communication SUMMER 2016

VOLUNTEERING IN PERU

PROGRAMMING AT ALLENVALE

RYLA 2016

LINDA BURKHART Editorial – R. Lucas van Ryn [email protected] contents

01 EDITORIAL As the end of the year is upon us, some things are winding attended RYLA this year and tells us about the range of leaders 02 PRESIDENT’S REPORT down, only for us to get busy with others. Although the crazy she met with, the importance of follow-through in what you say, 03 LINDA BURKHART WORKSHOP 2016 season is here, I trust that you have made holiday plans and that and the value of reflection (p. 4). 04 ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS 2016 the Summer break will bring you some time for reflection and Mereti Howe and her Speech-language Therapist Marie contemplation and to spend with friends and family. I also hope Jardine give us an insight into the intensive care setting—from 05 OBITUARY: CHRIS JUSTIN that all of you have stayed safe through the recent Kaikoura both a patient’s and therapist’s perspective—through their 06-07 VOLUNTEERING IN LIMA, PERU earthquake. journey of combating Myasthenia Gravis, a neuromuscular 08-09 AREA UPDATES This issue of Communication Matters highlights the range disease (pp. 12-13). Mereti comments she was “sad . . . to leave 10-11 ALLENVALE STUDENTS: FROM CONSUMERS TO CREATORS of things us Speech-language Therapists get involved in. Megan people I now consider friends, who helped me over a really Chinnery shares her experience of volunteering as a Speech- challenging five months in hospital.” 12-13 MYASTHENIA GRAVIS: AN UNPREDICTABLE JOURNEY language Therapist in Lima, Peru (pp. 6-7). Working alongside Michelle King, Speech-language Therapist at Allenvale 14 BOOK REVIEW: TALKING BABY the local therapist with children in an orphanage, Megan school, talks to Information Technology teacher Jenny Gosney 15 NZSL ASSESSMENT TOOLKIT implemented a variety of communication strategies, including about Allenvale’s new digital technology curriculum (pp. 10-11). 15 DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES: SPEECH PATHOLOGY IN SYDNEY core boards and key signs, and extended the therapy outside While many students, especially in a special education setting, of clinic sessions by modelling communication strategies with use digital technology to access the curriculum, or to access 16 GIVING VOICE CAMPAIGN UPDATE carers in the orphanage. Both Megan and the orphanage were communication, Allenvale aims to enable students to use digital 16 PATIENT SAFETY WEEK extremely grateful for the experience and input they gained. technology as active creators, and has succeeded in finding 17-20 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL REPORTS The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a leadership a range of motivating technology solutions. Stay tuned too for 21 CONTACT DETAILS training camp for young leaders within their field. Jessamy news about AAC at Allenvale in the next issue. Amm, Speech-language Therapist at The TalkLink Trust,

Cover photo: Lima, Peru, where Megan Chinnery volunteered as a Speech-language Therapist (pp. 6-7).

