magazine autumn 2012

Irish Association of Speech
& Language Therapists
Update
MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2012
IN THIS ISSUE.....
SLT in Education
AGM & Study Day
IASLT Website Update
Student Conference
Questions & Answers
Contents
IASLT UPDATE AUTUMN 2012
Council 2012/ 2013
Contents Page/ Letter from PR
1
Office & Membership Update
2-3
Feature – Augmentative and
Alternative Communication piece
4-5
Letter from the Chairperson
6-7
CPD Update
8-9
Questions & Answers with Victoria Joffe
10
SLT in Education – Update from UCC
11-13 Feature - Transitional Care Unit
Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin
14
Website Update
15
IALP
16-17 Student Conference 2012
18-19 ISAYiT Camp
20
AGM & Study Day 2012
21
Conference 2012/ 2013
22-23 SIG Details
25
Update from IASLT
New Graduate Liaison
25
Why join IASLT?
Committee Members
Jonathon Linklater (PR Chair),
Adrian Bradley,
Kristine Coffey,
Sylwia Kazmierczak
(PR Team)
UPDATE is the bi-yearly magazine issued to
Members of the Irish Association of Speech &
Language Therapists,
Block 4, Harcourt Centre,
Harcourt Road, Dublin 2, .
Tel: 085 7068707
Email: info@iaslt.ie
www.iaslt.ie
Letter from
Committee
Dear IASLT Members
We are delighted to welcome you to the
Autumn edition of UPDATE!
Since the last edition, IASLT has merged what
were the PR and Publications teams. You may
have noticed that IASLT has been more visible,
and audible, through newspaper and magazine
articles, as well as TV and radio appearances.
Our aim has been to promote awareness of
speech, language, communication and
swallowing difficulties. The PR team have
produced a range of accessible factsheets that
can be downloaded from www.iaslt.ie
If you’d like to get involved with IASLT’s
promotion of speech and language therapy and
increasing awareness of those who it affects,
please get in touch with pr@iaslt.ie We don’t
force everyone into frontline media duty and the
backroom staff are vital to the team!
UPDATE has kept the great format that the
previous Publications Committee developed
and, on behalf of Council, I’d like to thank Anne
Marie Clancy and her team for the work they
did in producing UPDATE.
In this edition we’ve details on what IASLT has
been working on over the last year including
updates on registration, AGM, CPD and
Conferences; past and future. We’ve also
features from clinical, academic and personal
perspectives of the speech and language world.
We’re already looking for submissions for the
next issue of UPDATE that will be popping
through your letterbox (or SPAM filter) early
next year. We’d be delighted to receive any
articles that you would like to submit; from short
articles to longer pieces. Even a haiku;
submitted to next issue; would be great to read.
And if it’s too long to wait until the next
UPDATE, you can of course like and follow
IASLT on Facebook and Twitter. LOL. ;-)
Jonathon Linklater
(PR Chair),
Adrian Bradley,
Kristine Coffey,
Sylwia Kazmierczak
PR Team
Office & Membership
update
2012 has been an exciting year for
IASLT. In February, our first ever admin
officer started work. Sandra Andreucetti
works in the office on a part-time basis
and is the first port of call for all
queries. She can be contacted by
email on secretary@iaslt.ie or info@iaslt.
ie and on the main IASLT phone number
085 7068707.
The membership committee changed
in April 2012. Thank you to the previous
committee who put so much of their
time into the role. Our admin officer has
taken on the role of processing
memberships and we endeavour to
respond as quickly as possible. However
as the role is only part-time, there may
occasionally be delays. If you have any
queries in relation to your members,
please email Sandra on info@iaslt.ie.
The membership committee continues
to process letters of good standing for
those full members who apply for them.
We are also working on producing
information for members and
streamlining the membership process.
Our membership year runs from
January to December and there is no
reduction in fee if you join later in the
year. Therefore to get the full benefit
of your membership fee, please
remember to renew your membership
early each new year. Please do not
renew in December for the following
year – this confuses our computer
system!!
Finally, look out for the ‘Did you
know…?’ news items which will appear
monthly in members news. These will
provide some basic information relating
to membership and your organisation.
Anne Healy,
Membership Officer
IASLT Update 2012
1
Augmentative &
Alternative
Communication and
Assistive Technology –
The dawn of a new i-Era
by Adrian Bradley
Following the publication of an
article by Jon Henley in the Life
and Style section of The Guardian
on Sunday 16th September 2012,
we are once again reminded of the
difference that technology can make
in the lives of people with impaired
communication. As Speech and
Language Therapists (SLTs) we are
intrinsically aware of the importance
of being able to communicate, and
the empowerment that it can bring
to anyone with a communication
impairment.
Augmentative and Alternative
Communication (AAC), Henley
stresses, is a fast-evolving and vital
field; which it is, and quite a
specialised area of SLT. AAC is
unique, even in our field, in its giving
of voice where previously there was
none. It is important to stress also
that AAC is obviously not limited
purely to Voice Output Communication
Aids (VOCAs) but is inclusive of less
hi-tech forms such as symbol/
picture-exchange systems,
communication passports, etc. and
can require various peripheral devices
to aid access. However, this article
focuses on the use of VOCAs and the
emergence of eye-gaze technology
in the last number of years.
Henley reminds us of recent events
played out through the medium of
AAC including Stephen Hawking’s
appearance in the opening
2
IASLT Update 2012
ceremony of the Paralympics and
the much-publicised assisted suicide
debate centred on locked-in
syndrome sufferer Tony Nicklinson;
both users of VOCAs and of
peripheral assistive technology to
access their devices; Hawking uses a
switch activated by subtle movements
of his cheek, whereas Nicklinson was
using the eye-gaze technology.
As members of the SLT community
we are aware that VOCAs are not
quite as new as Henley alludes to
in his article. AAC is a field that has
undergone great change but is still
largely underpublicised, even now.
In fact, far from being ‘new’,
synthesisers as we now know them
were developed as more modern
versions of other forms of early
twentieth century electrical
synthesisers, which themselves
were preceded by mechanical
synthesisers dating back to the
eighteenth century. The Voder,
developed by H. Dudley at Bell
Laboratories in 1939, was the first
synthesiser which actually succeeded
in generating continuous speech.
Nowadays, the focus is on creating
faster and more human voice-like
synthesisers in a variety of accents
and languages, and also on
equipping these synthesisers with
the ability to bear prosodic
information/ intonation so that
users can convey emotions/
mood using their VOCAs.
VOCAs range from output devices
using pre-recorded messages; which
lack flexibility across situations and
context and are limited in their
ability to facilitate spontaneous
conversation, to more high-tech
synthesisers; which have their own
issues in that the synthesisers do not
always sound like natural speech and
also at present they are quite limited
in their prosody and how they can
convey the emotions of the speaker.
Synthesisers that can convey some
emotions, for example to differentiate
between happy/sad voice, are
currently commercially available, but
the range of emotions that can be
inferred through the synthesisers is
something that is very much in the
development stage in the speech
synthesis community at present, and
is something that has come to the
forefront in response to consumer
wants and needs.
From my experience with users of
AAC devices, the issues they have
with VOCAs are usually either that
their messages are pre-recorded;
typically using the SLT’s voice,
typically female, and this can be an
issue for many of the male service
users that I have encountered, or
the fact that the synthesiser is not
available in their accent of choice.
As more voices and accents become
available this problem is reduced but
it is still an issue for many users.
Henley’s article also reminds us of
the importance, not just of the
device, but of how the user can
access that device. The DynaVox
EyeMax accessory (shown in
Figure 1. below) is one such piece
of eye-gase apparatus and is used in
conjunction with the DynaVox Vmax.
This piece of eye-gaze technology
allows users to control their device
by blinking or dwelling their eyes
on the area of the screen they wish
to select. The EyeMax uses infrared
eye-tracking to establish the area of
the screen that the user is looking at.
It can be personalised to any
individual as it must be “trained”
before it can be used. To “train” the
device, one opens up the training
application on the AAC device itself
and asks the user to focus on the
centre of the screen for a particular
length of time. During the training
period, the EyeMax sends and
receives infrared beams from which
it can calculate the exact angles of
the user’s eyes when staring directly
at the centre of the screen. Using this
information, it can then utilise its
infrared function to calculate where
the individual is focusing on the screen
of the AAC device when they move
their eyes too. Eye-gaze technology
is a significant development and it
has opened up the use of an AAC
to individuals with significant motor
disability and / or with direct vision
in only one of their eyes. For the
any AAC user the search for a
communication device best suited
to their needs and motor abilities
is a critically important process and
in some cases it can evolve over
the course of a lifetime. Eye gaze
technology is a significant option for
users with limited mobility however.
Figure 1. The EyeMax accessing
a Dynavox Vmax
With advances in technology AAC
devices have now become
personalised computers in
addition to their functions as VOCAs.
