduce oral aversiveness through “messy play”, oral facial massage and educating nurses/parents regarding the importance of “following the child’s lead” rather than forcing them to engage in therapeutic activities. Each child is closely monitored and, when they are medically stable and tolerating oral tastes, a routine clinical bedside feeding assessment is carried out. Studies have illustrated that a tracheostomy can have a negative impact on speech and language development 7, 8, 9. Children can present with reduced babbling during the first year of life, reduced use of sounds and words for purposes of communication, altered interactive patterns10, and difficulty learning how to combine words into sentences. With the input from SLT it has been illustrated that at 5 years these children’s language can be equivalent to their cognitive skills 9, 11. However, there are limitations to the evidence base available on this topic due to the heterogeneous nature of the paediatric population with tracheostomies. Our role as SLT’s is the same as with a child without a tracheostomy- to maximize communication to the best of the child’s potential. There are both verbal (e.g. speaking valve, leak speech) and non-verbal communication (e.g. Lámh, photographs, step-by-step) systems available to these children. As they come to this unit at such a young age a total communication approach is used. “Lámh” signs are introduced as early as possible with each child and we then begin working on early communicative skills depending on where each child is at developmentally. I educate the parents about strategies to work on their children’s communication through everyday routines and play. Communication intervention is administered individually or jointly with the physiotherapist. Depending on the medical status of the children group therapy can be an option. If a child is a suitable candidate, they are trialed with a speaking valve. This assessment is carried out in conjunction with the SLT and the clinical airway nurse specialists and with the agreement of the medical team. The speaking valve has many advantages including; restored airflow for voice, increased babble/ vocalizations, increased tactile feedback for articulation, increased olfaction/taste 12, decrease in secretions and is a weaning step. TCU is a fantastic unit which continues to provide ongoing support to babies and children requiring long-term ventilation. The caseload is wide and varying and has allowed me to develop my skills as a SLT working with this population of children in an acute care setting. References: 1. Boosefield B. O’Toole M. (2000) Technologydependent children: transition from hospital to home. Paediatric Nursing. 12 (6), 20 – 23. 2. Heron S., Lennon E., Murphy C. (2012) The Transitional Care Unit- A five Year Restrospective Review. Poster Presentation O.L.C.H.C. Clinical Research and Audit Day 2012. 3. Benjamin Hartley (2009) Great Ormond Street 4. Rosinigh H., & Peek S. (1999) Swallowing and Speech in Infants following tracheostomy. Acta Otolaryngolody Belgium. 53, 59-63. 5. Abraham S. & Wolf E. (2000) Swallowing physiology of toddlers with long-term tracheostomies. Dysphagia. 15, 206-212. 6. Norman V., Louw B. & Kritzinger A. (2007) Incidence and description of dysphagia in infants and toddlers with tracheostomies: a retrospective review. Int J Paed Otorhinolayrngol. 71, 1087-92. 7. Jiang D. & Morrison G. (2003) The influence of long-term tracheostomy on speech and language development in children. International journal of Paediatric Otorhinolaryngology. 67SI S217-S220. 8. Kasion K. & Stein R. (1995) Chronic pediatric tracheostomy. Int J Ped otorhinolaryngology. 9, 165-171. 9. Bleile K. (1993) The Care of Children with Long-Term Tracheostomies. Singular pubs. 10. Montagnino B.A. & Mauricio R.V. (2004) The child with a tracheostomy and Gastronomy: Parental Stress and Coping in the Home- A Pilot Study. Pediatric Nursing. 30 (5). 11. Cowell J., Schlosser D. & Joy P. (2000) Language Outcomes following infant tracheostomy. Asia Pacific Journal of Speech, Language & Hearing. 5(3), 179-186. 12. Lichtman S.W., Birnbaum I.L., Sanfilippo M.R., Pellicone J.T., Damon, W.J. & King M.L. (1995) Effect of a Tracheostomy Speaking Valve on secretions, arterial oxygenation and olfactions: A quantitative evaluation. Journal of Speech and Hearing Research. 38, 549-555. For further information on this unit or work with this client group you can contact Ciara at [email protected] Ciara Murphy IASLT Update 2012 13 Website Update Since the redevelopment of the IASLT website into its current format, we have seen a huge increase in its use by SLTs and members of the public alike. The website now features regularly updated news items, information sheets for the public on communication and swallow disorders, a membership directory, a forum space for SLT discussions and an almost fully-automated membership process. 