Communication - Using Tikanga in your Practice Unlocking Prisoner Potential Ngā Whāriki Kōrero - New Zealand ...
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ISSUE /NGĀ TAKE 40 SPRING/KŌANGA communication 2020 Using Tikanga in your Practice Unlocking Prisoner Potential • Ngā Whāriki Kōrero
Contents Rārangi upoko kōrero 1 2 3 4 5 6 From the NZSTA Recount / Board news Te Reo o What is president Happenings review Te Kaumatua cultural safety? Podcast 8 10 12 13 14 16 De-colonising Ngā Whāriki Ko Taku Reo: Gwen Gender Engaging and re- Kōrero Deaf Education Broadley, affirming with older centering New Zealand Life Member voice and adults about of NZSTA communication swallowing therapy 17 18 19 20 21 22 KiwiChat goes Unlocking SLT in Renewed Dear Friend, Contact virtual prisoner the media interest in a letter to details potential developmental our speech language language disorder therapist Cover: Photo kindly gifted by Whakatōhea iwi and Talking ISSN 2324-2302 (Print) Matters, depicting their partnership in Ōpōtiki. We will be ISSN 2324-2310 (Online) running a feature about Whakatōhea and their journey of The NZSTA reserves the right to refuse for inclusion in Communication Matters, any revitalising te reo Māori, in our Summer Issue. articles, features or advertisements which are contrary to the NZSTA Code of Ethics. Unless formally stated to the contrary, acceptance and publication of material and Please contact the editor with your ideas at any time and we advertising does not imply endorsement of views, positions, programmes or products will endeavour to accommodate them in the next edition. by NZSTA. Articles may be edited. Send to editor@speechtherapy.org.nz
From the president Nā te tumuaki Annette Rotherham president@speechtherapy.org.nz The past 3 months have Despite challenging times during these values and embed them into COVID-19’s disruptions to our daily our practice. We are focusing on one been full of celebrations. lives and work environments, it was value per year for raising awareness. Our 2020 AGM celebrated important to acknowledge achievements Awareness week 2020 has the theme in research, student supervision, and of Whanaungatanga – Get connected, all the mahitahi within the ambassadorship, through the NZSTA Be connected, Stay connected during a NZSTA membership over awards and grants. We were very proud “week of connection” 7–13 September, the past year. Again I thank to award Brooke Dibley the 2020 we look forward to seeing how creative Ambassador Award, and Fiona Dominick you are with this theme. all the area reps, our private from Whakatane, the 2020 Clinical Finally, we announced our new Board practice rep, and our student Field Supervisor Award. with three newly elected members to join reps who contribute time It has been a huge milestone to launch our hardworking team. Katrina McGarr and energy and show the 2025 Strategic Plan, which you will (Ngāi Tahu) has been elected to Māori have received with your Winter edition of and Cultural Development, Emma Quigan leadership in their daily Communication Matters. We carry on the (Ngāi Tahu) has been elected to work representing NZSTA. mahi of the past NZSTA Board from 2015 Communications and Akshat Shah has and take this plan to the next level with been elected to Member Networks. the incorporation of the NZSTA Values of We farewelled Jodi White who served six Whanaungatanga, Aroha, Kotahitanga years in the Member Networks portfolio and Rangatiratanga. We want to live and has demonstrated huge leadership, commitment and support to members. We also acknowledged Shannon Hennig who came on board for ten months and worked hard in the Communications role through difficult times for the Association. Ngā mihi nui to you both. The future is looking bright and I am so Left: looking forward to being able to meet in Annette Rotherham person in September as a board and to on a Beehive Tour plan for the coming 12 months. during the school holidays. Annette Communication Matters • 1
NZSTA Happenings Some of our recent Association happenings at a glance... 1 JUNE Left: Rotorua SLTs Return to Practice Framework relax post AGM and Processes reviewed with Rukingi and by Members Network and Annette. Professional Standards. Below: Additional support and Karen Brewer processes now in place. launches Ngā See website. Whāriki Kōrero. See page 10. 2 JULY MID-JUNE 30 JULY Dr Karen Brewer and NZSTA Dr Anna Miles appointed Level 1 Community SLT and launch Ngā Whāriki Kōrero: Vice‑President of NZSTA. Hospital-based SLT COVID-19 a kaupapa Māori SLT package Guidance launched. for whānau with communication difficulties caused by stroke. 20 JULY AUGUST Annual General Meeting NZSTA launched their first ever via Zoom. 2020 awards Scope of Practice Paper on and grants announced. Working in the Justice System. 2 • Communication Matters
What we have done Recount / review Achievements for the Many thanks to all the members who got in touch about profession of speech‑language our COVID‑19 focussed issue. It was good to hear that the therapy 2015–2020 many resources shared were useful, and that we were able to continue the enormous generosity which emerged during our difficult months. “It is really lovely to be part of NZSTA. We moved from South Africa to Increase in membership numbers NZ in November 2019 and it’s from 650 to 900 (40% increase) things, like reading Communication Matters, that really just made me feel included and so excited to continue my journey here, especially after the challenging COVID-19 and craziness of 2020 as a whole.” Karla Roodt, CCDHB Establishment of the Kaumātua role and the development of our The Winter 2020 issue is available own NZSTA Kaupapa on the NZSTA website. Enormous apologies to Katrina McGarr, for the misspelling of her name throughout the Winter issue. Self regulating / self governing profession with Annual Practising Certificates Feedback, ideas and contributions for Communication Matters are always very welcome. Consider also sending high-resolution photos of interesting aspects of SLT practice, which we can Establishment of a Consumer profile with a descriptive caption. Contributions can be lengthy reference group and the or brief, and all add to lively kōrero. consumer lead position Please contact editor@speechtherapy.org.nz Communication Matters • 3
