Navigating NDIS change: Challenges and opportunities S8E27

Housing choices for people with complex communication S8E29

In this week’s episode, Jess speaks with Ashleigh McLeod and Professor Jo Watson about how we can support people with complex communication needs (CCN) to make choices about where and how they live. Resources: McLeod, A., Froude, E., Watson, J., & Berg, N. (2026). Speech language pathologists’ perspectives of supporting people with complex communication needs to make decisions about where and how they live. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 1-12. United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-persons-disabilities Supported Decision-making Act, 2024: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/guide-to-aged-care-law/chapter-1-introduction/supported-decision-making?language=en Guardian and Administration Act, 2019: https://www.justice.vic.gov.au/justice-system/laws-and-regulation/guardianship-and-administration-act-2019 SPA resources: Values based decision making: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=1148 The role of the SP in Informed Choice and Shared Decision-Making in Dysphagia: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=107 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.

Embedding Indigenous Ways In allied health curricula S8E28

In this week’s episode, Jess speaks with Morgan Carter, Troy Walker, and Alison Spence about a novel means of embedding Indigenous ways into a dietetics curriculum. They discuss what their curriculum entailed, and the many ways that it could be generalised into other allied health education curricula. SPA Resources: Lowitja Institute research guides and reading lists - https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=3139 Demonstrating inclusive and respectful language - https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=3307 Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet - https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=3307 Speech Pathology practice in Aboriginal spaces - https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=279095 Position Statement: Culturally responsive speech pathology practice - https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=1097 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culturally Responsive Capability Framework - 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, 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 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.

Navigating NDIS change: Challenges and opportunities S8E27

In this week’s episode we're joined by Kirsty McGovern-Hooley (RSM Australia), Dr Erin West (SPA), Georgia Cunningham (ORS Group) and Kate Pollard (Melaleuca Therapies) to discuss the latest NDIS reforms and what they mean for speech pathology practices, providers and participants. Together, they explore the proposed NDIS Bill 2026, pricing and compliance changes, business sustainability, advocacy efforts, and practical strategies for navigating change while continuing to support participants and deliver high-quality services. Resources: RSM Australia: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Member-Services/Member-benefits/RSM-Australia.aspx Industry Legal Group: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Member-Services/Member-benefits/Industry-Legal-Group.aspx SPA resources: Submission: NDIS Bill: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=1221 Supplementary submission: NDIS Bill: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=1233 SPA appearance at Senate Inquiry: https://www.youtube.com/live/CrVlldIGgww?si=IWrxfLZOIwQglXlv&t=23794 Private practice and business supports for members: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Member-Services/Professional-practice/Private-practice-and-business-support-for-members.aspx Business models for speech pathology practices: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Member-Services/Professional-practice/business-models-for-sp-practices.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 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.

SPs & engineers using AI to support speech differences S8E26

In this week’s episode, we speak with Professor Kirrie Ballad and Associate Professor Beena Ahmed about the opportunities that exist for speech pathologists to collaborate with engineers and how technology, and especially AI can support us to support others. 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 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.

Building communication partner skills in dementia S8E25

In this week’s episode, Jess speaks with Dr Natalie Douglas who shares practical tips and advice for speech pathologists supporting communication partners caring for people with dementia. Resources: Preferences for Everyday Living Inventory (PELI) https://www.preferencebasedliving.com/for-practitioners/practitioner/assessment/ Montessori for Dementia, Ageing & Adult Care | Montessori Australia https://montessori.org.au/montessori-ageing-dementia IPPI protocols: Individualized Positive Psychosocial Interaction (IPPI) Program https://www.preferencebasedliving.com/ippi/individualized-positive-psychosocial-intervention-protocol-ippi/ Home | Dementia Australia https://www.dementia.org.au/ Adria Thompson Dementia Education https://www.belightcare.com/ Coaching & Consultations | Dementia Collaborative https://www.dementiacollaborative.com/coaching-consultations Alzheimer's Association | Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Help https://www.alz.org/ Books – Dementia Care Training & Education | Redesigning Dementia Care | Brush Development https://brushdevelopment.com/books/ The 36-Hour Day, Eighth Edition: A Lifeline for Caregivers | Hopkins Press https://www.press.jhu.edu/newsroom/36-hour-day-eighth-edition-lifeline-caregivers?srsltid=AfmBOoqbaGfADrhGaNq7TR-tNoKGG5L2VZnY0LBuKSOcK-WPOKa6MUgb 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.