14 IASLT Update 2012 But as the website has evolved, so too have the demands that are placed on it. To meet these demands, the IASLT Website Committee has commissioned a further re-design and re-development of the website. We hope to unveil the new website by early 2013. Some of the features you can look forward to include: • • • • • • A new look-and-feel, including a more visual front page. Better layout for easier navigation. A new file management system, for easier look-up of documents and news stories that may be relevant to you. A fully automated and significantly simpler joining and renewal process! Further integration with social media (e.g. Twitter, Facebook) and mobile browsing. Videos and sound clips to make the site more interactive. As usual, we would welcome any feedback from you regarding improvements to the website. If you have any feedback, or would like to join the IASLT Website Committee, please contact [email protected]. Ciarán Kenny Chairperson IASLT Website Committee. 30th World Congress of the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics Dublin, Ireland 2016 IALP World Congress Ireland 2016 Preparations are fully underway for the 30th World Congress of the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics, being hosted by IASLT in Ireland in August 2016. IASLT have successfully negotiated the commitment and support of all of the universities on the island of Ireland involved in the education of Speech and Language Therapists. The organising committee continues to be chaired by Aoife McGuire UL; with Arlene McCurtin (UL), Clare Carroll and Rena Lyons (NUIG), Rosalind Rogers (University of Ulster), Dr. Ciara O’Toole and Dr. Alice Lee (UCC) and Dr. Irene Walsh (TCD) as members. All are very excited about this special opportunity for all of the universities to be working together for the first time in history and at the prospect of ensuring a high scientific standard congress with a fun-filled social programme. This social programme will deliver an Opening Ceremony, Congress Dinner, Congress Excursion and also optional Cultural Nights. The organising committee now additionally has standing committee status with IASLT, which will ensure continued communication and support from IASLT council. Members of the organising committee were delighted to host IALP President Dr. Tanya Gallagher and President Elect Dr. Helen Grech to Dublin on Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th September last. The meetings allowed for further discussions, collaborative planning and deepening of the already rich relationship between IASLT and IALP. The ever so important visit to potential sites for the Congress was also on the agenda. All visited Citywest and the RDS, the venues who have made the shortlist. (For those wondering about the Convention centre, let’s just say it was a little out of our price range!). These venues are not comparable with each-other in any respect, each with their own unique features and strengths for hosting the IALP World Congress, which anticipates delegates of between 1,000 and 1,200. A decision is to be made in the coming weeks, when Helen and Tanya present their recommendations in combination with the organising committee’s to the IALP Board for approval. Watch this space! Tanya Gallagher and Helen Grech were also delighted to meet with Sinéad Kennedy, IASLT’s chair and to spend some time with Sr. Marie de Montfort, an honorary member of both IALP and IASLT during their very busy visit. IASLT would like to thank both Keynote PCO for their very professional management of IALP’s visit and dedicated work to date, and also Fáilte Ireland for their generous sponsorship of the Congress’s preparation to date and we look forward to working with them both between now and 2016. Aoife McGuire Chair of organising committee IASLT Update 2012 15 6th Annual IASLT Student Conference Shinann Buckley O’ Sullivan, UCC Final Year SLT student, Chairperson of 2012 conference. The 6th annual IASLT student conference took place in University College Cork this year on May 19th. The previous night, the students of UCC held a wine reception in the very popular and busy student bar, the New Bar. There they were provided with a mountain of food including sandwiches, cocktail sausages and chicken goujons, all washed down with a complimentary glass of wine or two! That night the students retired early to prepare for the busy day ahead of them. This year’s conference attracted students from Trinity College Dublin, University Limerick