Board news Introducing Akshat Shah, Introducing Emma Quigan, Introducing Ashleigh Neumann, Member Networks portfolio holder Communications portfolio holder Private Practice Representative Akshat is an experienced, multilingual Emma (Ngāi Tahu, Pākehā) leads a team Ashleigh is a paediatric speech and SLT based in Whangarei, Northland. of community activators for Talking language therapist who runs Canterbury He has held roles at the Ministry of Matters, partnering with whānau, iwi, Speech and Language Therapy in the Education, DHBs, and private practice, communities and professionals to put South Island. She has been in private and has most recently been the an intentional focus on creating and practice for almost 5 years now, and also NZSTA Area Representative for the enhancing rich language environments runs a private practice special interest Auckland region. He is passionate for babies. Previously, Emma held a group in Canterbury. She is an active about supporting and engaging position within Ministry of Education, NZSTA member, and an advocate for with SLTs across roles and regions. focusing on professional development having that guidance, networking and and sector capability. Emma is also professional safety they offer private studying for her Masters in Education practitioners. She is looking forward at The University of Auckland. to meeting more of our wonderful members, and taking on the exciting projects that our last representative, Bridget, got underway during her term. Podcast Getting better: A year in the life of a Māori medical student A great podcast I’m listening to at the moment that explores the themes of my article in this issue of CM, Emma Espiner’s RNZ podcast ‘Getting better: A year in the life of a Māori medical student’. • Hana Tuwhare 4 • Communication Matters
Te Reo o Te Kaumatua Nā Rukingi Haupapa Rukingi Haupara, Kaumatua Ngā mihi o te wā. The seasons are synchronised with the NZSTA’s kaumātua Cultural Advisor, are sun, moon, stars (e.g. Matariki) and planet available to help you and your work. He Kete This issue of Communication earth. Māori, as do other indigenous Whanaungatanga is a resource group of groups of the world, base their tikanga Māori and non-Māori SLTs who want to Matters is our Spring or (i.e. practises of living) on the knowledge include tikanga in their mahi to benefit Kōanga issue. We put it and beliefs directly related and clients. Many of the organisations that you together in the middle of connected to the environment. are employed by also have Māori staff and resources to implement tikanga. There lies winter, when it is cold and Winter (Hōtoke or Takurua) is the arrival the challenge to you as SLTs, to use these. of Matariki and a time to reflect on those when most things are resting we’ve lost and the things we’ve done. NZSTA Week of Action, and Stroke or sleeping. However, here This is also the best time, while it is cold Awareness weeks fall in Spring this year. in Aotearoa our indigenous outside, to have wānanga inside to Please share any activities you have been plan and scheme for the new year – do involved with this year. culture and beliefs tell us better and improve. Kōanga/Spring is One of my research findings was that something different. the launching season for your ‘Master ‘whānau did not have a chance to meet Plan’. Things will warm up, plants and other whānau who had been through animals come alive, and everything the same horrible journey’. If you are busily flourishes. thinking of doing something with Māori What does all the above have to do with clients and whānau, please email me SLTs and NZSTA? kaumatua@speechtherapy.org.nz. We are planning a number of Māori To me, having a tikanga or practise of activities with whānau around the Bay of reflecting on your work at least two Plenty and love to connect with you and times a year, one with Māori New Year the people you work with. with arrival of the Matariki star cluster in winter, and again at Christmas/New Year Ka nui te pahupahu o te koroua nei, nareira in Dec/Jan in summer, gives us excellent me oti. opportunities to improve and do Kia ora pai koutou ki o koutou kāinga maha things better. huri noa i te motu. Nākū noa Rukingi Communication Matters • 5
What is cultural safety? Q and A with Katrina McGarr, Māori and Cultural Development Portfolio, Tūranga Kaupapa Māori Cultural safety involves being Can I use checklists to make sure To understand these restrictions, we I’m being Culturally Safe in my need to explore the concepts of tapu aware of our own culture and workplace? and noa. Most people are already familiar beliefs, and how these can Unfortunately, you can’t. A checklist with tapu, being sacred and protected; noa, in essence, is the complementary influence our interactions doesn’t (and shouldn’t!) exist as it would undermine the essence and opposite. It is unrestricted or common with patients and clients. true understanding of what makes a and can lift the restrictions of tapu by By recognising our own behaviour or practice tikanga. way of a karakia (blessing or prayer), or by action (using water or eating kai). personal attitudes and biases, How do I know then if I am The protocol of tikanga that we follow we can begin to recognise incorporating tikanga into my has evolved from ensuring that tapu and differences in ourselves and practice as a SLT? How could I noa remain separate to protect mana. introduce more? the people we work with and To apply tikanga, it is best to start To further guide our understanding of tikanga, we must also consider the alongside during a client’s with understanding “what is tikanga?” standards in which we aspire to; these journey through our care. This Tikanga are correct procedures or are our values or ideals. Within these, protocol underpinned by core values guided by tapu and noa, customary awareness then allows us and practices that guide our behaviour expectations and values become more as clinicians to purposefully in how we interact with others, ngā Atua apparent, as does our deepened (the Gods / personifications of the create environments in which natural world) and the world around us. understanding of what makes them tika/true/correct. our clients feel recognised, Tikanga protects what is tapu, as well as valued, and safe. our health, our wellbeing and our dignity. Tikanga also creates processes to ensure we engage in ways where people are heard and respected. This is why some tikanga may seem common sense, such as washing our hands before and after preparing kai or not sitting on a table where kai is served. 6 • Communication Matters