They are now used as environmental
control systems, for browsing the
internet, making telephone calls and
sending text messages directly to
mobile phones, and even accessing
social media. There is no denying
the massive impact that social media
has had on the way we communicate
with each other. It has opened up
unlimited communication pathways
to everyone on the planet and has
significantly reduced the Six Degrees
of Separation Theory; put forward by
a Hungarian writer in 1929, and
calculated using a formula
developed following a study by
Columbia University in 2003/2004,
to 4.74 degrees in the space of three
years according to the one study
conducted jointly by the people
at Facebook and the University of
Milan. (For anyone interested in the
Six Degrees concept, Google search
‘The Oracle of Bacon’ for some light
relief.) Opening up social media
applications to AAC users has also
succeeded in giving them a voice
as well as a means to stay in contact
with friends and family member all
over the globe, and the opportunity
to find other AAC users/ people with
similar impairments with whom they
can share ideas and experiences.
Today, we also have the selfproclaimed ‘first comedian to use a
communication device’. Lost Voice
Guy (www.lostvoiceguy.com) is a
young man named Lee Ridley who
has cerebral palsy and speaks using
a Lightwriter in conversation, but
performs his routines on an iPad.
This guy is well worth looking up,
especially as his emphasis is on
ability, not disability. Lost Voice Guy’s
work is just one example of how
rapidly progressing technology is
opening up a whole new realm of
possibility to users of AAC devices.
And while there is a long way to go,
at the rate that the technology is
improving presently, it will not be
too long before many of the current
gripes with modern synthesis and
AAC will be resolved. That said, as
with all technology, there will always
be a need for improvement and
advancement in the areas of
synthesis and of AAC and Assistive
Technology, particularly if they are
to replace, or at least complement,
the complex mechanism of natural
human speech. Research and
development in this area is extensive
with new, improved AAC devices
coming to the market with
increasing regularity. As synthesis
itself improves and develops so
too does the quality of the
communication devices which
integrate it into their function. There
are several State-of-the-Art features
currently being incorporated into the
new market leading communication
devices, including the eye-gaze
technology mentioned before.
However, the advent of the iPhone
and iPad is posing a serious threat
to older, bulky and less-dynamicbut-no-less-significant-as-a-result
communication devices that we were
used to pre i-Era technology. Apple’s
products are must-have gadgets for
people of all ages and abilities,
and are felt to be more socially
acceptable as a VOCA by many
users. Also, iPhones and iPads are
lightweight and so much cheaper
than many of the built-for-purpose
AAC devices. The software of iPads,
etc. can also be upgraded and
updated without needing to replace
the device itself, making it more
cost-effective and increasing its
longevity.
At present, many SLT departments
all over the country, and indeed the
world, are developing, trialling,
testing and examining different apps
for different populations, to determine
suitability and overall quality of the
technology, so that recommendations
can be made to clients as to which
apps are worth investing in. It is
reasonable to suspect that due to
the ease with which anyone can
develop and sell an app, and the
inevitable over-saturation of the
SLT app market, we may not have
the means to evaluate all available
options. We may, however, be able
to select the best of a bunch, and
recommend on that basis.
This SLT speculates that much of our
work will be carried out using such
apps and devices within a generation
(or perhaps, two). How we will
respond to that as a profession is
difficult to predict and will ultimately
come down to individual therapist’s
preferences. What is clear, however,
is that the future for AAC, its technology and its users is bright, and
continues to get brighter each day.
IASLT Update 2012
3
Letter from the Chair
4
Dear Member,
As this is my first issue of Update, I’d
like to introduce myself. My name is
Sinéad Kennedy and I took over as
Chairperson from Deirdre Kenny in
April. Deirdre did a fabulous job as
Chairperson and represented the
profession in a knowledgeable and
effective way throughout her time –
we wish her all the best on her new
adventure.
The AGM was held in April in Dublin
and it was lovely to see so many of you
there. We said goodbye and thank you
so much to some very valued Council
members: Deirdre Kenny, Edel Dunphy,
Derval McDonagh and Aoife McGuire.
We welcomed new Council members
Stephanie McGrath, Adrian Bradley,
Clare Hudson and Jenny Trundle. The
new Council then met for the first time
in May . I’d like to sincerely thank
everyone on Council for the huge
commitment that they give to IASLT.
After the business of the AGM was
done, we had a really useful strategic
planning workshop facilitated by Libby
Kinneen, HSE, where members had the
opportunity to actively shape the
future direction of the organisation.
We also had a fantastic presentation
by Rozanne Barrow, Rena Lyons and
Brenda Byrne on communication
disability and identity.
2012 has been an extraordinarily
busy year so far for IASLT and for
the profession in general. Here
are the top ten burning items that
have been keeping us busy…
IASLT Update 2012
1. Statutory Registration
It has been announced that Speech and
Language Therapy will be the next of the
Health and Social Care Professions to go
through the process of statutory registration.
The Registration Board is being formed at the
moment. IASLT Council met with Ginny
Hanrahan and Mareeda Tracey from CORU
to discuss plans in relation to this. IASLT is
engaged in strategic planning around
registration to ensure the strongest position
possible for the profession in this process.
2. IASLT made a submission to the Task Force on
the Child and Family Support Agency, (CFSA)
the new agency that is being set up under the
Department of Children and Youth Affairs. We
attended the launch and wrote a response to
the Task Force’s Report. This report recommends
that paediatric Speech and Language Therapy
in the community, as well as CAMHS, be moved
from the HSE to the new CFSA. We are now in
the process of establishing an Expert Group in
partnership with the Vocational Group, SLT
Manager’s Group and others, in order to
engage in discussions with the new agency in
relation to their recommendations for Speech
and Language Therapy.
3. Continued Professional Development is
continuing to be actively supported. We have
secured funding for a wide range of training
that will be available free of charge for Speech
and Language Therapists, following consultation
to see what you wanted in terms of training.
The following CPD opportunities have been
funded and will be available by the end of the
year Lamh modules 1 and 2, Hanen ‘More
Than Words’, Floortime, Connect, Motivational
Interviewing and Michael Palin Stammering.
National Manager Supervision training and
research skills workshops have already been
successfully completed by Speech and
Language Therapists this year, with funding by
the HSE secured by IASLT. We are hoping to
further develop the scope of CPD in IASLT
with the ongoing support of the HSE.
4. PR continues to raise awareness and promote
the work of the profession though both print
media and TV and radio appearances. A range
of press releases and factsheets on speech,
language, communication and swallowing
disorders are provided to media outlets. SLTs
have been speaking on subjects to add clinical
angles and personal elements showing the
reality of the impact that can be had on
everyday communication, as well as offering
advice to those affected.
5. In response to real concerns about the
difficulties facing unemployed new graduates,
IASLT hosted a solution focused forum
attended by a range of stakeholders
including representation from the following
groups: new grads themselves, private
practitioners, HSE, universities, SLT Manager’s
group, and IASLT. Feedback suggested that
the event was very successful and there were
a number of positive outcomes and practical
ideas for new grads. These are outlined in some
detail in the resulting document which can be
found on the website.
6. The IASLT Student Conference took place in
UCC and was a very useful and enjoyable day,
providing an opportunity for our students to
explore ideas, as well as fantastic new learning
provided by the speakers of the day.
9. IASLT continues to build international links
and profile. We are currently engaging with
our MRA partners in developing the Global
Year of Communication for next year. Jonathon
Linklater, Vice Chairperson, attended the New
Zealand Speech Therapy Association conference
on our behalf and I attended the RCSLT
conference in September. We are also
continuing on schedule to host the 2016 IALP
conference here in Dublin. Planning is already
well underway for the next IASLT conference,
which will take place in April 2013.
10. As part of the IASLT strategic plan, we
are engaged in ongoing liaison with key
stakeholders such as the HSE, Impact, CORU,
the Department of Health and other health
and social care professional bodies in order to
promote SLT and lobby on behalf of SLT in
relation to a wide range of professional issues,
for example, national recruitment, post
development and retention, and the shaping
of the profession overall.
I hope that this summary gives you a bit of a
flavour of what’s happening at Council level of
IASLT. IASLT is an organisation of its members
for its members. So, if you have any ideas
that you’d like to share or if you’d like to
get more involved, please get in touch
chairperson@iaslt.ie
7. Several important documents have been
produced including a joint statement with INDI
on over bed signage and new National FEDS
Standards. There are currently working groups
established to develop revised guidelines for
SLTs in Mental Health and Standards for
Neonatal FEDS.
8. The Standing Committees continue to be
very busy. From further developing the website,
to accrediting courses, to streamlining the
membership renewal process, the work of the
Standing Committees keeps IASLT going and
for all of that work we are all extremely grateful.