COMMUNICATION MATTERS IS PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER USING VEGETABLE-BASED INKS

1 FEATURE

President’s Report – Linda Burkhart Workshop 2016 Philippa Friary WORDS: JANE WENDELKEN, TEACHER / TRAINER, THE TALKLINK TRUST [email protected] Several of us at the TalkLink Trust were her students use the toys for a purpose and her knowledge of the Pragmatically lucky enough to attend a two-day (move the toy to knock something down, Organised Dynamic Display (PODD) workshop presented by Linda J. Burkhart move the toy to carry something…), AAC system was fantastic. She showed in October this year. What a fantastic but the toys are changed up to create a us many adaptations and variations for KIA ORA KOUTOU, couple of days! Linda has such a wealth moderate difference. Linda showed us using the system with learners with such Spring always proves to be a bit of an unpredictable season, A further highlight for 2016 has to be our successful bid to of knowledge and experience in teaching how she did this: By attaching a Velcroed complex needs. yet not as volatile as it has been recently with the earthquakes be the hosts of the International Association of Logopedics and children with complex communication image or placing a puppet over it. All of us got a lot out of the two days. across the country. Our thoughts and wishes go out to Phoniatrics Conference in 2022. The NZSTA is formally partnering needs. As a teacher, I found it particularly Another gem from day one was the There were so many ‘golden nuggets’ to everyone who has been affected across New Zealand. With the with the New Zealand Audiological Society and Auckland refreshing and exciting to hear from use of the Step-by-Step (Ablenet) multi- take away. One of the best things we did Christchurch earthquakes a very recent memory, I imagine there Tourism, Events and Economic Development to host this grand someone who has practised with such level message devices when working was get together as a team of Teachers, are a lot of unsettled people out there. event. One of our first steps is to select our organising committee. skill as a teacher for so long. on teaching access to two switches. Speech-language Therapists, and Our university programme had students on placement We will be in contact with those who have sent through an On day one, Linda looked at historical Linda talked about the work she had Occupational Therapists the following across the country at this time. While I was busy trying to get in expression of interest to be a part of this event in the new year. perspectives in AAC and linked this with done along with Caroline Musselwhite, week to discuss and share what we all contact with them all, a fellow student commented that they were Well, it is time to look back over 2016 and reflect on a current understandings, with a focus on developing Co-Planned Social Scripts took from the training. There was so all fine as she could see that they had checked in as ‘OK’ using great year. We launched our new-look vision and values, our Autism Spectrum Disorder, Angelman and using these on the devices. This much in there for us all. Facebook. While I marvelled at the simplicity of this software, I new strategic plan, and a new website. There have been many Syndrome, and Rett Syndrome. Having was a revelation for me and something also wondered how our clients with communication difficulties submissions made to Parliament, new professional and clinical an understanding of the complex needs I will use with these learners. Students may cope given potential access issues. As we progress down guidelines, a top class conference and developments made of your particular learners is important. have the opportunity to build their this exciting technological path, is everyone coming with us? Or to our Programme Accreditation Framework. We are nurturing It was great to hear some AAC myths own message by planning with their are the systems we are putting in place to create efficiencies for our relationships nationally and internationally through He Kete busted and the case for best practice communication partner. some creating barriers for others? Whanaugatanga, our Programme Accreditation Committee, made so clearly. Learning language Day two continued with more How accessible is the world to our clients with our work on the Mutual Recognition Committee and the through experience, in natural contexts, practical strategies and resources communication challenges? What part can we play, as experts in International Communication Project’s strategic and working without drilling, and with a focus on core shared. Linda focused a lot on learners this field, in making our environments more accessible to them? groups. With all this great mahi (‘work’), now is the time to press vocabulary is the way to go! with multiple and complex needs These questions are being asked by the strategic group of our pause for a bit—to absorb and replenish, and get ready for A key strategy I took away from day such as cortical visual impairment, national Giving Voice campaign. We will keep you informed on an even greater 2017. On behalf of the membership, I wish to one was using repetition with moderate auditory impairment, and severe motor our progress and how you can all help out. Great thanks to Sally warmly thank everyone who has rolled up their sleeves to help differences. We all know that our students challenges. Again, Linda’s experience Kedge, Ann Smaill, Annette Rotherham, Amy Oughton, and the out in 2016, in particular our Area and Student Representatives, need to hear, see, and try a new skill over many years and with learners with national Giving Voice Champions for their time and energy. the Programme Accreditation Committee and the three multiple times. Making this repetition complex needs became apparent. I More change has happened within our secretariat service university programmes, our Patron Andrew Becroft, and the meaningful and natural will assist in appreciated the combination of research as we have partnered with a new company, ONZL Limited. This Executive Council members: Karen Brewer, Anna Miles, Annette holding their attention and generalising and theory with practical strategies transition has been seamless, with our new team members Rotherham, Jodi White, and Claire Winward. Wherever the the learning. Linda demonstrated this by and resources. Linda’s work over the Linda Burkhart. quickly getting themselves up to speed with our systems and festive break takes you—be well and be fabulous. Mauri ora. using switch-adapted toys. Not only do years with Gayle Porter was evident policies. We welcome Susan Wells and her team to the NZSTA. Philippa