Some of these values you may There are many more values that underpin tikanga, and what is important already be familiar with; such as: is to understand the values that drive you and how you relate to others. My goal is for all SLT in Aotearoa to feel Whanaungatanga Rangatiratanga less threatened by the word “tikanga” How we build and How we nurture or scared of “violating protocol”, and maintain relationships and empower to engage with the communities and people around you to start conversations on what tikanga means to each client and their whānau. I look forward to the opportunity for ako/reciprocated Aroha Kotahitanga learning with all of you; whether it is How we demonstrate How we work together to supporting you on your own learning journey, or learning from your anecdotes, empathy and compassion achieve a common goal experiences, and wisdom. If tikanga is something you would like to know more about, there are free courses available through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa; and I am always happy to kōrero and answer any pātai/questions. • Communication Matters • 7
De-colonising and re-centering Hana Tuwhare (Ngāpuhi), Community Activator for Talking Matters I began a journey of It felt important to bring these conceptual to supporting our Māori whānau, frameworks to life in my practice as but I wasn’t sure how this looked in decolonising and re-centering part of my own journey in re-centering professional practice. So, I asked the matauranga Māori (Māori matauranga Māori, but also as an equity people who were doing it: Māori SLTs issue as our education system has long (published research coming soon). knowledge) around the same been underperforming for our Māori time I was studying to be an I felt like I was just scratching the tamariki and their whānau. surface with this exploration and knew SLT. During this time, I was I took a deeper dive in my if I wanted to get it right with our Māori introduced to Māori health honours research and explored whānau, I had a lot more learning to do. whakawhanaungatanga (relationship After completing my SLT studies I spent and education frameworks building) when working with Māori a year in a full-immersion te reo Māori: but I struggled to apply these tamariki and their whānau. I knew no English spoken, only te reo Māori in a practical sense. relationships were fundamental from 9am – 3pm, 5 days a week. This was a year of living and breathing Māori ways of thinking, doing and speaking. The year was full of deep learnings and it affirmed to me that I wanted to work in an environment that valued matauranga Māori and supported the revitalisation of te reo Māori. I now work with Talking Matters, a campaign to get everyone talking with babies and young tamariki under the age of three. As language, culture and identity are inextricably linked, the vision is that when young tamariki are wrapped in an environment rich in the language(s) and practices of their whānau and home they thrive as thinkers, learners and talkers who stand strong in their identity. I was first introduced to Talking Matters as a student on placement. I spent a day on a marae with whānau who Photo credit: Talking Matters 8 • Communication Matters
were on a journey to create richer oral language environments for their young ones: Tamariki were running around, whānau were sharing their knowledge and kai as well as listening intently to kaumatua (elders) who shared pūrākau (ancient stories) that carried wisdom around parenting. They were relaxed, engaged, sharing and laughing – and it was all focused around building rich language environments. This was the kind of kaupapa I wanted to be around. The whanaungatanga was there, the engagement was there, the knowledge around building language was there. Since working with Talking Matters, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of key ways environments like this can Photo credit: Talking Matters be fostered. Whānau to whānau coaching Whānau-led Whanaungatanga Some whānau on the Talking Matters Māori are descendants of discoverers, Whanaungatanga is about connecting. kaupapa become coaches or champions explorers and innovators and our It's about creating ongoing reciprocal who support other whānau in their knowledge was used, and is still used, to relationships developed through shared community. When whānau experience traverse the unknown. Through a process experiences and working together. the impact on wellbeing when focusing of whanaungatanga we can gain a better Whanaungatanga puts whānau at the on interacting, responding and talking idea of what that whānau are traversing centre and creates space for people to with tamariki, they are empowered and how to support them with our speak from their heart, rather than what and excited to share that knowledge unique SLT skills. When we view whānau we might want to hear. Through this in culturally affirming ways with other as explorers and innovators of their own process of connecting, we gain a deeper whānau. Parents often look to people journeys, we make space for them to take understanding of whānau aspirations, they trust for advice and information the lead. I’m inspired by the many whānau barriers, and strengths. If there is one about parenting, particularly whānau who take the knowledge around building thing I’ve learned, whanaungatanga is and friends. A network of coaches is language for tamariki and determine their the work. It’s the work that allows us as whanaungatanga in action and can own way forward in how it fits in to their SLTs to be responsive to whānau in the provide a sustainable way to support lives. I am humbled by the knowledge support we provide because there is a many whānau in a connected community. and strengths that whānau inherently shared understanding, trust and respect. This reminds me that as the SLT, my role possess and it can be a powerful as an SLT Taking the time to build relationships will can be to step aside, make space for to simply affirm what whānau know. always be worth it. the people we work with who know I am truly humbled by what whānau have their communities. to offer when we make the space for it and look forward to continuing the journey. • Communication Matters • 9