Best Wishes,
Sinéad Kennedy
IASLT Update 2012
5
UPDATE FROM IASLT
CPD PROJECT MANAGER
By Edel Dunphy
The position of CPD Project Manager
within the IASLT has gained great
momentum and relevance to the
profession over the past three years.
The last twelve months has seen
increased cooperation and collaboration
between the CPD officers from AOTI,
ISCP, INDI and IASLT and more recently
from the IIRT, podiatry and the Irish
Institute of Clinical Measurement.
This article updates you on
achievements over the past 12 months.
Health and Social Care Professionals
Education and Advisory Group
In 2009 the HSE published ‘The
Education and Development of Health
and Social Care Professionals in the
Health Services’. This document
focuses on the twelve Health and Social
Care Professions (H&SCP) named in the
Health and Social Care Professionals
Act 2005. A number of themes emerged
6
IASLT Update 2012
through the consultation process and
key aims and areas for focus were
identified. There were recommendations
in relation to putting in place
mechanisms to facilitate consultation
with key stakeholders including
professional bodies and higher
education institutes, supporting and
fostering an interdisciplinary approach
to education and training, taking a
coordinated national approach and
developing structures and systems to
enable engagement with senior
professionals in each profession in
relation to the planning of education
and development. In this context the
H&SCP Education and Development
Advisory Group was established to seek
input from H&SCP in relation to
education, training and development
issues. I am a representative on this
group.
Within this group there are a number of
subgroups that I am involved in;
workshops were facilitated by Judith
Thornton, SLT Manager, Co. Kildare.
• 2 PECS workshops were also delivered. 1. CPD Subgroup;
These took place in September 2011 and A sub-group formed with representation from
March 2012 with 120 Speech and Language the Advisory Group and others from the
Therapists attending this training.
professions with an interest in CPD. Achievements
• Interdisciplinary Research Workshops; The from this subgroup include the following;
tender to deliver these workshops was won • The development of CPD statement for by the TCD TICHE Consortium. The Dublin HSCP’s.
and Cork workshops were delivered in April • Identification of tools available to support 2012 and the Galway workshop in May 2012.
CPD identification & planning & provision
• Peer Supervision Programme for Managers;
• Identification of CPD evaluation mechanisms This programme was developed by Health in place across HSCP’s
Management Institute of Ireland and with • Identification of audit mechanisms currently the support of a subgroup of OT and SLT in place for CPD participation within HSCP’s
Managers and was delivered in May/June 2012 over 3 days with a follow-up day 2. HSCP Hub Subgroup;
planned for 2013.
A Hub dedicated to Health and Social Care
• Early Intervention workshop for managers; Professionals has recently been launched on
A one day workshop was held in Dublin on www.hseland.ie. This was developed by a
October 25th, 2011. Approximately 65
subgroup of the H&SCP Education &
managers attended from the four disciplines Development Advisory Group and is managed
of OT, SLT, Physiotherapy and Psychology. by the H&SCP Education & Development Unit
The focus of the workshop was on improving
in the HSE. This hub is intended to be for and
Interdisciplinary Team working in the context about Health and Social Care Professionals and
of Early Intervention. The keynote speaker
has the following core purposes:
was Professor Mary Beth Bruder from the • To increase awareness of Health & Social University of Connecticut. Other speaker
Care Professions including the diversity of included Caroline Cantan, an Early
disciplines and the breadth of services
Intervention team sharing their experience provided.
of working in an Interdisciplinary manner and • To increase awareness of the significant a father reflecting on his and his son’s
contribution H&SCP make to the health, experience of Early Intervention services.
care, wellbeing and quality of life of the population.
CPD Funding 2012
• To provide a forum for sharing and learning In February 2012 I made a further number of
among professions.
submissions to the HSE to request funding for
• To promote collaborative practice and
CPD events. The submissions made were based
teamwork across professions.
on nationally identified need following
• To develop a community of practice.
collaboration with the SLT Managers group,
The hub is located on www.hseland.ie and is IASLT members and SIGS. Funding has been
accessible to all Speech and Language sanctioned for the following for 2012;
Therapists irrespective of your work location.
3. Research;
One of the core areas of focus and collaboration
for the HSCP Education and Development
Advisory Group is research. One of the first actions
taken by advisory group was to commission a
study so that a baseline of research activity
levels, skills, training needs and preferences
for development of research capacity could
be established. The HSCP Education and
Development Advisory Group has identified
and committed to a number of key actions on
research in 2012. An immediate priority is to
encourage service-based research and evaluations
that can help identify and focus how scarce
resources may be used to maximum effect to
achieve optimal service user outcomes.
SLT Specific CPD;
• 4 ‘Its More Than Words’ Workshops – one in each HSE region.
• 2 x Michael Palin, School Aged Stammering
Workshops (40 SLT’s will attend each workshop)
• Lamh 2 Module; funding for 4 workshops.
Interprofessional CPD;
• DIR/Floortime; 2 workshops.
• CONNECT Making Communication Access
a Reality; 1 workshop.
• Lamh Module 1; funding for 250 participants.
• Motivational Interviewing; 4 workshops.
Speech and Language Therapists working in
the publicly funded health service are
eligible to apply to attend these CPD events. Please check the IASLT website for updates!
CPD Funding
In 2011 proposals were submitted to the HSE
and funding was sanctioned for the following;
• ‘It Takes Two To Talk’ Hanen workshops were delivered from Sept 2011 – Jan 2012
(Mullingar, Cork, Galway and Dublin). These IASLT Update 2012
7
Questions & Answers
Dr Vicky Joffe
I am Associate Dean for
taught postgraduate
studies and international
affairs in the School of
Health Sciences, and Reader
in developmental speech,
language and
communication difficulties
in the Division of Language
and Communication
Science at City University
London. My areas of
clinical and research
expertise include specific
language impairment, child
speech disorder, the
interface between
education and speech and
language therapy,
collaborative practice and
the training of teaching
staff, the relationship
between language and
literacy, language and
communication intervention
in secondary school
students and evidencebased practice for children
and young people with
special educational needs.
I recently completed a
Nuffield funded intervention
8
IASLT Update 2012
research project (ELCISS) on
enhancing language and
communication in secondary
school students with
language and communication
impairments through
narrative and vocabulary
enrichment (www.elciss.com).
I am trustee and councillor
for research and
development at the RCSLT
and chair of the RCSLT’s
national special interest
group for older children and
young adults with speech,
language and communication
needs. I am also a trustee
and governor of the Link
school, a school for
students with special
educational needs and a
trustee of ICAN, a children’s
communication charity.
I serve as an associate editor
for one of ASHA’s journals,
Language, Speech and
Hearing Services in Schools.
If someone wrote a biography
about you, what would the
title be?
She came, she saw, she
conquered
What’s your favourite
weekend activity?
I have two delightful 2-year old
nephews, Isaac and Noah who
keep me very busy. I annoy
their parents terribly, I am sure;
by doing all the fun stuff they
want to do but are not usually
allowed to do. For example,
eating chocolate just before
lunch and running free in a toy
shop. I pretend I do it for them,
but…
What would you do if you
weren’t afraid to?
Be more proactive in
connecting with strangers.
It always strikes me as being
such a shame that we all keep
so separate from each other
and go about our day to day
activities without sometimes so
much as a glance or thought
at the person walking by, or
sitting next to us on the tube
or bus. There are many people
out there feeling lonely, fragile
and scared, and I believe that
very often just one smile or
word can make that all
important difference and
change someone’s day, and
sometimes even life.
If you could be or do anything
else - what would you be?
President of the World. I know
that sounds like a complete
megalomaniac, but I would
love a shot at bringing peace
to the world and eradicating
poverty. And to balance the
megalomaniac tendencies one
might fear I had, it would not
be on my own! But I would
assemble a team around me
of dynamic peacemakers and
‘can do’ people who would cut
through all the bureaucracy
and for once and for all create
peace amongst us all. I don’t
think things always have to be
as complex as we make them.
What was your favourite toy
(or game) as a child, and why?
I am going to have to be
honest here and say dolls!
Sorry, I am sure that has made
many a person shudder, but it
is the truth. I loved my dolls,
looking after them, lining them
up on the floor and
teaching them (yup I am afraid
so!), dressing them, scolding
them…you get the picture
I am sure! My nurturing
tendencies were certainly
there from the start.
What are you most proud of?
I would like to say that I am
most proud of being a
special daughter, sister, aunt
and friend. I hope that this is
how the people in my life see
me, and it is these relationships
that I am most proud of and
feel most privileged to have.
What do you like most
about your job?
What do you like least?
