Speak Up

In this week’s episode, we speak with Professor Nerina Scarinci, who will be delivering the Elizabeth Usher memorial lecture at the SPA Conference in Yugembah, also known as the Gold Coast, in June this year. Nerina speaks about the way that centring relationships can result in improvement in the services we deliver. Nerina discusses how relationship centred care can support cultural safety from the perspective of d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing individuals.

Resources:
Meyer, Carly and Scarinci, Nerina (2019). Planning a Patient- and Family-Centered Approach to Service Delivery. Patient and Family-Centered Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Edited by Carly Meyer, Nerina Scarinci, and Louise Hickson. New York, NY United States: Thieme.70-93.

Don’t miss out on hearing more from Nerina at the SPA 2026 Conference: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/CPD-events/SPA-conference/2026/Home.aspx

SPA 2020 Code of Ethics: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/About-Us/Ethics-and-standards/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics.aspx?hkey=33c84f2c-2bf2-47b0-b201-d5f5616fb191

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 [email protected]

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 we speak with the authors of “Navigating choice: eating, drinking, and decision-making at end of life for individuals with cognitive impairment” about the vital role speech pathologist play in end-of-life and palliative care. Dr Laura Chahda, Laura Knauer, Darcy Long, Druvni Perera, and Sanora Yonan discuss their recent publication, and how we as speech pathologists can feel empowered to play a pivotal role as a member of these unique care teams.

Resources:
Chahda, L., Perera, D., Long, D., Knauer, L., & Yonan, S. (2025). Navigating choice: eating, drinking and decision-making at end of life for individuals with cognitive impairment. Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology, 27(3), 225–233. https://doi.org/10.1080/22000259.2025.2562824

Chahda, L., Mathisen, B. A., & Carey, L. B. (Eds.). (2026). Speech-language pathology and palliative care. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003241966

Elwyn, G., Durand, M. A., Song, J., Aarts, J., Barr, P. J., Berger, Z., … & Frosch, D. L. (2017). A three-talk model for shared decision making: Multistage consultation process. BMJ, 359, j4891. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.j4891

SPA resources:
Informed Choice and Shared Decision-Making for Clients who Eat and Drink with Acknowledged Risk

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 [email protected]

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, Nikita Austin (Wanaruah Nation), SPA's First Nations Lead, speaks with Dr Grant Bruno (Samson Cree Nation) from the University of Alberta in Canada, and Dr Samarra Toby (Gangulu, Northern Cheyenne, Australian South Sea Islander, Darumbal, Iman Nations) a GP and founder of the Native Academy of Space, Science and Innovation. They discuss Indigenous ways of understanding and experiencing autism, and centring Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing in practice and research.

You can hear more from Dr Toby at the SPA Conference in Yugambeh | Gold Coast, 25-27 June 2026.

Resources:
Bruno et al. (2025). Decolonizing autism research: Integrating Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. Autism, 29(11), 2637-2643. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613251382398

Bruno et al. (2025). Global Indigenous perspectives on autism and autism research: Colonialism, cultural insights and ways forward. Autism, 29(2), 275-283.
https://doi.org/10.1177/136236132513183

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

Reframing and repositioning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=847

Position statement: Autism: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=111

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 [email protected]

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.

This week’s episode was recorded at the 2025 SPA conference in Adelaide or Tarntanya. This episode we speak with Professor Kirrie Ballard, and Dr Jacqui McKechnie about thinking flexibly when planning adaptable supports. Although this was recorded some time ago the conversation holds value for those who are considering how to adapt their services to a changing environment, like the introduction of Thriving Kids.

Resources: 
Knowledge to action model resources: https://thecenterforimplementation.com/toolbox/knowledge-to-action-model

https://hhscebi.ca/resources/knowledgetranslationframework/

Flexible models of service supports S6E24: https://soundcloud.com/speechpathologyaustralia/flexible-models-of-service-supports-s6e24?si=72806b06e24441f4aad79e790ca803a3&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing


SPA resources:

Member webinar: Thriving kids panel Wednesday 29 April 2026 11.30-1pm: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/EventDetail?EventKey=26PEV24

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 [email protected]

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.

To celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd 2026, we are rebroadcasting our earth day episode from last year, where we speak with Dr. Abby Foster, and Suzanne Mungall, speech pathologists, about Earth Day, coming up on April 22nd. Suzanne and Abby share their experiences about speech pathology and climate change, and why they feel the urgent need for health professionals to address the impacts of climate change on health and service delivery. Claire Esterman, from the Speak Up Podcast Reference Group opens the episode with a brief reflection highlighting the opportunities, personally and professionally, that Abby and Suzanne discuss.


Resources: 

Earth Day: https://www.earthday.org/

United Nations climate change information: https://www.un.org/en/climatechange

National Safety and Quality Health Standards voluntary environmental sustainability and climate resilience module:
https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/standards/environmental-sustainability-and-climate-resilience-healthcare-module

Helping people with Aphasia prepare for an emergency:
https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2020-1118-aphasia-friendly-emergency/full/

UN Sustainable development goals: https://sdgs.un.org/goals

Climate for change: https://www.climateforchange.org.au/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw782_BhDjARIsABTv_JDCadnChAqwfxbWIGwXnflty21bBF9DSDaLpYc1-XVHIzHRFpPusXgaAjotEALw_wcB

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 [email protected]

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.