Ngā Whāriki Kōrero Selena Donaldson, Editor Dr Karen Brewer The outcome of Karen’s Health Research 2 Council funded post-doctoral research, (Whakatōhea, Ngaiterangi) these resources began with the many, The website provides a rich collection launched Ngā Whāriki many hours Karen spent hearing the of video and written resources to help stories of Māori and their whānau Māori post stroke understand what Kōrero on 2 July 2020 at has happened and what to expect. after stroke. She went on to listen to The University of Auckland the experiences of SLTs, Māori health Aphasia and speech-language therapy is explained, as well as ideas for beginning and via Zoom. This is a specialists and Stroke Foundation to rehabilitate in the early days. The three community advisors. beautiful kaupapa Māori components of Ngā Whāriki Kōrero is speech language therapy available to download in pdf-form from the website. package for whānau with 1 communication difficulties SLT online professional stroke.blogs.auckland.ac.nz| development modules. Available caused by stroke. Karen talks from NZSTA, these courses provide extensively about how to use foundational knowledge around the Ngā Whāriki Kōrero in the health context for Māori, and give specific information for therapy launch, the link to which is on and working with our Māori Health the NZSTA website. colleagues. Available on the Online CPD website. 10 • Communication Matters
3 4 Karen has distributed her resources across Aotearoa to each of our DHBs, The booklet, written especially for These two exquisite resources work in sending numbers correlating with Māori and their whānau, explains tandem. Talking Mats are an interactive the proportion of Māori in each area. stroke, aphasia and the roles of speech resource with communication symbols Please do feel free to contact Karen for language therapy and communication- depicting topics, options and a scale, further copies or download the pdfs based groups to help survivors with their placed in a manner explores feelings and from the website. • communication. There is a strong focus opinions. Ngā Whāriki Kōrero helps on moving forward with aphasia, and it the SLT or communication partner to provides extensive ideas for enhancing build a successful relationship and hear recovery and suggestions for how about what is important to the person whānau can help. with aphasia and their whānau. CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Whāriki (English) – stroke survivor cards Whakawhitiwhiti CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Relationships burden it’s hard te whakawhitiwhiti being sociable © Brewer, McCann, Harwood. May 2020. version 1.0 Communication Matters This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ • 11 Ngā Whāriki Kōrero – Whāriki (English) – stroke survivor cards – CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 15 he aha tēnei mate te whai kawenga mō te
Ko Taku Reo: Deaf Education New Zealand: A new national service Angela Wightman, Bronwyn Bailey, Claire Kinera, Delicia Coetzer, Judith Lemberg, Rosie Lamb, Sophie Te Awa Exciting. Mad. Messy. A new national organisation, Ko Taku Reo We are taking this time to re-examine Deaf Education New Zealand, will take our practice. We will endeavour to Stressful. Some of the terms their place. provide a fair and equitable service to the that described the first half of Consequently, we will have a national 2000+ students who are deaf or hard of hearing within New Zealand, regardless the year for Speech-language Speech-language Therapy service. of location and background. We want Therapists in Deaf Education. Merging our separate services has to champion bilingual and trilingual been a huge learning curve. However, This has been a time of we are embracing this change and practice to the best of our abilities. We value New Zealand Sign Language great change. relishing the opportunity to have as an integral part of Deaf culture and a more collegial support and sharing On July 20 2020, van Asch Deaf language that should be available to all. of ideas. The lockdown provided an Education Centre and Kelston Deaf We see deafness as a communication unprecedented opportunity to meet Education Centre will be no more, difference, not as a disorder. regularly via Zoom, something that was bringing to a close 140 years of van Asch notoriously difficult when we were all This is a messy, mad, stressful exciting and 62 years of Kelston. travelling and at separate schools. time. But it has the potential to be great. • Ko taku reo taku ohooho, ko taku reo taku mapihi mauria My language is my awakening, my language is the window to my soul Left: Collegial support and connection at Ko Taku Reo Deaf Education 12 • Communication Matters
Gwen Broadley, Life Member of NZSTA, passed away peacefully on June 8 aged 99 Gwen’s family kindly shared Auckland until finally retiring in 1998 aged 78. memories of Gwen’s speech- Gwen developed professional skills as language therapy career, with clinic-based SLT and (later) as supervisor Shannon Hennig, and we in her role as Senior SLT under Val Lewis’s capture some here. leadership as District Head Therapist from Pukekohe to Kaitaia. Supervision Above: Gwen undertook SLT training in enabled her to develop professional Gwen Broadley Christchurch in 1944 on completion of and personal relationships with many Teachers College. Unable at first to get fine colleagues as she worked alongside an SLT position, Gwen taught in Gwen, at 99, would have glimmers them in their clinics and schools across Blenheim until her son and daughter of her former life, and announce (in a the region. were born in 1947 and 1950. tone of wonder) that she used to be Gwen served for many years in a Speech Language Therapist! Once In 1957, Gwen began work in a relief various roles in NZSTA; expanding her when shown a memorial sheet for role at Grafton 2 Speech Clinic in network of friends and