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Reflections on the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards 2016 Obituary: the United States where she trained with experts of the day, WORDS: JESSAMY AMM, THE TALKLINK TRUST including Joan Reynell and Catherine Renfrew in Oxford. Chris Justin Chris will long be remembered for the production of WORDS: FAYE-NOEL BROWN, assessments that were standardised for New Zealand children. This year, I was sponsored by Takapuna Rotary Club to attend the Rotary Youth GILLIAN FLEMING, ADRIENNE The first of these was the Dunedin Articulation Test, designed Leadership Awards (RYLA) 2016 at Muriwai Beach, Auckland for a six-day leadership THE GOALS OF RYLA ARE TOMKINS, AND JUNE LAVERTY, for the Ongoing Dunedin Multidisciplinary Study (the Dunedin training camp. This particular RYLA is for 20 to 28-year-olds who demonstrate FOR DELEGATES TO: WITH THANKS TO LOIS LAWN Study), where Chris was the principal investigator for Speech. leadership within their field. My friend, an Occupational Therapist, attended RYLA a As well as working as the full time district therapist, Chris was few years ago and encouraged me to apply to attend this course. • learn the beliefs, values and Chris Justin was a name well known in the community where very involved in the affairs of the NZSTA. In 1964, she convened We interacted with a wide range of New Zealand leaders, members of the behaviours common among she lived—Otago—and also by many throughout the Speech- the first conference to be held in Dunedin. At this conference, South Auckland Poets Collective, young people from the Deaf Society (it was really successful people and how language Therapy world, both here in New Zealand and she was elected as President of the Association. In 1980, she interesting seeing some of the delegates interacting with Deaf people for the first they are developed internationally. was again elected to the National Executive as Secretary, and time), Sam from Sustainable Coastlines, Brando ‘Wildboy’ Yelavich (who walked • enhance leadership skills Chris had strong roots in Otago. As an only child, she in 1986 undertook secretarial duties for the NZSTA Conference around the entire coastline of New Zealand in 600 days), as well as a variety of through experiential learning enjoyed many of the simple outdoor pursuits her parents loved. held in Dunedin. The logo of the Association, which remains corporate speakers. Peter Ward and Monique Bradley from Starlight Media House and activities designed to She often talked of going shooting and fishing with her father, today, was created at Chris’s instigation. supported us through personality profiling and identification of learning styles. We challenge thinking skills and of the motorcycle and sidecar they travelled in en famille. Amongst other achievements, Chris gained her Fellowship completed challenges each day to reinforce the learning from each speaker. • enhance self-awareness and This love of life, her enthusiasm, and her sense of fun bubbled of Trinity College, London (Speech & Drama) in 1967, writing a My only critique is that I would have loved to have a speaker from a not-for-profit build self-confidence over to affect all who worked with her. thesis concerning Voice: A Reflection of Personality. She set up organisation or from a health or education background, as I am not interested in • provide tools and skills to After leaving school, Chris worked for a few years in an special weekly clinics for therapists to meet with a neurologist corporate life or owning a huge business. However, the skills which speakers gave enable you to take ownership office, and entered Dunedin Teachers’ College as a slightly to discuss cases, was co-organiser and co-writer of the script us were transferable across contexts and challenged my thinking on several things for behaviours and act wisely older student in 1943. Two years later, she was selected for for the film The Spoken Word, continued to attend courses, and within the health and education sectors. in any situation Speech Therapy training and attended Christchurch Teachers’ was a part-time therapist at the Dunedin Public Hospital. One thing that struck me was the emphasis on reflection. I have emphasised the • provide the opportunity to College to undertake the course in 1945. Following her training, In 1983, she made another visit to Britain where she need to engage in self-reflection to my Speech-language Therapy students, but, in build relationships with other Chris was appointed to one of the clinics at the Training School attended the IALP Conference and once again presented a the business of work, postgraduate study, church and community activities, sport, young leaders. in Christchurch, where she also lectured. Chris was the first workshop. Chris was always vitally interested in anything and and time for important relationships, reflection time seems to have decreased on secretary of the New Zealand Speech Therapy Association everything to do with Speech-language Therapy. She retired my priority scale. The follow-on from all this reflection can be conveyed by a motto I (NZSTA) and the first publisher of the journal. in 1986, but continued to work part-time for CCS after her have tried to follow for the past year or so: “You are what you do, not what you say In May 1949, on the death of her father, Chris returned to retirement. She was made a Life Member of the NZSTA in 1986, you will do.” Several speakers emphasised this same idea, though they all expressed Dunedin and took up the position of Senior Speech Therapist. and all agreed this was richly deserved. it differently. The absence of therapy aids and the need for materials inspired Chris was greatly respected as a Speech-language RYLA takes place throughout New Zealand and internationally. If you are Chris to call a meeting of parents and, from this, the Otago Therapist in both the education and health arenas. Those who interested, contact your local Rotary Club and see when the next RYLA is happening Speech Therapy Association was formed. worked with her appreciated her encouragement and support in your district. I would highly recommend it and would love to see more young Chris was an active member of the NZSTA and convened to be innovative in their therapy. She always acknowledged and New Zealand Speech-language Therapists further developing their skills to take our the eighth conference of the association in 1953. In 1956, was proud of their success. She was loved and respected by country forward! she represented New Zealand at the conference in Barcelona the children and parents she worked with. She is remembered Thank you to the Takapuna Rotary Club for sponsoring me and The TalkLink organised by the International Association of Logopaedics and by many in Otago and beyond for her holistic view of children Trust for supporting me to attend. Rotary Youth Leadership Awards 2016. Phoniatrics (IALP). This was followed by attendance at many and her consistently positive approach. overseas conferences where she followed her passion for all Chris died recently in her 95th year, and in accordance with aspects of her profession. Chris travelled widely in Britain and her wishes a private service was held.