and National University of Ireland Galway, all who offer Speech and Language Therapy as a study option. Saturday morning was a hive of activity as students and speakers were greeted and directed on where the conference was being held. All the students from the committee were kept busy running back and forth as money was collected, sweets distributed and bottles of water lined up at the podium for the speakers. The student committee this year was made up of two 16 IASLT Update 2012 students from each of the colleges. From University College Cork there was Shinann Buckley O’ Sullivan and Rhondante Evelyn. From Trinity College Dublin there was Siofra Mulkerrin and Mark McCormack. From University Limerick there was Patricia Donnelly and Claire Mullally and from National University of Ireland, Galway there was Orla Boyle and Ciara Martyn. At 10am sharp (ish!) the conference was warmly opened by the new Chairperson of the IASLT, Sinéad Kennedy. Sinéad welcomed all the students and gave a brief description of what the IASLT aims to provide for student speech therapists. Aoife McGuire then stood and again welcomed all the students and speakers to the IASLT student conference of 2012 and politely asked everyone to give the speakers their respect during the talks with the promise that there would be an allocated time for questions at the end of the talks. The topics that were discussed had been carefully selected by the student liaison committee, with input from all the students from each of the three universities. The student committee worked hard on choosing topics that would be interesting to students from all study years, and not just for final year students. Altogether, five talks were given with plenty of time allocated for a “Questions and Answers” session which was possibly the most interesting and beneficial part of the conference as it allowed the students who had attended to air out their worries, queries and interests straight on. Being able to have the committee sit in front of the students and answer their questions one on one was a lot more intimate and useful than asking via email. Questions that were asked were largely focused on the current job situation in today’s economic climate and how could the IASLT help new grads get jobs. Other questions included working abroad, volunteer work, raising awareness of speech therapy in Ireland and working in private clinics. The first topic was“Interviews: Processes and Panels”, presented by Tricia Diamond. Tricia gave a very relevant and informative presentation on how to “show off” and “impress” at an interview. She shared the secrets of writing an eye catching CV and had every final year student as the edge of their seat! “Working in Dysphagia” was the second topic and was presented by Sile Murphy. This presentation was great for all students from any year as it was easy to follow and understand while still being detailed. Sile gave great insight into what it was like working with dysphagia and what her typical routine would be. Another presentation that had third and fourth year students hanging on to every word was “You have graduated – now what?” presented by Kristine Coffey. Kristine gave a brilliant presentation and helped bridge that scary grey area between graduation and one’s first interview. Before the conference, when the student committee were trying to come up with topics, many students voiced their concerns about this area of life and it was clear that many felt like this was something college did not prepare us for. We may be taught how to be speech therapists and how to write CV’s and “wow” at interviews…but what is the first thing we should do when we’ve graduated? Where do we even look for jobs? These are the kind of questions that were answered in Kristine’s presentation. After lunch there was a break from SLT speakers and John Curtin stood up to talk to us about his life with Parkinson’s disease and his experience with the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment. John gave a very moving and insightful presentation and there was not one student who wasn’t paying attention. There is something very powerful about hearing, first hand, the lived experience of someone with a communication difficulty. No college lecture can provide the same insight or paint the picture in such a clear manner. After John’s talk we had Sarah O’ Regan talk to us about her experience of “Being a Volunteer SLT”. It was clear from the start that Sarah was a true expert in this matter and not only was she knowledgeable, she was also passionate. These two factors made Sarah’s presentation exciting, informative and very relevant. The conference ended with some final “Thank you!” speeches made by