I love the variety, the freedom
to follow different paths and
start innovative and exciting
projects. I love working with
students, learning from them
and seeing how they develop
and grow as therapists. I
love being challenged and
questioned and trying to find
answers and solve complex
issues. I love that part of my
job is reading, critiquing and
evaluating new information. I
love that I have the opportunity
to be a therapist, an academic,
a teacher and a manager. And
what I like least and find most
frustrating is that the day does
not have enough time to allow
me to do all the above!
Where is your favourite place
to visit?
This is too hard a question
to give just one answer as
travelling to different places
and meeting different people
is a passion of mine. So, any
place which has beautiful
beaches and the sea is a
favourite. Cape Town
probably tops my list as it not
only has what I think are the
best beaches in the world,
but it has the African energy
and my roots are deeply
ingrained in Africa. I also
love to visit places that are
different, dynamic and have
their own energy. I don’t think I
could ever tire, for example, of
San Francisco, New York
and Chicago.
When you graduated what
were your ambitions for your
career?
This is such an interesting
question as I am not someone
who ever has had the 5-year
plan or made any explicit
career plans. I remember
feeling elated and privileged
to be part of speech and
language therapy profession
and just wanted to get out
there, do the best I could
and make a real difference.
I am ambitious though and
I probably wanted to change
the world.
Do you have any wise words
for new graduates?
Never ever ever underestimate
what you can do and how
much of a difference you can
make to the lives of others.
Throughout my career I have
been humbled by the people
with whom I work, how much
they let me into their lives and
give me a chance to work with
them and make a difference.
And to listen really carefully to
what people are saying to you
and what they want from you.
It is so easy to think we know
best, and I have learned that
invariably we do not. Listen to
their priorities and needs and
find ways of meeting them.
And finally to embrace all the
experiences and enjoy! The
previous question asks about
my ambitions as a new
graduate. I can hand on heart
say, that as a new graduate,
I did not have any idea how
wonderful a career as a speech
and language therapist can be.
It has exceeded my
expectations in every way
possible, and it continues to
excite and invigorate me.
So just enjoy it, because it
does bring with it great
fulfillment and satisfaction.
Dr Vicky Joffe
Associate Dean, School of
Health Sciences
Reader, Division of Language
and Communication Science
City University London
e: vjoffe@city.ac.uk
IASLT Update 2012
9
SUMMER
STUDENTS
Research Projects in UCC
This summer, three final-year
students in the Department of
Speech and Hearing Sciences in
University College Cork (UCC)
have been awarded a scholarship
for conducting a research
project under the supervision
of an academic staff member
in the Department. The three
awardees are Zoe Rooke, who
has been awarded the HRB
Summer Student Scholarships
2012; and Deirdre O’Leary and
Leanne Hickey, who have been
awarded the UCC College of
Medicine and Health Summer
Bursaries. Here are the details
of the projects they conducted.
Zoe’s study – The prevalence
of speech and language
impairments among a
nationally representative
sample of Irish nine-year-olds
My research has utilised data
from a national survey,
Growing Up in Ireland – The
National Longitudinal Study
of Children (GUI). The rich
data source afforded by GUI
has enabled me to investigate
the prevalence of speech and
language difficulties among
Irish nine-year-olds according
to multiple informants; parents,
teachers and direct assessment.
While above the critical age
for speech and language
difficulties; the results ultimately
suggest that a relatively high
prevalence still pertains to this
group. Comparison of the
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IASLT Update 2012
findings with those from
Australia and Scotland has
led me to consider the unique
context of Ireland for speech
and language development, as
well as the adequacy of current
service provision. (Research
supervisor: Dr. Ciara O’Toole)
Deirdre’s study – Does an
unfamiliar accent affect the
accuracy of sentence
comprehension in typically
developing children and
children with Down syndrome?
As society continues to become
a mosaic of multiple cultures
and nationalities, individuals
now encounter a whole
spectrum of different spoken
accents. A comprehensive
review of the literature in
accent variation has suggested
that the presentation of spoken
material in an accent that is
unfamiliar to the listener can
have a negative impact on
comprehension. Speaker
accent is rarely addressed
or compensated for in
comprehension assessments
although from the extensive
literature, it is clear that an
unfamiliar accent can negatively
affect speech clarity. Therefore,
I intend to investigate the
effect of an unfamiliar accent
on the sentence comprehension
of young children and children
with Down syndrome. Findings
may help SLTs approach
assessments of receptive
UCC final year SLT students:
Deirdre O’Leary, Zoe Rooke,
and Leanne Hickey
(from left to right).
language appropriately to
ensure an accurate account of
the child’s receptive abilities is
obtained. (Research supervisor:
Prof. Fiona Gibbon)
Leanne’s study –
Developing a protocol for
charting social interactions
between children with autism
and their assistance dogs
This research project aimed to
provide a more objective
evaluation of the benefits of
assistance dogs towards the
social interactions of children
with autism, following related
parental reports of this nature.
Firstly, a tried and tested
coding scheme was used to
code the videos of two children
interacting with their assistance
dogs and an accompanying
person. Subsequently,
modifications were made
to this coding scheme.
Inter-rater reliability of both
coding schemes, comparisons
between schemes and
generalisation of the modified
scheme were examined. As
a result, the modified coding
scheme proved to be more
suitable for analysing social
interactions of this kind.
(Research supervisor:
Dr. Alice Lee)
For queries regarding the abovementioned projects, please contact
the research supervisors – Prof. Fiona
Gibbon (f.gibbon@ucc.ie), Dr. Ciara
O’Toole (c.otoole@ucc.ie), and Dr.
Alice Lee (a.lee@ucc.ie).
Transitional
Care Unit
Our Lady’s Children’s
Hospital Crumlin
(O.L.C.H.C)
The Role of the Speech and Language Therapist
Ciara Murphy
The Transitional Care Unit (T.C.U) is a seven bedded
unit which was opened in January 2006 in O.L.C.H.C.
to care for children who require long-term ventilation
and are medically stable. Previously, these children were
cared for in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. This was
acknowledged as being an inappropriate environment
to meet these children’s developmental, psychological
and emotional needs.1 T.C.U. aims to provide children
and their families with an opportunity to develop globally
within the hospital environment while enabling parents
to become their children’s primary carers as well as
facilitating their role as parents.
Since opening in 2006, 34 patients have been admitted
to T.C.U. and this unit has had 100% occupancy from
April 2006. A recent audit of clinical data2 indicated that
70.6% of these patients were under 1 year on admission
and 54% of this group were <6months old. 52.9% of the
34 patients admitted had cardiac diagnoses and 80% of
patients had a tracheostomy in situ. 35.3% of the 34
patients admitted were born prematurely (<37 weeks)
and 67% of these were born at less than 32 weeks
gestation. Figures above highlight the heterogeneous
nature of the patients admitted to T.C.U., although, 80%
did have a tracheostomy in situ. The reasons children
receive a tracheostomy is primarily as a result of
upper airway obstruction, prolonged ventilation,
secretion management, and aspiration3. At present
all 7 children on T.C.U. have a tracheostomy in situ.
In T.C.U. there is a multidisciplinary team which strives
to provide a holistic environment to care for both the
children’s medical and developmental needs. As a result
of prolonged hospital stays, medical histories and
tracheostomies, many of these children reach their
developmental milestones more slowly than is typical
for a child of their age. Therefore the need for early
intervention is warranted. The team includes: doctors,
nurses, discharge coordinator, clinical nurse facilitator,
physiotherapist, play specialist, speech and language
therapist, dietitian, psychologist, music therapist, and
E.N.T. clinical nurse specialists. Multidisciplinary team
meetings are held fortnightly and members of the team
work together to provide holistic care for each child.
IASLT Update 2012
11
My role as a Speech and Language
Therapist in T.C.U.
As a speech and language therapist in T.C.U.
my role encompasses communication
assessment and intervention, feeding, eating,
drinking and swallowing (F.E.D.S) assessment
and intervention, and the education of parents
and staff members. Given the diverse
population of children with tracheostomies there
is very little research into both swallowing and
communication with this population. Therefore,
we rely regularly on local evidence and liaising
with SLT’s both here and in the UK for guidance.
Limited paediatric research suggests evidence
of pharyngeal stage swallowing difficulties in
children with tracheostomies 4, 5, 6; however,
literature recommends individual and
instrumental assessment as indicated. From our
experience in OLCHC and that of other SLT’s
working with this population, it appears that
children with tracheostomies vary significantly
in the frequency and degree of dysphagia and
this can often be related to their underlying/
coexisting condition. Therefore, both assessment
and management of swallowing disorders in the
unit are carried out with the help of the team
and at an individual level.
“Caterpillar Club” (Communication group run weekly in T.C.U.)