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I focused my time on two main areas. The first was to generalise the areas and goals worked on in therapy out of the clinic. The children had therapy sessions two to three times a week, but because the therapist worked in isolation, the children then went back to the orphanage where no-one knew what they were working on or how to communicate with them. A lot of my time was spent modelling communication strategies to the carers in the orphanage, teaching other volunteers to do the same, and brainstorming with the local Speech-language Therapist to come up with culturally appropriate ways she could carry her work over into the home and then trying these out. Social structures and hierarchies of power are complicated in Peru, so working collaboratively across professions is very much a developing area. My second focus was to introduce different communication strategies, in particular key signs and simple core boards in Spanish (thanks to cut and paste!). Only two children at the orphanage had any spoken language. The rest were talked to—a few signs were also used in Speech- language Therapy sessions—eventhough some were totally deaf. They had no way of communicating themselves. A lot of the difficult behaviours exhibited by the children were a result of frustration or uncertainty, stemming from this lack of communication. This work involved making lots of resources and training the coordinators of the volunteer organisation how to use these different modes of communication so that they can train future volunteers. I stock-piled Spanish core boards for the that Speech-language Therapists and other professions can Volunteering in Lima, Peru local Speech-language Therapist as she didn’t have access contribute to their programmes, even though this is not well to a computer or printer. I did lots of modelling, and then publicised. WORDS: MEGAN CHINNERY handing over to the carers to have a go, and pointing out simple I reflect on my time in Peru and feel so grateful for the communication opportunities throughout the day, for example experience. The orphanage was so grateful for the input I pointing to stop on the core board or signing stop to a child provided, but it was only a small drop in the ocean at one point At the start of 2016, I was fortunate to be able to spend a month practise don’t exist, and it is often isolating, as teams do not who can’t hear you when you say, “stop.” The children started in time. They, and so many other places like this, would love in a small orphanage in the middle of Lima, Peru volunteering as work collaboratively and there is no peer supervision. The local responding to the signs and communication boards within a (and need) more Speech-language Therapists to visit! When a Speech-language Therapist. Alongside the local team, I worked Speech-language Therapist was fantastic; she was interested few days. When I left, one five-year-old was using 13 new signs I had to leave, I wished I could have passed the baton to the with 16 children with very complex needs, aged between 2 and 8 in learning alternative ways to work with the children on her spontaneously. These kids have so much potential! next fellow speechie. I feel that, individually, we can make some years old. The orphanage had a full-time local Speech-language caseload, and we got creative communicating with each other I volunteered through an organisation called International changes, but together we can really make a huge difference. Therapist on staff, a rarity in Peru. Although we had trained using my (very) basic Spanish, a few English words, key signs, Volunteer HQ. The great thing about their programmes is that I am more than happy to provide more information within a few years of each other, Speech-language Therapy AAC core boards, and Google Translate. We spoke the same you can volunteer your time for as little as a week, so it can fit to anyone who is interested. Please contact me at training in Peru is in its infancy: Such things as evidence-based Speech-language Therapy talk in different languages. in with work, annual leave, and family. There is so much support [email protected].