Aoife McGuire and Shinann Buckley O’ Sullivan, UCC rep. The student committee breathed a sigh of both relief and pride, knowing that the months of hard work, countless emails and last minute late night phone calls were over…and worth it! And now we all look forward to 2013 where the conference will be held in UL. No doubt it will be bigger and better than the conference of 2012. We, the IASLT Student Committee would like to thank all of the guest speakers, the students who attended the conference and all the IASLT committee members for their support and help in organising this year’s 6th annual student conference. It was a pleasure representing you and co-ordinating the 2012 conference. IASLT Update 2012 17 ISAYiT! by Bevin Murphy Young ISA & ISAYiT! member Bevin Murphy (14) has been participating in Irish Stammering Association events for over 5 years and is an original cast member in ISAYiT! (Irish Stammering Association Youth international Theatre) She loves attending the drama workshops and meeting up with other young people who stammer. In 2006 at the International Fluency Association World Congress in Dublin she got involved with Our Time Theatre Company, a theatre 18 IASLT Update 2012 company based in New York for young people who stutter. Since then she has performed with them in NYU and has attended their summer camp for young people who stutter. The camp is dedicated to helping young people who stutter find their voice by giving them an opportunity to be themselves in an environment where they are not judged on how they speak. A mission that Irish Stammering Association aims to replicate through its activities with young people in Ireland. We caught up with this jet setting youngster and asked her a few questions about what Camp Our Time was like. Was it strange being the only Irish person? Sometimes it was cuz I didn’t really know the “American” language but I also felt special because I am the only one in Ireland to ever experience Camp Our Time! What was it like being around other young people who stammer for the 10 days? It was so much fun! We could all relate to one another and give each other advice! How long was the camp, who was there and where was the camp? Camp Our Time was in North Carolina, America and it was 10 days long. People from all over America came to the camp, some had been there before and also some new people. What was the best thing about camp? Why was that the best thing? The best thing about Camp Our Time was the people! The people I have met there know exactly what I’m going through and understand me. What kinds of things did you do at camp? Where did you sleep? What kind of food did you eat? We did lots of activities, such as; Rock-climbing, dancing, horseback riding, swimming, arts and crafts and many more. I slept in a cabin with 7 other girls and 2 counsellors (but it wasn’t crowded at all; we each had a bed and a shelving unit) we ate; burgers, fries (chips) pizza, pasta, chicken, sandwiches and lots more yummy food! Do young people in America who stammer think about stammering differently to young people in Ireland? Nope! Stammering is Stammering. We may all have our own views but at the end of the day, we all have this thing and it brings us closer to other people to stammer also all around the world! If a young person in Ireland who stammers was thinking of going to camp next year but wasn’t sure, what would you say to them? You don’t need to think twice! Camp will teach you and help you to grow into a better person! And it’s going to be so much fun! What did you learn that was helpful to you? I learned that you got to hold life in your hands and never let go! Stammering may be one of the worst things right now but it will get better! Is there anything else you want to say about camp? I would like to thank everyone who has made my dream a reality: To be with people to understand me! But most of all Camp is one of the best places to me and if at all possible I would love to bring that kind of environment here and share my experiences and stories with other people! What are your best memories of camp? A memory that stands out for me is when we were all around the first and last campfire! It felt incredible to be with such amazing people and for them to share their stories and their experiences with the rest of us! What did you enjoy about the end of week performance? I enjoyed all the plays/songs/dances! :D Just with a week of rehearsing/organising it was incredible to see what beautiful and/or inspiring things people can do with just a short amount of time! Words: Bevin Murphy and Veronica Lynch Pictures: Bevin Murphy You can read more about Irish Stammering Association at stammeringireland.ie and watch