12
IASLT Update 2012
Many of the children come to T.C.U. on enteral
feeds e.g. nasogastric, nasojejunal, percutaneous
endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). Many of the
children are on continuous feeds rather than
bolus feeds as a result of vomiting, reflux, or risk
of aspiration. These children have also spent
long periods of time in the intensive care unit
requiring a range of medical interventions. As a
result of these negative oral experiences many
of the children arrive in T.C.U. with an oral
aversion. The initial focus is to reduce oral
aversiveness through “messy play”, oral facial
massage and educating nurses/parents
regarding the importance of “following the
child’s lead” rather than forcing them to engage
in therapeutic activities. Each child is closely
monitored and, when they are medically stable
and tolerating oral tastes, a routine clinical
bedside feeding assessment is carried out.
Studies have illustrated that a tracheostomy can
have a negative impact on speech and language
development 7, 8, 9. Children can present with
reduced babbling during the first year of life,
reduced use of sounds and words for purposes
of communication, altered interactive
patterns10, and difficulty learning how to
combine words into sentences. With the input
from SLT it has been illustrated that at 5 years
these children’s language can be equivalent to
their cognitive skills 9, 11. However, there are
limitations to the evidence base available on this
topic due to the heterogeneous nature of the
paediatric population with tracheostomies.
Our role as SLT’s is the same as with a child
without a tracheostomy- to maximize
communication to the best of the child’s
potential. There are both verbal (e.g. speaking
valve, leak speech) and non-verbal
communication (e.g. Lámh, photographs,
step-by-step) systems available to these children.
As they come to this unit at such a young age a
total communication approach is used. “Lámh”
signs are introduced as early as possible with
each child and we then begin working on early
communicative skills depending on where each
child is at developmentally. I educate the parents
about strategies to work on their children’s
communication through everyday routines and
play. Communication intervention is
administered individually or jointly with the
physiotherapist. Depending on the medical
status of the children group therapy can be an
option. If a child is a suitable candidate, they are
trialed with a speaking valve. This assessment
is carried out in conjunction with the SLT and
the clinical airway nurse specialists and with the
agreement of the medical team. The speaking
valve has many advantages including; restored
airflow for voice, increased babble/
vocalizations, increased tactile feedback for
articulation, increased olfaction/taste 12,
decrease in secretions and is a weaning step.
TCU is a fantastic unit which continues to
provide ongoing support to babies and children
requiring long-term ventilation. The caseload is
wide and varying and has allowed me to develop
my skills as a SLT working with this population of
children in an acute care setting.
References:
1. Boosefield B. O’Toole M. (2000) Technologydependent children: transition from hospital to
home. Paediatric Nursing. 12 (6), 20 – 23.
2. Heron S., Lennon E., Murphy C. (2012) The
Transitional Care Unit- A five Year Restrospective
Review. Poster Presentation O.L.C.H.C. Clinical
Research and Audit Day 2012.
3. Benjamin Hartley (2009) Great Ormond Street
4. Rosinigh H., & Peek S. (1999) Swallowing and
Speech in Infants following tracheostomy. Acta
Otolaryngolody Belgium. 53, 59-63.
5. Abraham S. & Wolf E. (2000) Swallowing
physiology of toddlers with long-term
tracheostomies. Dysphagia. 15, 206-212.
6. Norman V., Louw B. & Kritzinger A. (2007)
Incidence and description of dysphagia in infants
and toddlers with tracheostomies: a
retrospective review. Int J Paed
Otorhinolayrngol. 71, 1087-92.
7. Jiang D. & Morrison G. (2003) The influence
of long-term tracheostomy on speech and
language development in children. International
journal of Paediatric Otorhinolaryngology. 67SI
S217-S220.
8. Kasion K. & Stein R. (1995) Chronic pediatric
tracheostomy. Int J Ped otorhinolaryngology. 9,
165-171.
9. Bleile K. (1993) The Care of Children with
Long-Term Tracheostomies. Singular pubs.
10. Montagnino B.A. & Mauricio R.V. (2004) The
child with a tracheostomy and Gastronomy:
Parental Stress and Coping in the Home- A Pilot
Study. Pediatric Nursing. 30 (5).
11. Cowell J., Schlosser D. & Joy P. (2000)
Language Outcomes following infant
tracheostomy. Asia Pacific Journal of Speech,
Language & Hearing. 5(3), 179-186.
12. Lichtman S.W., Birnbaum I.L., Sanfilippo
M.R., Pellicone J.T., Damon, W.J. & King M.L.
(1995) Effect of a Tracheostomy Speaking Valve
on secretions, arterial oxygenation and
olfactions: A quantitative evaluation. Journal of
Speech and Hearing Research. 38, 549-555.
For further information on this unit or work
with this client group you can contact
Ciara at ciara.murphy@olchc.ie
Ciara Murphy
IASLT Update 2012
13
Website Update
Since the redevelopment of the IASLT website into its
current format, we have seen a huge increase in its use by
SLTs and members of the public alike. The website now
features regularly updated news items, information sheets
for the public on communication and swallow disorders, a
membership directory, a forum space for SLT discussions
and an almost fully-automated membership process.
14
IASLT Update 2012
But as the website has evolved, so too have the demands
that are placed on it. To meet these demands, the IASLT
Website Committee has commissioned a further re-design
and re-development of the website. We hope to unveil the
new website by early 2013. Some of the features you can
look forward to include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
A new look-and-feel, including a more visual front page.
Better layout for easier navigation.
A new file management system, for easier look-up of documents and
news stories that may be relevant to you.
A fully automated and significantly simpler joining and renewal process!
Further integration with social media (e.g. Twitter, Facebook)
and mobile browsing.
Videos and sound clips to make the site more interactive.
As usual, we would welcome any feedback from you
regarding improvements to the website. If you have
any feedback, or would like to join the IASLT Website
Committee, please contact web@iaslt.ie.
Ciarán Kenny
Chairperson
IASLT Website Committee.
30th World Congress
of the International
Association of Logopedics
and Phoniatrics
Dublin, Ireland 2016
IALP World Congress Ireland 2016
Preparations are fully underway
for the 30th World Congress of
the International Association of
Logopedics and Phoniatrics,
being hosted by IASLT in
Ireland in August 2016. IASLT
have successfully negotiated
the commitment and support
of all of the universities on the
island of Ireland involved in
the education of Speech and
Language Therapists. The
organising committee
continues to be chaired by
Aoife McGuire UL; with
Arlene McCurtin (UL), Clare
Carroll and Rena Lyons (NUIG),
Rosalind Rogers (University of
Ulster), Dr. Ciara O’Toole and
Dr. Alice Lee (UCC) and Dr.
Irene Walsh (TCD) as members.
All are very excited about this
special opportunity for all of
the universities to be working
together for the first time in
history and at the prospect
of ensuring a high scientific
standard congress with a
fun-filled social programme.
This social programme will
deliver an Opening Ceremony,
Congress Dinner, Congress
Excursion and also optional
Cultural Nights. The organising
committee now additionally
has standing committee status
with IASLT, which will ensure
continued communication and
support from IASLT council.
Members of the organising
committee were delighted
to host IALP President
Dr. Tanya Gallagher and
President Elect Dr. Helen
Grech to Dublin on Monday
24th and Tuesday 25th
September last. The meetings
allowed for further discussions,
collaborative planning and
deepening of the already rich
relationship between IASLT
and IALP. The ever so
important visit to potential
sites for the Congress was also
on the agenda. All visited
Citywest and the RDS, the
venues who have made the
shortlist. (For those wondering
about the Convention centre,
let’s just say it was a little out
of our price range!). These
venues are not comparable
with each-other in any respect,
each with their own unique
features and strengths for
hosting the IALP World
Congress, which anticipates
delegates of between 1,000
and 1,200. A decision is to be
made in the coming weeks,
when Helen and Tanya present
their recommendations in
combination with the
organising committee’s to
the IALP Board for approval.
Watch this space!
Tanya Gallagher and Helen
Grech were also delighted to
meet with Sinéad Kennedy,
IASLT’s chair and to spend
some time with Sr. Marie de
Montfort, an honorary member
of both IALP and IASLT during
their very busy visit.
IASLT would like to thank both
Keynote PCO for their very
professional management of
IALP’s visit and dedicated work
to date, and also Fáilte Ireland
for their generous sponsorship
of the Congress’s preparation
to date and we look forward
to working with them both
between now and 2016.
Aoife McGuire
Chair of organising committee
IASLT Update 2012
15
6th Annual IASLT
Student Conference
Shinann Buckley O’ Sullivan, UCC
Final Year SLT student,
Chairperson of 2012 conference.
The 6th annual IASLT student conference took
place in University College Cork this year on
May 19th. The previous night, the students of
UCC held a wine reception in the very popular
and busy student bar, the New Bar. There they
were provided with a mountain of food
including sandwiches, cocktail sausages and
chicken goujons, all washed down with a
complimentary glass of wine or two! That night
the students retired early to prepare for the
busy day ahead of them.