colleagues while Helen Flower, Gwen smiled and said, Nugent Street, Central Auckland. organising or attending workshops “Helen... she was a kind and good friend”. Later describing it as a “floundering and conferences throughout NZ and, Other names from the past still resonated, start” to her SLT career, Gwen gratefully occasionally, Australia. and mention of Val Lewis always brought benefitted from some ‘re-training’ a smile of recognition. observing Nona Brooker’s clinic. Many parents and children kept in touch This experience had a profound effect, with Gwen after retirement. She certainly Communication has been at the forefront boosting Gwen’s confidence, and left a lasting impression. In her rest home of all Gwen’s professional and personal providing a model for Gwen’s later in Dargaville, despite the advancement interactions. Gwen’s main interest in life contribution to training new therapists. of dementia, Gwen astounded a local has always been people. Even when She learned the value of observation doctor whose son had a lisp. Gwen her conversations became very brief, and the chance to work alongside switched on her professional persona: and sometimes very muddled, she those with specialist skills. performing exercises and prescribing recognised the value of communication. Gwen was a valued member of Glen practice! She assured them the difficulty Gwen told everyone how lucky she is Taylor School for 23 years until her first would resolve itself with practice. Next and what a long life she lived. As a Life retirement in 1981. She later relieved for day, she had no recollection of the visit Member of NZSTA we are so grateful Special Education Service across Greater and her help. for all Gwen contributed to SLT. • Communication Matters • 13
Gender affirming voice and communication therapy Fiona Dominick, Whakatane Hospital There were notable differences between gender groups’ demand for voice therapy. While this demand was higher for trans Late last year, I attended Jack Byrne, Human Rights Consultant women (61%) and lower for from TransAction, set the scene, reporting a Midland regional hui in on the findings from the ‘Counting non-binary participants (18%), almost a third of trans men wanted Hamilton, working to agree Ourselves Community Report’. voice therapy and very few had on a regional pathway for This was a survey with 1178 participants, been able to access it (32%).” Gender Affirming Healthcare. conducted from in 2018. Participants were from all regions across Aotearoa. countingourselves.nz/ They were 45% Non Binary, 29% index.php/community-report/ Trans men and 26% Trans women. Confrontingly, it revealed that 50% of Transgender women had an These findings were upsetting to me to unmet need for voice therapy! hear. However, I reflected that as a SLT working in Aotearoa for 14 years, I had not carried out any Gender Affirming Treatments so how could I have suspected anything less? I felt that I am The reasons why people cited for not having accessed voice therapy part of a system that was letting Gender included; Diverse People down and therefore Don’t know where to go 52% I want to be part of the solution. After 8 years of playing Roller Derby (an Cannot afford this 46% inclusive sport with a strong Rainbow community), some of my closest friends Do not know what to expect or not familiar with the procedures 21% were transgender men, transgender Afraid to 17% women and non-binary. It was time to start learning and growing a service that Might be treated badly for being trans or non-binary 12% could meet their needs. The Professional Do not have confidence in the service provided 7% Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa (PATHA) reports that “limited It takes too much time 7% access to gender affirming healthcare has a negative effect on the mental health Another reason 9% and wellbeing of people seeking to access them”. 14 • Communication Matters
The ‘Guidelines for Gender Affirming We should also have a wider community Healthcare for Gender Diverse and focus and increase awareness of the Transgender Children, Young People services we can provide and build and Adults in Aotearoa New Zealand’* relationships with key organisations state that “Speech and communication such as Rainbow Youth, InsideOUT, are fundamental to the way in which we Hui Takatapui committee, local support express our gender.” They acknowledge groups and other key providers. the SLT role in helping transgender and As many of our Speech Language gender diverse people develop voice Therapy services across Aotearoa and communication that reflect their upskilling ourselves with the skills to unique sense of gender and that this provide a quality service to our gender will likely lead to increased comfort, diverse population, I look forward to confidence, and improved participation the ways in which we can learn and in everyday life. share knowledge together. Perhaps As Speech Language Therapists I believe some international webinars from that our role would be inclusive of SLTs experienced in Gender Affirming explaining how the voice works, Healthcare and the formation of a education on voice care and developing national SIG will continue to propel a personalised plan on how an individual us in the right direction. • wishes to express their gender. This could include working on any of the following Poipoia te kakano, Kia Puawai Above: parameters; Guidelines for Gender Nurture the seed and it Affirming Healthcare • Speaking Pitch will blossom downloadable from • Resonance patha.nz/Guidelines • Intonation *Reference available on request. • Voice Quality • Articulation • Duration • Eye Contact • Facial Expressions Speech and communication are fundamental • Gestures to the way in which we express our gender.” • Posture • Touching Communication Matters • 15