the video ISAYiT! has produced for young people who stammer. IASLT Update 2012 19 IASLT AGM & Study day The IASLT AGM and study day was held on Friday April 27th 2012 in the School of Nursing and Midwifery on D’Olier street in Dublin. This event was free for members and there was a good turnout on the day. The annual general meeting opened at 10.45 am. Reports were presented by the chairperson, the treasurer, honorary secretary, PR officer and representatives of all the standing committees. Thank you to all who submitted reports. As is usual at the AGM, members of the 20122013 council were elected. Four members of 2011-2012 council stepped down: Edel Dunphy, Aoife McGuire, Deirdre Kenny and Derval McDonagh. Thank you to all of these members who gave so much of their time and expertise to IASLT. Nine members of 2011-2012 council agreed to be nominated for another year and were re-elected. Four new council members were elected: Clare Hudson, Stephanie McGrath, Adrian Bradley and Jenny Trundle. Details of those who are currently sitting on 2012-2013 council are available at the end of this report. Full minutes from the AGM will be available for members at a future date. Following the AGM, Edel Dunphy, IASLT’s CPD officer gave us a report of the work carried out to date and there was a short report presented on behalf of the SLT vocational group. Before lunch, Libby Kineen led a workshop with the attendees which focused on the IASLT strategy. The focus for the next 3 years was discussed and members gave their input. As registration for SLTs is in the process of being set up, it is important that IASLT are prepared for this significant change. Members indicated that IASLT had a mandate to lobby on the behalf of the profession and to advocate for both the profession and our clients. Suggestions for how to ensure members are kept informed and to involve members in the organisation were made. Following lunch, Rena Lyons, Rozanne Barrow and Brenda Byrne presented ‘Stories of communication disability and identity across the lifespan: Tools and techniques for listening differently’. The work highlighted the 20 IASLT Update 2012 importance of listening to the stories and experiences of service users across all ages and presented some tools to assist us in doing this. This presentation also featured a supported interview in which a person who lives with a communication disorder discussed her story and experience. Finally I would like to thank all who contributed to the success of the day: the staff at the school of nursing and midwifery, Rozanne Barrow, Brenda Byrne, Rena Lyons and all members of IASLT who so freely gave their time to help organise or present on the day. The AGM in 2013 will be held in conjunction with the conference in April so we look forward to seeing you there. Anne Healy, Membership Officer IASLT council 2012 – 2013 IASLT are pleased to present the following members who make up 2012-2013 council. Each member of council either assumes an officer role or a link role with a standing committee. These link roles ensure that council and the standing committees have a formal way of communicating with each other. All council members can be contacted through the office or [email protected] Name Sinead Kennedy Council role Chairperson Jonathon Linklater Vice chairperson, PR Officer and website committee link Jenny Trundle Honorary Secretary Anne Healy Membership Officer Marijke Morris Treasurer Private practice link Clare Hudson Conference committee Stephanie McGrath Student Liaison IALP committee link Adrian Bradley CPLOL link Kristine Coffey New graduate link Louise Collins Overseas committee and Education board link Siobhan Manning PDEC link CONFERENCE Fresh Talk Food for Thought By Siobhán Manning The 2011 IASLT Biennial conference, Fresh Talk Food for Thought was held on November 24th and 25th in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Dublin. The total number of attendees registered at the 2011 conference was 222 representing a 23% increase from the 2009 conference. IASLT’s main goal for this conference was to provide members with excellent value for money by significantly reducing registration fees while providing a wide range of high quality presentations including talks from international guest speakers. The two-day member early-bird rate was reduced by 43% from u265 in 2007 to u150 in 2011. Guest speakers included: • Prof. Shula Chiat, City University London • Prof Penny Roy, City University London • Dr Christina McKean, Newcastle University • Ms Pauline Frizelle, University College Cork • Prof Rosemary Varley, The University of Sheffiled • Carole Pound, Brunel University, London • Dr Frank Dolphin, Chair of the board of the HSE • Ms Mary Hickey, Process Improvement Manager at Tallaght Hospital There were 42 oral presentations in total – 7 from guest speakers and 35 general oral presentations. There was a total of 65 poster presentations. The papers were selected by a scientific committee through a fully anonymised process. Overall, feedback from delegates was very positive. 