This year’s conference attracted students from
Trinity College Dublin, University Limerick and
National University of Ireland Galway, all who
offer Speech and Language Therapy as a study
option. Saturday morning was a hive of
activity as students and speakers were greeted
and directed on where the conference was
being held. All the students from the
committee were kept busy running back and
forth as money was collected, sweets
distributed and bottles of water lined up at
the podium for the speakers. The student
committee this year was made up of two
16
IASLT Update 2012
students from each of the colleges. From
University College Cork there was Shinann
Buckley O’ Sullivan and Rhondante Evelyn. From
Trinity College Dublin there was Siofra Mulkerrin
and Mark McCormack. From University Limerick
there was Patricia Donnelly and Claire Mullally
and from National University of Ireland, Galway
there was Orla Boyle and Ciara Martyn.
At 10am sharp (ish!) the conference was warmly
opened by the new Chairperson of the IASLT,
Sinéad Kennedy. Sinéad welcomed all the
students and gave a brief description of what
the IASLT aims to provide for student speech
therapists. Aoife McGuire then stood and again
welcomed all the students and speakers to the
IASLT student conference of 2012 and politely
asked everyone to give the speakers their
respect during the talks with the promise that
there would be an allocated time for questions
at the end of the talks. The topics that were
discussed had been carefully selected by the
student liaison committee, with input from all
the students from each of the three universities.
The student committee worked hard on
choosing topics that would be interesting to
students from all study years, and not just for
final year students.
Altogether, five talks were given with plenty of
time allocated for a “Questions and Answers”
session which was possibly the most interesting
and beneficial part of the conference as it
allowed the students who had attended to air
out their worries, queries and interests straight
on. Being able to have the committee sit in
front of the students and answer their questions
one on one was a lot more intimate and
useful than asking via email. Questions that
were asked were largely focused on the
current job situation in today’s economic climate
and how could the IASLT help new grads get
jobs. Other questions included working abroad,
volunteer work, raising awareness of speech
therapy in Ireland and working in private clinics.
The first topic was“Interviews: Processes and
Panels”, presented by Tricia Diamond. Tricia
gave a very relevant and informative
presentation on how to “show off” and
“impress” at an interview. She shared the
secrets of writing an eye catching CV and had
every final year student as the edge of their
seat! “Working in Dysphagia” was the second
topic and was presented by Sile Murphy. This
presentation was great for all students from any
year as it was easy to follow and understand
while still being detailed. Sile gave great insight
into what it was like working with dysphagia
and what her typical routine would be. Another
presentation that had third and fourth year
students hanging on to every word was “You
have graduated – now what?” presented by
Kristine Coffey. Kristine gave a brilliant
presentation and helped bridge that scary
grey area between graduation and one’s first
interview. Before the conference, when the
student committee were trying to come up
with topics, many students voiced their
concerns about this area of life and it was clear
that many felt like this was something college
did not prepare us for. We may be taught how
to be speech therapists and how to write CV’s
and “wow” at interviews…but what is the first
thing we should do when we’ve graduated?
Where do we even look for jobs? These are
the kind of questions that were answered in
Kristine’s presentation. After lunch there was a
break from SLT speakers and John Curtin stood
up to talk to us about his life with Parkinson’s
disease and his experience with the Lee
Silverman Voice Treatment. John gave a very
moving and insightful presentation and there
was not one student who wasn’t paying
attention. There is something very powerful
about hearing, first hand, the lived experience
of someone with a communication difficulty. No
college lecture can provide the same insight or
paint the picture in such a clear manner. After
John’s talk we had Sarah O’ Regan talk to us
about her experience of “Being a Volunteer
SLT”. It was clear from the start that Sarah was a
true expert in this matter and not only was she
knowledgeable, she was also passionate. These
two factors made Sarah’s presentation exciting,
informative and very relevant.
The conference ended with some final “Thank
you!” speeches made by Aoife McGuire and
Shinann Buckley O’ Sullivan, UCC rep. The
student committee breathed a sigh of both
relief and pride, knowing that the months of
hard work, countless emails and last minute late
night phone calls were over…and worth it!
And now we all look forward to 2013 where the
conference will be held in UL. No doubt it will
be bigger and better than the conference of
2012.
We, the IASLT Student Committee would like
to thank all of the guest speakers, the students
who attended the conference and all the IASLT
committee members for their support and help
in organising this year’s 6th annual student
conference. It was a pleasure representing you
and co-ordinating the 2012 conference.
IASLT Update 2012
17
ISAYiT!
by Bevin Murphy
Young ISA & ISAYiT!
member Bevin Murphy (14) has
been participating in Irish
Stammering Association
events for over 5 years and is an
original cast member in ISAYiT!
(Irish Stammering Association
Youth international Theatre)
She loves attending the drama
workshops and meeting up
with other young people who
stammer. In 2006 at the
International Fluency Association
World Congress in Dublin she
got involved with Our Time
Theatre Company, a theatre
18
IASLT Update 2012
company based in New York for
young people who stutter. Since
then she has performed with
them in NYU and has attended
their summer camp for young
people who stutter. The camp
is dedicated to helping young
people who stutter find their
voice by giving them an
opportunity to be themselves
in an environment where they
are not judged on how they
speak. A mission that Irish
Stammering Association aims
to replicate through its activities
with young people in Ireland.
We caught up with this jet setting
youngster and asked her a few
questions about what Camp Our
Time was like.
Was it strange being the only Irish person?
Sometimes it was cuz I didn’t really know the
“American” language but I also felt special
because I am the only one in Ireland to ever
experience Camp Our Time!
What was it like being around other young
people who stammer for the 10 days?
It was so much fun! We could all relate to one
another and give each other advice!
How long was the camp, who was there and
where was the camp?
Camp Our Time was in North Carolina, America
and it was 10 days long. People from all over
America came to the camp, some had been
there before and also some new people.
What was the best thing about camp?
Why was that the best thing?
The best thing about Camp Our Time was
the people! The people I have met there
know exactly what I’m going through and
understand me.
What kinds of things did you do at
camp? Where did you sleep? What kind of
food did you eat?
We did lots of activities, such as; Rock-climbing,
dancing, horseback riding, swimming, arts
and crafts and many more. I slept in a cabin
with 7 other girls and 2 counsellors (but it
wasn’t crowded at all; we each had a bed and
a shelving unit) we ate; burgers, fries (chips)
pizza, pasta, chicken, sandwiches and lots more
yummy food!
Do young people in America who stammer
think about stammering differently to young
people in Ireland?
Nope! Stammering is Stammering. We may all
have our own views but at the end of the day,
we all have this thing and it brings us closer to
other people to stammer also all around the
world!
If a young person in Ireland who stammers
was thinking of going to camp next year but
wasn’t sure, what would you say to them?
You don’t need to think twice! Camp will teach
you and help you to grow into a better person!
And it’s going to be so much fun!
What did you learn that was helpful to you?
I learned that you got to hold life in your hands
and never let go! Stammering may be one of
the worst things right now but it will get better!
Is there anything else you want to say about
camp?
I would like to thank everyone who has made
my dream a reality: To be with people to
understand me! But most of all Camp is one
of the best places to me and if at all possible I
would love to bring that kind of environment
here and share my experiences and stories with
other people!
What are your best memories of camp?
A memory that stands out for me is when we
were all around the first and last campfire! It felt
incredible to be with such amazing people
and for them to share their stories and their
experiences with the rest of us!
What did you enjoy about the end of week
performance?
I enjoyed all the plays/songs/dances! :D Just
with a week of rehearsing/organising it was
incredible to see what beautiful and/or inspiring
things people can do with just a short amount
of time!
Words: Bevin Murphy and Veronica Lynch
Pictures: Bevin Murphy
You can read more about Irish Stammering
Association at stammeringireland.ie and
watch the video ISAYiT! has produced for
young people who stammer.
IASLT Update 2012
19
IASLT AGM
& Study day
The IASLT AGM and study day was held on
Friday April 27th 2012 in the School of Nursing
and Midwifery on D’Olier street in Dublin. This
event was free for members and there was a
good turnout on the day.
The annual general meeting opened at 10.45
am. Reports were presented by the chairperson,
the treasurer, honorary secretary, PR officer and
representatives of all the standing committees.
Thank you to all who submitted reports.
As is usual at the AGM, members of the 20122013 council were elected. Four members of
2011-2012 council stepped down: Edel
Dunphy, Aoife McGuire, Deirdre Kenny and
Derval McDonagh. Thank you to all of these
members who gave so much of their time and
expertise to IASLT. Nine members of 2011-2012
council agreed to be nominated for another
year and were re-elected. Four new council
members were elected: Clare Hudson,
Stephanie McGrath, Adrian Bradley and Jenny
Trundle. Details of those who are currently
sitting on 2012-2013 council are available at the
end of this report. Full minutes from the AGM
will be available for members at a future date.
