Speak Up

In this week’s episode, SPA First Nations Lead Nikita and our guests discuss how we can improve speech, language, and communication outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the early years of language development. The panel of researchers and clinicians share practical tips and resources to support and improve culturally safe and responsive practice.

Resources:
Hunt-Madden, C., Lewis, E., Purcell, A., & Macniven, R. (2026). Access to support for children with speech, language, and communication needs in the longitudinal study of Indigenous children. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2026.2661350

Closing the Gap:
https://www.closingthegap.gov.au/

Ezhi-gkendaagziyang
https://wordsetmots.ca/ezhi-gkendaagziyang

SPA resources:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culturally Responsive Capability Framework:
https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=884

Childhood and adolescent literacy position statement
https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=1243

Culturally Responsive Speech Pathology Practice position statement
https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=1097

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and offers our respect to Elders, across all times and places. The Speak Up podcast recognises the central role of yarning and oral storytelling in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, how this translates to knowledge translation, and that colonisation has interrupted these practices of Language and knowledge sharing. The Speak Up podcast acknowledges the need for truth-telling and deep listening, the central role that Language plays in connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Culture, Country, and Community, and the interwoven nature of health, and social and emotional wellbeing. We recognise that the Traditional Owners of the Lands across Australia have been here since time immemorial, and that their sovereignty over this land, 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: © (2026) 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, Jess speaks with Jenny Wills and Deb Cunningham about their research and work with people with facial palsy. They discuss the complexities of living with facial palsy and how speech pathologists interested in this practice area can upskill and provide comprehensive, person-centred support.

Resources:
Wills, J., Cunningham, D., & Forsberg, G. (2026). The SLP facial therapist: advancing and extending comprehensive facial palsy management in Australia. Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1080/22000259.2026.2710047

Vaughan, A., Copley, A., & Miles, A. (2022). Physical rehabilitation of central facial palsy: A survey of current multidisciplinary practice. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 24(6), 616–625. https://doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2021.2013533

Vaughan, A., Gardner, D., Miles, A., Copley, A., Wenke, R., & Coulson, S. (2020). A systematic review of physical rehabilitation of facial palsy. Frontiers in Neurology, 11, 222. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2020.00222

Facial Therapy Specialists International: https://facialtherapyspecialists.com/

Facial Palsy UK: https://www.facialpalsy.org.uk/

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and offers our respect to Elders, across all times and places. The Speak Up podcast recognises the central role of yarning and oral storytelling in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, how this translates to knowledge translation, and that colonisation has interrupted these practices of Language and knowledge sharing. The Speak Up podcast acknowledges the need for truth-telling and deep listening, the central role that Language plays in connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Culture, Country, and Community, and the interwoven nature of health, and social and emotional wellbeing. We recognise that the Traditional Owners of the Lands across Australia have been here since time immemorial, and that their sovereignty over this land, 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: © (2026) 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, podcast producers Jess and Nadia are joined by national advisor MJ to discuss inclusive, accessible service design. We feature two recordings from the recent SPA 2026 conference and reflect on the way our services can be enhanced with systemic change focussed on equality.

Free access to transcripts, as well as a full list of resources and 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

Resources:
The ABI Communication Lab from Peter’s presentation: https://abi-communication-lab.sydney.edu.au/

My Comms- visual calendar app from Jenn’s presentation: https://commspec.co/

SPA resources:
Present at the 2027 SPA conference: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Events/Conference/2027/2027-Conference-Program-submissions.aspx

SPA Conference 2026 equity, diversity and inclusion stream: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/catalog-spa-conference-2026-equity-diversity-and-inclusion-stream-2225469

Upcoming SPA wellbeing learning opportunity: Working well (free for members) https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/catalog-working-well-navigating-through-uncertain-times-1822758

Upcoming SPA wellbeing learning opportunity: Managing challenging interactions: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/catalog-managing-challenging-interactions-october-2026-1631071

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and offers our respect to Elders, across all times and places. The Speak Up podcast recognises the central role of yarning and oral storytelling in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, how this translates to knowledge translation, and that colonisation has interrupted these practices of Language and knowledge sharing. The Speak Up podcast acknowledges the need for truth-telling and deep listening, the central role that Language plays in connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Culture, Country, and Community, and the interwoven nature of health, and social and emotional wellbeing. We recognise that the Traditional Owners of the Lands across Australia have been here since time immemorial, and that their sovereignty over this land, was never ceded.