100% of respondents rated the quality of presentations as “good”, “very good” or “excellent”. Ratings of the venue and catering were also very positive. Delegates were also asked what they liked most about the conference. Some common themes were: • Having guest/international speakers, including HSE Chairperson • High standard of all oral and poster presentations • Variety of topics covered • Well organised, good time-keeping • Excellent location & venue • Opportunity for networking (especially for new grads) • Appropriate length of presentations • Conference booklet When asked what they would change or suggest for 2013 conference, the following were some of the more commonly mentioned themes: • More diversity in topics covered – e.g. in areas such as learning disability, paediatric FEDS, tracheostomy/head and neck cancer • Increase length of presentations – more than just a quick “taste” (note, many others cited the short presentation time as a positive thing) • More opportunities to change rooms • Gala dinner needs more PR to encourage attendance - maybe less formal • All poster presentations to have A4 handouts or opportunity for it to be emailed on request. • Venue a bit cramped at tea times & venue sometimes too hot/stuffy • No heavy, theoretical sessions at the end of the day, more practical reflective sessions • More opportunities for audience involvement • Should have conference every year • A slot for IASLT professional issues and vocational issues/discussion groups and brainstorming opportunities with fellow professionals – e.g. new grad issues. As you can see from the feedback, overall the IASLT Biennial Conference 2011 was a success and a very enjoyable event to attend. IASLT and the conference committee would like to thank everyone who attended and we are looking forward to Conference 2013. A reminder to Save the Date: IASLT Biennial Conference 18th & 19th April 2013 An exciting opportunity to hear the latest research from international and national speakers, gain practical knowledge and skills and network with the SLT community. Further details will follow shortly so check the IASLT website regularly for updates. IASLT Update 2012 21 Special Interest Groups 22 Special interest groups are an invaluable source of information and support to Speech & Language Therapists (SLT) working in SLT Clinics around the country. Find a SIG that suits your caseload and join or renew your membership today to keep up to date with current therapy techniques and interesting course and study days. 1. Adult Acquired Communication Disorders SIG Chair: Fiona Hill SLT Department, Tallaght Hospital Tallaght, D. 24. 01 4142776 [email protected] Secretary: Ciara Lynch SLT Department, St Josephs Hospital Raheny, D. 5 01-8774910 [email protected] Membership Secretary & Treasurer: Iseult Clarke, SLT Department, Tallaght Hospital, Tallaght, D. 24. 01 4142776 [email protected] Newsletter editors: Klara Anderson, Peamount Healthcare, Newcastle Co. Dublin, 01 6010300 ext 254, [email protected] Kristine Coffey, SLT Department, St James Hospital, Dublin 8 [email protected] 2. Voice SIG Chair: Derval Crossan SLT Dept., South Infirmary- Victoria University Hospital, Old Blackrock Road, Cork Tel; 021-4926371 [email protected] Secretary: Pauline Frizelle Treasurer: Marie Therese O Callaghan 3. Adult Dysphagia SIG Chair: Niamh Barrett, SLT Department, Community Services HSE, Trust Us, The Fold Building, New Seskin Court, Tallaght, Dublin 24. 086 8503791. [email protected] Secretary: Niamh Davis, SLT Department, PCCC HSE Dublin North East LHO North West Dublin Hartstown Health Centre, Cherryfield Lawns, Hartstown, Dublin 15. 01 8662835. IASLT Update 2012 Treasurer: Grainne Brady, SLT Department, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Eccles Street, Dublin 7 01 8034846 4. Paediatric Dysphagia SIG Chair: Caitriona Heffernan, [email protected] Treasurer/membership secretary: Brigid Toibin [email protected] Treasurer; Tracy Coburn [email protected] 5. Mental Health SIG Chair: Jennifer Brophy SLT Dept., Tallaght Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24 [email protected] Secretary: Eimear Ryan Lucena Clinic, Mater Hospital, 59 Orwell Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6. [email protected] Treasurer: Barbara Ridell, Warrenstown Child & Adolescent Inpatient Unit, North Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. [email protected] 6. Adult Intellectual Disability SIG Chair: Nicole Dryssen, [email protected] Secretaries: Aoife Quigley, 01 2852900 ext 173 Sinead Kelleghan, SLT Treasurer: Hazel Frawley, SLT Department, Brothers of Charity, Bawnmore, Limerick. [email protected] 7. Multilingualism & Multiculturalism SIG Chair: Fiona O Mahony, [email protected] 44 North Great Georges Street, Dublin 1 Secretary: Ann Magnier, [email protected] Treasurer (shared role): Anne-Sophie O Connell; [email protected] Monica McBrinn; [email protected] Monica McBrinn, Treasurer Multilingualism SIG, Senior SLT LHO-North West Dublin, Damastown Health Centre, Clonee, D15 . 