Following the AGM, Edel Dunphy, IASLT’s CPD
officer gave us a report of the work carried out
to date and there was a short report presented
on behalf of the SLT vocational group.
Before lunch, Libby Kineen led a workshop with
the attendees which focused on the IASLT
strategy. The focus for the next 3 years was
discussed and members gave their input. As
registration for SLTs is in the process of being
set up, it is important that IASLT are prepared
for this significant change. Members indicated
that IASLT had a mandate to lobby on the
behalf of the profession and to advocate for
both the profession and our clients. Suggestions
for how to ensure members are kept informed
and to involve members in the organisation
were made.
Following lunch, Rena Lyons, Rozanne Barrow
and Brenda Byrne presented ‘Stories of
communication disability and identity across
the lifespan: Tools and techniques for listening
differently’. The work highlighted the
20
IASLT Update 2012
importance of listening to the stories and
experiences of service users across all ages and
presented some tools to assist us in doing this.
This presentation also featured a supported
interview in which a person who lives with a
communication disorder discussed her story
and experience.
Finally I would like to thank all who contributed
to the success of the day: the staff at the school
of nursing and midwifery, Rozanne Barrow, Brenda
Byrne, Rena Lyons and all members of IASLT
who so freely gave their time to help organise
or present on the day. The AGM in 2013 will be
held in conjunction with the conference in April
so we look forward to seeing you there. Anne Healy, Membership Officer
IASLT council 2012 – 2013
IASLT are pleased to present the following
members who make up 2012-2013 council. Each
member of council either assumes an officer role
or a link role with a standing committee. These
link roles ensure that council and the standing
committees have a formal way of communicating
with each other. All council members can be
contacted through the office or info@iaslt.ie
Name
Sinead Kennedy
Council role
Chairperson
Jonathon Linklater Vice chairperson, PR Officer and website committee link
Jenny Trundle
Honorary Secretary
Anne Healy
Membership Officer
Marijke Morris
Treasurer
Private practice link
Clare Hudson
Conference committee
Stephanie McGrath Student Liaison
IALP committee link
Adrian Bradley
CPLOL link
Kristine Coffey
New graduate link
Louise Collins
Overseas committee and Education board link
Siobhan Manning
PDEC link
CONFERENCE
Fresh Talk
Food for Thought
By Siobhán Manning
The 2011 IASLT Biennial conference, Fresh Talk Food
for Thought was held on November 24th and 25th in
the Radisson Blu Hotel in Dublin. The total number of
attendees registered at the 2011 conference was 222
representing a 23% increase from the 2009 conference.
IASLT’s main goal for this conference was to provide
members with excellent value for money by significantly
reducing registration fees while providing a wide range
of high quality presentations including talks from
international guest speakers. The two-day member
early-bird rate was reduced by 43% from u265 in 2007
to u150 in 2011. Guest speakers included:
• Prof. Shula Chiat, City University London
• Prof Penny Roy, City University London
• Dr Christina McKean, Newcastle University
• Ms Pauline Frizelle, University College Cork
• Prof Rosemary Varley, The University of Sheffiled
• Carole Pound, Brunel University, London
• Dr Frank Dolphin, Chair of the board of the HSE
• Ms Mary Hickey, Process Improvement Manager
at Tallaght Hospital
There were 42 oral presentations in total – 7 from guest
speakers and 35 general oral presentations. There was
a total of 65 poster presentations. The papers were
selected by a scientific committee through a fully
anonymised process. Overall, feedback from delegates
was very positive. 100% of respondents rated the
quality of presentations as “good”, “very good” or
“excellent”. Ratings of the venue and catering were
also very positive. Delegates were also asked what
they liked most about the conference. Some common
themes were:
• Having guest/international speakers, including HSE Chairperson
• High standard of all oral and poster presentations
• Variety of topics covered
• Well organised, good time-keeping
• Excellent location & venue
• Opportunity for networking (especially for new grads)
• Appropriate length of presentations
• Conference booklet
When asked what they would change or suggest for
2013 conference, the following were some of the
more commonly mentioned themes:
• More diversity in topics covered – e.g. in areas
such as learning disability, paediatric FEDS,
tracheostomy/head and neck cancer
• Increase length of presentations – more than just a quick “taste” (note, many others cited the short presentation time as a positive thing)
• More opportunities to change rooms
• Gala dinner needs more PR to encourage
attendance - maybe less formal
• All poster presentations to have A4 handouts or
opportunity for it to be emailed on request.
• Venue a bit cramped at tea times & venue
sometimes too hot/stuffy
• No heavy, theoretical sessions at the end of the day, more practical reflective sessions
• More opportunities for audience involvement
• Should have conference every year
• A slot for IASLT professional issues and vocational
issues/discussion groups and brainstorming
opportunities with fellow professionals –
e.g. new grad issues.
As you can see from the feedback, overall the IASLT
Biennial Conference 2011 was a success and a very
enjoyable event to attend. IASLT and the conference
committee would like to thank everyone who attended
and we are looking forward to Conference 2013.
A reminder to Save the Date:
IASLT Biennial Conference
18th & 19th April 2013
An exciting opportunity to hear the latest research
from international and national speakers, gain practical
knowledge and skills and network with the SLT
community. Further details will follow shortly so
check the IASLT website regularly for updates.
IASLT Update 2012
21
Special Interest Groups
22
Special interest groups are an invaluable source of
information and support to Speech & Language Therapists
(SLT) working in SLT Clinics around the country. Find a
SIG that suits your caseload and join or renew your
membership today to keep up to date with current
therapy techniques and interesting course and study days.
1. Adult Acquired
Communication Disorders SIG
Chair: Fiona Hill
SLT Department, Tallaght Hospital
Tallaght, D. 24.
01 4142776
fiona.hill@amnch.ie
Secretary: Ciara Lynch
SLT Department, St Josephs Hospital
Raheny, D. 5
01-8774910
ciaralynch2@beaumont.ie
Membership Secretary & Treasurer:
Iseult Clarke, SLT Department,
Tallaght Hospital, Tallaght, D. 24.
01 4142776
iseult.clarke@amnch.ie
Newsletter editors:
Klara Anderson, Peamount Healthcare,
Newcastle Co. Dublin, 01 6010300 ext 254,
kanderson@peamount.ie
Kristine Coffey, SLT Department, St James
Hospital, Dublin 8 kristine.coffey@live.ie
2. Voice SIG
Chair: Derval Crossan
SLT Dept., South Infirmary- Victoria University
Hospital, Old Blackrock Road, Cork
Tel; 021-4926371
crossan.derval@sivuh.ie
Secretary: Pauline Frizelle
Treasurer: Marie Therese O Callaghan
3. Adult Dysphagia SIG
Chair: Niamh Barrett,
SLT Department,
Community Services HSE,
Trust Us, The Fold Building,
New Seskin Court,
Tallaght, Dublin 24.
086 8503791.
niamh.barrett@hse.ie
Secretary: Niamh Davis,
SLT Department,
PCCC HSE Dublin North East
LHO North West Dublin Hartstown Health Centre,
Cherryfield Lawns,
Hartstown, Dublin 15.
01 8662835.
IASLT Update 2012
Treasurer: Grainne Brady,
SLT Department,
Mater Misericordiae University Hospital,
Eccles Street, Dublin 7
01 8034846
4. Paediatric Dysphagia SIG
Chair: Caitriona Heffernan,
Caitriona.heffernan@hse.ie
Treasurer/membership secretary:
Brigid Toibin
brigid.toibin@hse.ie
Treasurer;
Tracy Coburn
tcoburn@enableireland.ie
5. Mental Health SIG
Chair: Jennifer Brophy
SLT Dept.,
Tallaght Hospital,
Tallaght,
Dublin 24
jenniferbrophy@gmail.com
Secretary: Eimear Ryan
Lucena Clinic, Mater Hospital,
59 Orwell Road,
Rathgar, Dublin 6.
Eimear.Ryan@sjog.ie
Treasurer: Barbara Ridell,
Warrenstown Child & Adolescent Inpatient Unit,
North Blanchardstown,
Dublin 15.
barbara.ridell1@hse.ie
6. Adult Intellectual Disability SIG
Chair: Nicole Dryssen,
nicole.dryssen@kareld.com
Secretaries: Aoife Quigley,
01 2852900 ext 173
Sinead Kelleghan, SLT
Treasurer: Hazel Frawley,
SLT Department, Brothers of Charity,
Bawnmore, Limerick.
hazelfrawley@limerickbrothersofcharity.ie
7. Multilingualism &
Multiculturalism SIG
Chair: Fiona O Mahony,
Fiona.omahony1@hse.ie
44 North Great Georges Street, Dublin 1
Secretary: Ann Magnier,
amagnier@mater.ie
Treasurer (shared role):
Anne-Sophie O Connell;
annesophie.oconnell@hse.ie
Monica McBrinn;
monica.mcbrinn@hse.ie
Monica McBrinn,
Treasurer Multilingualism SIG, Senior SLT
LHO-North West Dublin,
Damastown Health Centre,
Clonee, D15 .