Disclaimer: © (2026) 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 Ramas McRae joins us to recognise International Week of Deaf People and the International Day of Sign Languages. He explores how communication access and inclusion influence the wellbeing of Deaf people, and shares ways speech pathologists can support inclusion and be effective allies.

Dr McRae participates in this conversation using Auslan. We encourage you to access the video version, presented in Auslan and English, also with captions. You can view this at https://youtu.be/UFQsiyhZWm0

Content warning: This episode features topics that some viewers and listeners may find distressing. It includes discussions of exclusionary practices, mental health difficulties, and suicide. If this content brings up difficult feelings for you, please reach out to:
• Lifeline at 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636
• 13 YARN at 13 92 76 (support for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander individuals)

Special thanks to Genevieve Cassin for interpretation during this episode.

Resources:
Dr McRae's publications: https://ramasmcrae.com/publications

International Day of Sign Languages: https://www.un.org/en/observances/sign-languages-day

International Week of Deaf People: https://wfdeaf.org/international-week-of-deaf-people-2026/

SPA resources:
Culturally responsive speech pathology practice: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=1097

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and offers our respect to Elders, across all times and places. The Speak Up podcast recognises the central role of yarning and oral storytelling in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, how this translates to knowledge translation, and that colonisation has interrupted these practices of Language and knowledge sharing. The Speak Up podcast acknowledges the need for truth-telling and deep listening, the central role that Language plays in connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Culture, Country, and Community, and the interwoven nature of health, and social and emotional wellbeing. We recognise that the Traditional Owners of the Lands across Australia have been here since time immemorial, and that their sovereignty over this land, 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: © (2026) 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, Jess speaks with Professor Mark Onslow, Director of the Australian Stuttering Research Centre at the University of Technology in Sydney. Mark discusses practical strategies for clinicians who find themselves needing to answer the question, “why did my child start to stutter?”

Resources:
Franken, M. C., Hearne, A., Jelčić Jakšić, S., Neef, N. E., & Onslow, M. (2025). Contemporary clinical conversations about stuttering: Telling parents why their child began to stutter. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 1-6.

Anderson, J., Lowe, R., Yandeau, E., Parolini, M., & Onslow, M. (2026). Contemporary clinical conversations about stuttering: How to keep up with stuttering treatment research. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 28(2), 298-302.

Stuttering and its clinical management: Twelve lectures: https://www.uts.edu.au/globalassets/shared-media/documents/research/australian-stuttering-research-centre/stuttering-and-its-clinical-management---12-lectures_2026-02-01.pdf

Australian Stuttering Research Centre: https://www.uts.edu.au/research/centres/australian-stuttering-research-centre

SPA resources:
Stuttering Management Position Statement: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=105

Stuttering Management Practice Guideline: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=142

Restart-DCM course 2027: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=1842194

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and offers our respect to Elders, across all times and places. The Speak Up podcast recognises the central role of yarning and oral storytelling in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, how this translates to knowledge translation, and that colonisation has interrupted these practices of Language and knowledge sharing. The Speak Up podcast acknowledges the need for truth-telling and deep listening, the central role that Language plays in connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Culture, Country, and Community, and the interwoven nature of health, and social and emotional wellbeing. We recognise that the Traditional Owners of the Lands across Australia have been here since time immemorial, and that their sovereignty over this land, was never ceded.

Free access to transcripts are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/). For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Disclaimer: © (2026) 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.