8. Specific Speech & Language Impairment SIG Chair: Anne Tangney, SLT Manager, City General Hospital, Infirmary Road, Cork. 021 7927801 [email protected] Secretary: Carmel O Neill, SLT Department, City General Hospital, Infirmary Road, Cork 021 7927801 [email protected] Treasurer: Aoibhe McDonnell, St. Marks Junior National School, Springfield, Tallaght, Dublin 7 01 4597878 [email protected] 9. Cleft Lip & Palatal Anomalies SIG Chair: Nicole Prendeville, Our lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Dublin 12. [email protected] Tel. No: 01 4096100 Secretary: Elaine Duddy, The Children’s University Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin 1. [email protected] Tel. No: 01 8784788. Treasurer: Michelle Nash, HSE West, PCCC, Limerick. [email protected] Tel. No: 061 483992. 10. Dysfluency SIG Chairperson; Jonathon Linklater: [email protected] Secretary (joint); Kitty Murphy: [email protected] and Maeve Dunn: [email protected] 11. Focus: Speech & Language Therapy Forum (Paediatric ID SIG) Chair: Karen Henderson, Senior SLT, Cheeverstown House, Templeogue, Dublin 6 W. Tel; 01 4993700 Extn 637 [email protected] Secretary: Shared responsibility Treasurer: Kate Bermingham, Beechpark services, Unit 3& 4, St. Johns Grove, Johnstown, Co. Kildare Tel. No: 045 844500 [email protected] 12. Down Syndrome Ireland SIG Chair(s):Mari Caulfield, Speech & Language Therapy Centre, The Courtyard, Kilcolgan, Co. Galway. [email protected] www.maricaulfield.com Tel. No: 091 796600. Clóthra Ní Cholmáin, School of Linguistic, Speech & Communication Sciences, Clinical Speech & Language Studies, Trinity College,Dublin. [email protected] Treasures/Secretary: Gráinne Murphy, National Resource Team, Down Syndrome Ireland, Citylink Business Park, Old Naas Road, Dublin 12. [email protected] www.downsyndrome.ie Tel. No: 087 2535809. 13. Irish Association of Speech & Language Therapists in Private Practice SIG Co-Chairs; Pamela Raftery; prafterySLT@gmail. com 086-8482270 and Madeleine Mcnamara; [email protected]; 085-7604846 Secretary; Barbara Hallahan iasltppsecretary@ gmail.com or [email protected]; 087-6532875 Treasurer; Patricia Curtis; [email protected]; 087-6297563 Membership Secretary; Donna Hardiman; [email protected] - 086-2105580 Please contact [email protected] if you feel any of these SIG contact details are incorrect. IASLT Update 2012 23 Update from IASLT New Graduate Liaison Kristine Coffey The Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT) are aware that the current environment for newly graduated Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) is extremely challenging. We recognise that these therapists are the future of the profession, and we have been consciously working to help support New Graduates in the current climate. Online Discussion Forum We have developed an Online Discussion Forum for New Graduate members. This can be accessed at http://forum. iaslt.ie/. It is envisaged that this forum will assist New Graduate members to stay connected to and engaged in the profession. The forum can be used by New Graduates to: Connect with other New Graduate members; Access information about jobs / volunteer opportunities / CPD events; Liaise with the IASLT New Graduate Liaison with any queries; Share links to clinical resources; Discuss clinical questions/cases; Set up journal clubs. The forum has had a moderate amount of activity with 88 posts so far. Some work has been done on communicating the existence of the New Graduate forum amongst the SLT profession. It is hoped that this will facilitate linking New Graduates into the profession and to ensure that the forum is used as a platform for the profession to communicate with New Graduates. SLT’s are encouraged to email [email protected] with any relevant information for New Graduates (research/volunteer opportunities, CPD events etc) in order to help these therapists stay connected to their profession. 