8. Specific Speech &
Language Impairment SIG
Chair: Anne Tangney, SLT Manager,
City General Hospital,
Infirmary Road, Cork.
021 7927801
anne.tangney@hse.ie
Secretary: Carmel O Neill,
SLT Department,
City General Hospital,
Infirmary Road, Cork
021 7927801
carmelP.ONeill@hse.ie
Treasurer: Aoibhe McDonnell,
St. Marks Junior National School,
Springfield, Tallaght, Dublin 7
01 4597878
aoibhe.mcdonnell@hse.ie
9. Cleft Lip & Palatal
Anomalies SIG
Chair: Nicole Prendeville,
Our lady’s Hospital for Sick Children,
Dublin 12. Nicole.Prendeville@olchc.ie
Tel. No: 01 4096100
Secretary: Elaine Duddy,
The Children’s University Hospital,
Temple Street, Dublin 1.
elaine.duddy@cuh.ie
Tel. No: 01 8784788.
Treasurer: Michelle Nash,
HSE West, PCCC, Limerick.
michelle.nash@hse.ie
Tel. No: 061 483992.
10. Dysfluency SIG
Chairperson; Jonathon Linklater:
jp.linklater@gmail.com
Secretary (joint);
Kitty Murphy: kitty.murphy@hse.ie and
Maeve Dunn: maeve.dunn@hse.ie
11. Focus: Speech & Language
Therapy Forum (Paediatric ID SIG)
Chair: Karen Henderson,
Senior SLT,
Cheeverstown House,
Templeogue,
Dublin 6 W.
Tel; 01 4993700 Extn 637
khenderson@cheeverstown.ie
Secretary: Shared responsibility
Treasurer: Kate Bermingham,
Beechpark services, Unit 3& 4,
St. Johns Grove,
Johnstown, Co. Kildare
Tel. No: 045 844500
kate.bermingham@hse.ie
12. Down Syndrome Ireland SIG
Chair(s):Mari Caulfield,
Speech & Language Therapy Centre,
The Courtyard,
Kilcolgan, Co. Galway.
speech@maricaulfield.com
www.maricaulfield.com
Tel. No: 091 796600. Clóthra Ní Cholmáin,
School of Linguistic,
Speech & Communication Sciences,
Clinical Speech & Language Studies,
Trinity College,Dublin.
ccholmin@tcd.ie
Treasures/Secretary:
Gráinne Murphy,
National Resource Team,
Down Syndrome Ireland,
Citylink Business Park,
Old Naas Road, Dublin 12.
sig@downsyndrome.ie
www.downsyndrome.ie
Tel. No: 087 2535809.
13. Irish Association of Speech
& Language Therapists in Private
Practice SIG
Co-Chairs; Pamela Raftery; prafterySLT@gmail.
com 086-8482270 and Madeleine Mcnamara;
madeleine@mcnamara.com; 085-7604846
Secretary; Barbara Hallahan iasltppsecretary@
gmail.com or info@marvellousmouth.ie;
087-6532875
Treasurer; Patricia Curtis; apleyslt@eircom.net;
087-6297563
Membership Secretary; Donna Hardiman;
hardimandonna@gmail.com - 086-2105580
Please contact info@iaslt.ie if you feel any of
these SIG contact details are incorrect.
IASLT Update 2012
23
Update from IASLT New
Graduate Liaison
Kristine Coffey
The Irish Association of Speech and Language
Therapists (IASLT) are aware that the current environment
for newly graduated Speech and Language Therapists
(SLTs) is extremely challenging. We recognise that these
therapists are the future of the profession, and we have
been consciously working to help support New Graduates
in the current climate.
Online Discussion Forum
We have developed an Online Discussion Forum for New
Graduate members. This can be accessed at http://forum.
iaslt.ie/.
It is envisaged that this forum will assist New Graduate
members to stay connected to and engaged in the
profession. The forum can be used by New Graduates to:
Connect with other New Graduate members;
Access information about jobs / volunteer opportunities /
CPD events;
Liaise with the IASLT New Graduate Liaison with any
queries;
Share links to clinical resources;
Discuss clinical questions/cases;
Set up journal clubs.
The forum has had a moderate amount of activity with 88
posts so far.
Some work has been done on communicating the
existence of the New Graduate forum amongst the SLT
profession. It is hoped that this will facilitate linking New
Graduates into the profession and to ensure that the
forum is used as a platform for the profession to
communicate with New Graduates. SLT’s are encouraged
to email graduates@iaslt.ie with any relevant information
for New Graduates (research/volunteer opportunities,
CPD events etc) in order to help these therapists stay
connected to their profession.
24
IASLT Update 2012
Future of the forum: Development of the forum is ongoing
to ensure maximum learning.
Solution-Focused Forum
On the 12th of April this year, the IASLT hosted and
facilitated a solution-focused forum. The aim of this forum
was to create a template for the support of unemployed
New Graduates. In order to achieve this, representatives
from a number of groups were invited including the SLT
Manager’s Group, Special Interest Groups, IASLTPP, the
universities, the HSE and, of course, New Graduates
themselves.
Attendees were asked to consider three questions in
advance of the forum;
1. What can be done to help support unemployed New
Graduates to maintain readiness for work?
2. How can unemployed New Graduates be supported to
maintain their skills/ CPD?
3. How can unemployed New Graduates stay connected
to our profession?
The forum generated some constructive discussion and
various ideas were generated to help address the above
questions. To reflect the outcome of this forum, a
document was compiled as a resource for New
Graduates. The document titled ‘Supporting new
graduates to maintain readiness for work: A Continuing
Professional Development Resource’ can be found on the
IASLT website. It is hoped that this resource will support
New Graduates to maintain and develop their knowledge,
skills and experience, to stay connected to the profession
and to ensure good practice once in employment. This
document also contains suggestions and signposts to
support New Graduates to stay connected to the
profession in the time before they find employment and
to maintain their skills and their readiness for work.
New Graduate Membership Pack
The New Graduate Membership Pack has been revised
and updated. The new version of the pack can be
accessed on the IASLT website under the CPD section.
The New Graduate Liaison for IASLT can be contacted
at graduates@iaslt.ie
WHY JOIN THE IASLT?
Your Membership Counts
INFLUENCING THE FUTURE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The IASLT lobbies the Government,
Oireachtas Health Committee, all political
parties, and the Department of Health and Children and other National Bodies on key issues and priorities. We influence policy development and plans through responses and submissions.
The IASLT is leading work to shape the speech and language therapy profession into the future, developing the scope and standards of practice, influencing and
accrediting curriculum development,
and supporting members.
We keep the profile of the profession high by employing a PR Consultant and regularly
achieving coverage in the national and
regional media.
The IASLT represents member’s views.
The IASLT is recognised as the designated authority for the Speech and Language Therapy Profession in Ireland, acting with the approval of the Minister of Health
and Children.
The IASLT accredits Irish University
undergraduate speech and language therapy programmes.
KEEPING YOU INFORMED AND
UP TO DATE
1.
2.
3.
4.
You receive the all colour, information packed Update magazine twice a year.
You can read the latest research and
evidence in our bi-annual journal of clinical speech and language studies.
Members can access a range of information online including access to printed guidelines on many topics.
Members can access IASLT publications ranging from the latest clinical guidelines to public information leaflets.
PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP AND
MEMBER SUPPPORT
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The IASLT CPD Project Manager explores and responds to your professional
development needs, using a variety of tools and recourses some of which are accessible via the IASLT website.
CPD events are advertised on the
IASLT website.
The IASLT submits proposals to the HSE
annually for CPD funding.
We work to ensure that the quality of speech and language therapy education meets the present and future needs of clients.
The IASLT professional indemnity insurance scheme is available for members.
GETTING INVOLVED
1. You have the opportunity to vote in council elections at our annual AGM.
2. You can join committees.
3. You can attend the annual IASLT Conference with top national and international speakers and a fantastic range of educational,
scientific and social networking
opportunities and experiences.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
1.
2.
3.
Only current member’s clients can claim reimbursement for treatment from Health Insurance Providers.
Members have the opportunity to submit their research, group or individual, in the form of a Poster or an Oral Presentation at the IASLT Biennial Conference.
ABOVE ALL, AS A MEMBER, YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND POSITIVELY CONTRIBUTE TO THE FUTURE
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROFESSION
IN IRELAND.
IASLT Update 2012
25