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AREA UPDATES AREA REPORTS

Hampton-Edwards provided us with an update on the Paediatric CANTERBURY / WESTLAND AREA Dysphagia working party, and encouraged members to Ruth Ramsay and Kate Cook contribute ideas. We had another excellent turnout for the spring meeting. • Sally Diamond has recently joined the MOE Rotorua team. Burwood Hospital has welcomed Jessica Blanken, who is • Paula Shennan from TalkLink is about to go on maternity taking over Louise’s role while she is away in Australia. Katrina leave. Members wish to express how valuable her input has is on maternity leave with her son Deegan. The Christchurch been, and wish her all the best. Hospital Speech-language Therapy team attended the Allied • Victoria Lougher from Whakatane Hospital is now also on Health Awards. Emma Daly won the Graduate of the Year award; maternity leave. We wish her all the best. Caroline Lambert, Christchurch Hospital Speech-language • Waikato Hospital welcomes two new staff members: Teddie Therapy manager, won a Leadership award; Inez Palmer was Mateo, acute medical and surgical wards, and Katherine Lim, recognised for her excellence in teamwork; and Alexandra rehab wards. Waikato also farewells Sara Jodache who has Smedley won a Service Recognition award. Nicki Mason was been doing some much appreciated locum work. also nominated for a Service Recognition award. • MOE Tauranga is moving into a different building in December. The new premises will be on on Cameron Road. OTAGO / SOUTHLAND We hope all members have a fantastic Christmas, and look Eleanor Jackson forward to catching up again in the new year. Wow, I can’t believe we are nearing Christmas already! There CENTRAL AREA has been a fair bit of action in the Otago Southland area Area Updates recently: Emma Horsburgh • Alison Zani has recently taken on the role of Aphasia Advisor NORTHLAND AREA AUCKLAND AREA • A fairly quiet quarter in the Central Area and a fairly quick for the Dunedin area. Lucy Schumacher Fern Maxwell meeting also. • The Dunedin Aphasia Support Group has recently increased • Taranaki Hospital currently has a fourth-year student. They It’s been a pretty quiet quarter up in Northland. We have Auckland meetings continue to be well-attended via video in size and a transport grant has been secured. Several are looking to do the dysphagia training for nurses again continued to have steady turn-out for area meetings and are conferencing, covering a number of areas. As we move into group members are making use of this to get to and from the soon, as well as getting the cough reflex testing up and going to add professional development presentations to our 2017, we are looking to have at least four hubs at each meeting fortnightly group. going. meetings next year. to ensure we reach a wide range of people. Gina Davis from the • Dunedin Public Hospital has recently had two full-time • Hawkes Bay DHB is just finishing up with its locum Speech- We had a really interesting discussion about our title United Kingdom will be visiting New Zealand at the beginning of therapists (Jess Batty and Antonia Haynes) leave the hospital language Therapist and have had Anna Jerebine join their ‘Speech-language Therapist’. A member had the experience of next year and carrying out her Attention Autism training which is to move home to Christchurch. Their two vacancies have team. a parent saying that they always thought the final outcome for a must-do for paediatric Speech-language Therapists. now been filled. • Michelle from Kowhai Special School reports that a their child would be speaking because of the ‘speech’ in our job I will be heading off on parental leave in February 2017 and • Maria Ryan is going on maternity leave in December from successful autism spectrum disorder education session was title. We talked about the importance of not deleting ‘language’ work is in place for someone to cover my role whilst I am on Shout SLT. held recently, with great feedback from the community. from our title, emphasising communication, and making sure leave. Wishing everyone in the region a pleasant Summer and • Sarah Tay is leaving MOE Invercargill in December. • Whanganui Hospital reports that it is due to do more that both short and long-term goals are carefully discussed. restful new year. Lastly, I am standing down from the Otago / Southland Area dysphagia training for nurses and is looking to add cough And those of us who work in dysphagia will continue with our Representative position. I would like to thank all who have reflex testing into this. opening sentence of, “Hi, I’m Lucy, one of the Speech Language WAIKATO / BAY OF PLENTY AREA supported me in this role and I’m sure we will all warmly • Gisborne MOE is continuing to run Hanen workshops and Therapists here, and we also look at swallowing problems.” welcome Kathryn Palmer into this position. Annabelle Blue has teamed up with the Kindergarten Association to do the Our final meeting for the year was another successful one, Learning Language and Loving It program. with great attendance from clinicians across the region. Billie • Palmerston North Hospital has the cough reflex testing up and running as of mid October.