24 IASLT Update 2012 Future of the forum: Development of the forum is ongoing to ensure maximum learning. Solution-Focused Forum On the 12th of April this year, the IASLT hosted and facilitated a solution-focused forum. The aim of this forum was to create a template for the support of unemployed New Graduates. In order to achieve this, representatives from a number of groups were invited including the SLT Manager’s Group, Special Interest Groups, IASLTPP, the universities, the HSE and, of course, New Graduates themselves. Attendees were asked to consider three questions in advance of the forum; 1. What can be done to help support unemployed New Graduates to maintain readiness for work? 2. How can unemployed New Graduates be supported to maintain their skills/ CPD? 3. How can unemployed New Graduates stay connected to our profession? The forum generated some constructive discussion and various ideas were generated to help address the above questions. To reflect the outcome of this forum, a document was compiled as a resource for New Graduates. The document titled ‘Supporting new graduates to maintain readiness for work: A Continuing Professional Development Resource’ can be found on the IASLT website. It is hoped that this resource will support New Graduates to maintain and develop their knowledge, skills and experience, to stay connected to the profession and to ensure good practice once in employment. This document also contains suggestions and signposts to support New Graduates to stay connected to the profession in the time before they find employment and to maintain their skills and their readiness for work. New Graduate Membership Pack The New Graduate Membership Pack has been revised and updated. The new version of the pack can be accessed on the IASLT website under the CPD section. The New Graduate Liaison for IASLT can be contacted at [email protected] WHY JOIN THE IASLT? Your Membership Counts INFLUENCING THE FUTURE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. The IASLT lobbies the Government, Oireachtas Health Committee, all political parties, and the Department of Health and Children and other National Bodies on key issues and priorities. We influence policy development and plans through responses and submissions. The IASLT is leading work to shape the speech and language therapy profession into the future, developing the scope and standards of practice, influencing and accrediting curriculum development, and supporting members. We keep the profile of the profession high by employing a PR Consultant and regularly achieving coverage in the national and regional media. The IASLT represents member’s views. The IASLT is recognised as the designated authority for the Speech and Language Therapy Profession in Ireland, acting with the approval of the Minister of Health and Children. The IASLT accredits Irish University undergraduate speech and language therapy programmes. KEEPING YOU INFORMED AND UP TO DATE 1. 2. 3. 4. You receive the all colour, information packed Update magazine twice a year. You can read the latest research and evidence in our bi-annual journal of clinical speech and language studies. Members can access a range of information online including access to printed guidelines on many topics. Members can access IASLT publications ranging from the latest clinical guidelines to public information leaflets. PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP AND MEMBER SUPPPORT 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. The IASLT CPD Project Manager explores and responds to your professional development needs, using a variety of tools and recourses some of which are accessible via the IASLT website. CPD events are advertised on the IASLT website. The IASLT submits proposals to the HSE annually for CPD funding. We work to ensure that the quality of speech and language therapy education meets the present and future needs of clients. The IASLT professional indemnity insurance scheme is available for members. GETTING INVOLVED 1. You have the opportunity to vote in council elections at our annual AGM. 2. You can join committees. 3. You can attend the annual IASLT Conference with top national and international speakers and a fantastic range of educational, scientific and social networking opportunities and experiences. MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS 1. 2. 3. Only current member’s clients can claim reimbursement for treatment from Health Insurance Providers. Members have the opportunity to submit their research, group or individual, in the form of a Poster or an Oral Presentation at the IASLT Biennial Conference. ABOVE ALL, AS A MEMBER, YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND POSITIVELY CONTRIBUTE TO THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROFESSION IN IRELAND. IASLT Update 2012 25