Engaging with community-living older adults about swallowing Marie Jardine, PhD candidate at the University of Auckland Our survey-based study This project was part of my doctoral Many potential respondents research yet was much more than an expressed a willingness to complete was recently published exercise of data analysis. It provided an the questionnaire for the greater in ‘Dysphagia’ about the important opportunity to engage with good. The enthusiasm and discussion the focus of my research. The online generated from respondents suggest swallowing and nutrition questionnaire enabled community-living they benefited from being involved status of community-living adults from around NZ to take part and may be interested in future studies. New Zealanders aged (not just those who lived nearby to a The majority of respondents requested university). a summary of the results, unanimously 65 years and over. positive feedback was elicited when Recruitment involved presenting at Over 1000 adults aged up to 96 years findings were disseminated. local groups, courtesy of supportive old responded to our study invitation club organisers. During morning teas, Just over half of respondents had no through community groups, such as I met with members who recounted general knowledge of ‘dysphagia’, Probus, SeniorNet, Grey Power and personal experiences of swallowing while one third correctly defined the Rotary. The questionnaire included problems or supporting a family member term. Eleven respondents suggested demographic information and two with dysphagia. Similar stories were ‘dysphagia’ was a speech or language validated screening tools: Eating shared through emails and telephone impairment. In line with our Giving Assessment Tool (EAT-10) and Seniors conversations. One email particularly Voice Aotearoa campaign, we need in the Community: Risk Evaluation for resonated with this study. A GP declined to continue to find ways to raise Eating and Nutrition (SCREEN-II). to make a referral, so the person sought dysphagia awareness in our We concluded that increased prevalence a specialist’s opinion. A hernia operation workplaces and communities, of swallowing difficulties in older age was performed privately, resolving their especially for our older population. • is attributed to health conditions swallowing problems and indigestion; and medications, rather than ageing ‘[I] feel much better in myself’. Acknowledgements: Dr Anna Miles and itself. We feel strongly that swallowing Dr Jacqui Allen. complaints from community-living References available on request. older adults should not be ignored or attributed to the normal ageing process. This study supports routine nutrition screening in older adults, particularly those with risk factors. 16 • Communication Matters
KiwiChat goes virtual Paula Shennan and Lauren Forster, Speech Language Therapists, The TalkLink Trust The TalkLink Trust aims to Teamwork was required to ensure One of the most rewarding outcomes sessions ran smoothly. We were keen of running virtual groups, is that these ‘break down barriers’ to to record the sessions so that others sessions have been accessible to more communication as a could access later. This raised challenges clients than ever before, removing around privacy as some clients and barriers such as location. Individuals who fundamental human right. whānau did not wish to appear in a are unable to sustain their attention for a Lately, there have been new recording freely available online. full 45 minutes have been able to watch challenges to overcome After some initial tweaks, the technology the session at their leisure, and many teams have reported multiple viewings! as we navigate supporting issues reduced, and when they didn’t, this was a great opportunity to model We know that many organisations will clients virtually. language such as ‘uh oh, there’s a have discovered smarter ways of working KiwiChat was established in 2010 to problem!’. Attendees were really during this challenging time, and Virtual support individuals and people around receptive to this new way of connecting KiwiChat is one of the positive outcomes them to use assistive technology. with TalkLink staff and other teams. TalkLink will endeavour to continue. • These are fun-filled sessions of learning There was some fantastic feedback and sharing to support people to be from attendees, including the following He absolutely loved the competent communicators. comments: KiwiChat Zoom meeting and Traditionally, KiwiChat Groups were is super keen to do more!! regularly held around the country. He gave it 2 thumbs up.” With COVID-19 lockdown, we decided, OMG that was so amazing. It was with some trepidation, to run a Virtual so well presented, clear and just KiwiChat group. blew me away. My brain is fizzing Our first Virtual KiwiChat group ran with ideas. You all worked so Today’s session was in April following minimal advertising hard. Amazing how you added awesome, thank you. through Facebook and word-of-mouth. so much to the story. Just brilliant. He seldom concentrates for Fifty-eight participants from around the Loved every minute.” that long! We would love to country attended. Families embraced join a session like this every web-based meeting technology, week. Will use the story and engagement and enthusiasm of and follow up activities for participants was remarkable. This gave We have never met other children the next few days.” us the confidence to plan and run further who use talking devices before. sessions for a variety of age groups. Really appreciate this.” Communication Matters • 17
Unlocking prisoner potential Helen White, Kidz Therapy It began as a response to An established literacy programme in the areas of literacy, understanding is in place and, although I have and ability to communicate. During this a plea from the Howard considerable experience in literacy and time I had to advocate for our students League, an organisation phonological awareness, I wanted to in a gruelling court case and this led devise a programme which extended me to wonder about how many people which has been responsible their language development. As Speech appeared in court with underlying for establishing programmes and Language Therapists know, it is language processing disorders. for prisoners to assist them recognised that a substantial number One of the “tools” in our toolbox of prisoners have underlying problems with learning, training for with language. included the Six Thinking Hats devised by Edward de Bono. This lead to me employment and physical In London I managed a centre for devising a programme for the prisoners activities such as yoga. students with specific language deliverable in