Speak Up

In this week’s episode, we recognise Swallowing Awareness Day by speaking with Stacey Baldac, SPA's Chief Speech Pathology Advancement, about a research project co-designed with people living with dysphagia. Stacey shares the importance of person-centred meals, communication, and collaboration in making mealtimes safe and enjoyable.

Resources:
UTS What's got us talking podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3J0C49qSCRtc6zdwsXJo5E

Safer Care Victoria – Communicating safe eating and drinking: https://www.safercare.vic.gov.au/best-practice-improvement/clinical-guidance/older-people/safe-eating-and-drinking

SPA resources:
SPA dysphagia resources:
https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/About-Us/News-media-campaigns/Campaigns/Dysphagia-resources.aspx

Swallowing Awareness Day: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/About-Us/News-media-campaigns/Campaigns/Swallowing-Awareness-Day.aspx?hkey=d108641b-dd30-4b89-87bf-9a03220716b4

The role of speech pathology in informed choice and shared decision-making in dysphagia: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=107

Swallowing difficulty: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/Comm-swallow/Swallowing.aspx?hkey=93e46500-d5af-4f7b-a60f-a34533e1e9f2

Modified foods and fluids terminology: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/About-Us/Ethics-and-standards/Modified-foods-and-fluids-terminology.aspx?hkey=22be50e5-4aab-4201-b443-82db0e1a2a34

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 episode we are rebroadcasting an episode from 2024 and reflect on the how a flexible approach to service delivery can improve the accessibility, adaptability, and efficacy of our supports There are many unknowns in the lead up to changes such as the introduction of Thriving Kids, and flexibility may help us weather these changes. We speak with Tania Kelly, Yadanar Tut, and Gaenor Dixon from the Department of Education in Queensland. Gaenor, Tania and Yadanar have been working with schools to establish flexible ways of delivering their services without compromising on quality. We discuss some of the enablers, barriers, and outcomes of these flexible models and the equitable service this promotes.

SPA resources:
Telepractice toolkit: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=3279

Telepractice in speech pathology position statement:
https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Common/Uploaded%20files/Smart%20Suite/Smart%20Library/1ebffbac-b78f-4956-963d-f12b00542dc5/FINAL_Telepractice-Position-Statement.pdf

Speech Pathology in Education Position Statement:
https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Members/libraryviewer?ResourceID=101

Speech pathology in Education Practice Guideline: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Members/libraryviewer?ResourceID=130

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 Amanda Hartmann about her experience with developing skills and confidence when working with AAC users. Amanda reflects on the changes over the time she has been a speech pathologist and shares some of her learnings.

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, 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 [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 Philippa Edwards, head of special education, and Haley Moran-Green, speech pathologist, who have been collaborating on how to improve classroom engagement for students with complex communication needs (CCN), in a central Queensland school. Haley and Philippa discuss how they supported teachers to understand how to create an aided language display (ADL) specific to the lesson plan and the positive impact this has had on teachers and students alike.

Resources:
Kent-Walsh, J., & Mcnaughton, D. (2005). Communication Partner Instruction in AAC: Present Practices and Future Directions. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 21(3), 195–204. https://doi.org/10.1080/07434610400006646

Senner, J., & Baud, M. (2016). The Use of an Eight-Step Instructional Model to Train School Staff in Partner-Augmented Input. Communication Disorders Quarterly. 38. https://doi.org/10.1177/1525740116651251

SPA resources:
If you are looking for more AAC learning opportunities SPA members can access these at members prices:
AAC skills lab series: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=1644067

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 are joined by Mary and Nicole from SPAs Regulation team to discuss the updated processes for overseas qualified speech pathologists to work in Australia. Nicole and Mary discuss the updates to the process for a speech pathologist who has trained in a country other than Australia, and how they can apply to have their qualifications recognised to work in Australia.

Resources:
• Skills assessment website - https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/Overseas-trained/Skills-Assessment/Skills-Assessments.aspx?hkey=ab0b3299-ec7d-4a3b-965f-7bdce32961b2
• Email [email protected]
• SPA’s core documents Code of Ethics (2020) https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/About-Us/Ethics-and-standards/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics.aspx,
• Professional Standards (2020) https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/About-Us/Ethics-and-standards/Professional-standards/Professional-Standards.aspx
• Scope of Practice (2022) https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/About-Us/Ethics-and-standards/Scope-of-Practice.aspx

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.