short targeted sessions, impairment, the first in the country to particularly for those on remand.. It was be attached to a mainstream secondary experimental and we were unsure of school. We undertook the difficult how it would be received. I believed the task of gathering strategies which we strategy would be useful in challenging thought would enhance their learning. prisoners’ thinking and perceptions and These students were of average or that it would give them the concrete above average ability and were not means to express themselves. deaf, physically disabled nor autistic, Six Hat Thinking is a difficult concept as there were other centres in secondary and one in which I have trained and used schools for individuals with these needs. for years but still sometimes struggle We began work with a large cohort with. I designed the programme so arising from a single extended family and that it could be delivered in a formulaic this family became part of a worldwide but practical format with a simple easy study to find a genetic basis for their introduction to the power of each Hat’s disorder. This gene was found while I was function. It was designed to assist the working with them in the 1990s. learners to remember the way each Hat While working with these young people worked and to also enable the students with language processing disorders we who were training with me to become developed a “toolbox” of strategies, facilitators and to help them understand through practice of what worked and the reasoning. The trainee facilitators what didn’t over the years, particularly were mainly students of criminology, 18 • Communication Matters
… it helps with negative thinking, it gives you strategies to deal with issues and it SLT in – Participant gives you a way to plan forward.” the media psychology and law, with one from The programme was put in place Hana Tuwhare featured in a recent Mt Eden Correction Facility’s education permanently due to its enthusiastic news feature, about the work of department. The trainees were to learn adoption by prisoners, the prison staff Talking Matters. from observation initially with further and the facilitators. Potential benefits facilitator training to be undertaken as were significant and the programme www.newshub.co.nz/home/ follow-up. evolved to include issues such as new-zealand/2020/06/ relationships. maori-speech-therapist- Fifteen men turned up for our first walks-the-talk.html session and respectfully participated, After a year or so my role became one of listened and felt able to express their facilitator for the training of new students ideas enthusiastically. After the initial who were to deliver the programme. The My Perfect Family documented the introduction to the Six Hats, the men feedback from the facilitators, Mt Eden’s highs and lows of living with aphasia, were asked to consider an entertaining education officer and the prisoners, was and profiled the work of SLT and The problem under each hat in smaller overwhelmingly positive. After a couple University of Auckland MSLT Prac breakaway groups, which they were of years, the new prison education officer students. to feed back to the larger group. Their took over and there are plans to review attitudelive.com/playlist-page/ summing up was lively, interesting and how the programme is now progressing. My-Perfect-Family/ very amusing. The review showed that The Six Hat Thinking Course has now they had retained the method and its been rolled out across many prisons and reasons, so they were asked to go away Noticed on social media... rehabilitation centres. Prisoners who and to reflect upon how they felt it could complete receive a Certificate which is impact their lives. At the end of this first taken into account for their parole and session, men came up to feedback that court sentencing proceedings. they had found the session and interesting. A prisoner due for parole, commented At the beginning of the next session, to his lawyer that the Six Hat Thinking which was again fully attended, men course is “really good because it helps came up voluntarily to say how they had with negative thinking, it gives you reflected upon the method over the past strategies to deal with issues and it gives week and how helpful they found it. They you a way to plan forward.” • liked its simplicity, its visual nature, the ease with which they could practise it and its potential impact on their thinking Contact helen@kidztherapy.co.nz for and reflection in their lives. further information. Communication Matters • 19
Renewed interest in developmental language disorder: What are we going to do about it? Dr Jayne Newbury, lecturer in paediatric speech and language disorders in the School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury and NZSTA Expert Advisor on Child Language, jayne.newbury@canterbury.ac.nz The renaming of specific Research suggests language intervention I believe there are multiple reasons for school-aged children with DLD can children with DLD are under-identified language impairment (SLI) result in short term gains in language and under-supported. Firstly, language as developmental language standard scores (Mecrow et al., 2010). development through the school years It doesn’t necessarily matter whether is incremental and ongoing. Therefore disorder (DLD) (Bishop et al., an SLT or trained parent / educational other than when the child achieves age- 2017) has reignited interest in professional delivers intervention for appropriate language scores or when language disorders amongst general language stimulation, or whether the child uses error-free conversational it is individual or group-based (Dickson language, there can be no clear end point SLTs in NZ. This is excellent, et al., 2009; Law et al., 2005). However for language support services to stop. as children with language support needs to be intensive or gains This represents a huge ongoing need for difficulties have long been in standard scores are unlikely to result language support services. How can we (McCartney et al., 2010). This has huge meet this need? under-identified and under- implications for any low intensity general Perhaps also the lack of knowledge supported. At present, there language support to school-aged about DLD in the general population children with DLD. is no NZ data on prevalence, contributes. Once a child has Receptive language seems to be more conversational level expressive language, service provision or outcomes resistant to intervention than expressive, teachers and parents may think the role for children with DLD. however gains in syntax can be made, of the role of the SLT is over and shift even in older children with severe emphasis to how specialist teachers can difficulties, if intensive explicit systematic support the child’s learning. We (as SLTs) instruction is provided (Ebbels, 2014). know the child is struggling with I wonder how many children with DLD learning because he has an ongoing receive an optimal language support difficulty with language. Others may not. service across their primary school years Do we advertise that we could play an in NZ? ongoing role? 20 • Communication Matters
These children do not tend to have major behaviour difficulties (St Clair et al., 2011). They may be going under the radar in terms of priorities for identifying Dear Friend, a letter to our and meeting their needs due to their acceptable behaviour in class. speech language therapist Finally perhaps because once these children are adults, they may still struggle “Two years ago, Finn only to communicate complex ideas, they are not always able to advocate for had a handful of words, themselves. It is difficult for parents of flash forward to today, he is You have given our children with DLD to know what to ask for. a completely different boy a voice, which is Whatever the reasons, the difficulties these children face throughout their child, he is very easy to everything we have lives in reading, writing, listening and understand exactly what ever wanted. speaking clearly fall into our scope of he wants/needs”. practice (ASHA, 2016). Now that we have a new label and renewed interest We have learnt that all kids are very in DLD, as members of the NZSTA and different when it comes to speech advocates for these children, what are but with lots of time and dedication These insights from the parents of we going to do about it? • we put in, we will get the results. Finn came to us from Ashleigh at We have also learnt that there are Canterbury Speech and Language so many different kinds of speech Therapy. Thanks Ashleigh for sharing For research interests, email me. these thoughts with us. exercises with certain types working To raise awareness, visit radld.org. better for others, Ashleigh always If you are working with or have Perhaps the simplest way to start raising makes sure our new exercises will worked with a client or service awareness is to formally diagnose work well for Finn (and are fun too!). user who would like to tell our SLT children with DLD and to use the term in person, in reports and online? We think this has been a magical community what made our service ingredient in the speech language come alive or work well for them, References available on request. therapy service we have received; or what would have helped them making Finn’s service individual and along the way, we would love to meaningful to him and his interests. hear their message. Communication Matters • 21
Please consider contributing content to Communication Matters about any aspect of our profession. Feel free Contact details to discuss with Selena Donaldson, Editor, any ideas you have. Whakapā tangata editor@speechtherapy.org.nz NZSTA Board Members Expert adviser contacts Area representatives President • Annette Rotherham Ann Smaill Te Tai Tokerau • Suanna Smith & Denise Poole president@speechtherapy.org.nz Alternative and Augmentative Communication ar.northland@speechtherapy.org.nz Communications • Shannon Hennig ann.smaill@talklink.org.nz Auckland • Tessa Livingston & Hannah Barnes communications@speechtherapy.org.nz Anna Miles • Adult Dysphagia ar.auckland@speechtherapy.org.nz Member networks • Jodi White a.miles@auckland.ac.nz Waikato/Bay of Plenty • Gwen Kerrison membernetworks@speechtherapy.org.nz Annabel Grant • Dementia ar.waikato.bop@speechtherapy.org.nz Professional development • Claire Winward a.grant@massey.ac.nz Central • Elisa Mynen professionaldevelopment@speechtherapy.org.nz Carlene Perris • Voice ar.central@speechtherapy.org.nz Professional standards • Anna Miles cperris@adhb.govt.nz Wellington/Nelson • Polly Newton & Emily King professionalstandards@speechtherapy.org.nz Emily Jones ar.wellington@speechtherapy.org.nz Māori and cultural development Paediatric Feeding and Swallowing Canterbury/Westland Katrina McGarr E.Jones@massey.ac.nz Kate Cook & Ruth Ramsay culturaldevelopment@speechtherapy.org.nz Fiona Hewerdine ar.canterbury@speechtherapy.org.nz Adult Neurodegenerative Conditions Otago/Southland • Meryl Jones Other contacts and Palliative Care ar.otago.southland@speechtherapy.org.nz fiona.hewerdine@bopdhb.govt.nz National private practitioner Jayne Newbury • Child Language members’ representative Student representatives jayne.newbury@canterbury.ac.nz Bridget MacArthur Massey University • Jacqui Morgan, privatepractice@speechtherapy.org.nz Liz Fairgray & Megan Lewis Hearing Impairment and Cochlear Implant Brianna Oosterbroek & Bo Young Choi Administrator • ONZL Limited l.fairgray@auckland.ac.nz sr.massey@speechtherapy.org.nz admin@speechtherapy.org.nz megan@talktogether.co.nz University of Auckland +64 9 475 0214 Tash Thompson & Crystal Aranha Maegan VanSolkema • Traumatic Brain Injury Speech, Language and Hearing Journal maegan.vansolkema@abi-rehab.co.nz sr.auckland@speechtherapy.org.nz of APSSLH, HKAST & NZSTA University of Canterbury Editor: Anna Miles Sally Kedge • Vulnerable Children and Youth sallykedge@gmail.com Emma Barbafiera, Jessica Eagle & Livvy Pride professionalstandards@speechtherapy.org.nz sr.canterbury@speechtherapy.org.nz NZSTA Sarah Spence www.speechtherapy.org.nz Paediatric Complex Communication Needs admin@speechtherapy.org.nz sarspen@gmail.com PO Box 302469, North Harbour, Auckland 0751 Shannon Hennig • Autism and Neurodiversity Communication Matters editor shannon@inclusive-communication.co.nz Selena Donaldson Alison Zani • Aphasia editor@speechtherapy.org.nz aphasiaadviser@gmail.com www.speechtherapy.org.nz
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