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of areas of digital technology. We have that engage and motivate students and one class that are right into Bee-Bots follow their interests. Allenvale Students: From Consumers to Creators and learning to write algorithms and As a school we would like to develop then programming the Bee-Bots to get industry relationships in the digital MICHELLE KING, SPEECH-LANGUAGE THERAPIST AT ALLENVALE SCHOOL, TALKS TO INFORMATION around tracks, mazes, and stories. We technology area. We’d like our students TECHNOLOGY TEACHER JENNY GOSNEY AND STUDENT JAYDEN BLACK. have some students who have moved to develop direct connections with role more in the robotics direction and are models in a variety of digital technology working with Sphero robots and the fields. Community connections, numerous apps available to control the especially with activities that mainstream robot. We have other students who are at peers are involved in, will be vital, as different levels of coding and are working will bringing industry volunteers into the Jayden Coding. Technology is continuing to change As well as interacting with students. It was then we really began independently through Hour of Code school. the way students are taught and how technology, the Computer Science to look at the bigger picture of what’s activities. they are learning in school. At Allenvale Unplugged website (http://csunplugged. available and what we need to do. Recently, a group of new entrants Allenvale student Jayden Black is School in Christchurch, staff are looking org/) gave us a huge variety of non- Code Club Aotearoa put us in successfully took part in a ‘Buzz Off’ more than happy to talk about the at ways to use digital technology to build device-based activities that help students touch with Professor Tim Bell and where they competed against 60 other programming he does at school. on student’s strengths and interests. understand how computers work. It Tracy Henderson of the University of students from mainstream schools in Jayden says his favourite part of learning Jenny Gosney, Information Technology provides a range of cross-curricular Canterbury and representatives from Christchurch. The Google representatives to code is the Hour of Code, where he Teacher at Allenvale School, shares with activities for all abilities. the University of Alabama. From there, could not identify the students from can use Java and, “fiddle around with the us Allenvale’s journey towards developing This made us question where to our small idea of giving opportunities to Allenvale amongst the teams; it was a blocks [of code]” to make a game. He students’ skills in digital technology, head in the future and how we can our students with splinter skills became fantastic example of inclusion! explains, “I made a fish game where you and Jayden Black, a student, shares his actually capture these students and give a plan to develop a digital technology One student, Jayden, wants to push the spacebar to shoot a bubble. You thoughts about coding. them a pathway to develop skills. Could curriculum for all our students, from program games when he is older, and have to get the shark with the bubbles. . . I our students code? Could we develop emergent consumers through to creators understands that this is a valid pathway made a bunch of bubbles but the computer Jenny, what made you move the digital programmers and movie makers? and innovators. for him. Jayden competently completes Staff training session with Bee-Bots. lagged.” He explained why he likes coding: technology curriculum in a new direction Hour of Code activities and now is “Because, I’m more into game making. for Allenvale students? How did you get started with the How are students involved currently? programming at home. Jayden has Before I learned about coding I played As a school we are constantly looking initiative? We began the process slowly, initially moved along the pathway from consumer links to the digital technology curriculum. games, and I was wondering if you can at options outside of the box that will It was quite a process to sort out so that we could ourselves learn the to creator. The next challenge for us The innovative Senior Leadership Team make your own game. Now I know how to engage and motivate our students. We where to head with developing digital information we needed to teach, and is to ensure that we have integrated and Board of Trustees at Allenvale have make a game by doing coding.” He added, have noticed that many of our students technology. We initially looked at Code also to give the students the opportunity digital technology across the school, ensured that support and resources are “If you want to see the Hour of Code go have splinter skills in digital technology Club. Code Club Aotearoa gave us great to choose a direction to move in. Quite making sure that all students have the readily available. to code.org.” When asked, “What sort of but often end up as passive consumers support and we visited a code club at often we were—and still are—learning opportunity to interact with technology jobs might be at the end of school for of technology, rather than creators and a local school. Although the content of hand-in-hand with the students, which on a pathway to become creative and What does the future look like? you?” Jayden said, “Maybe technology innovators. the session was pitched at a higher level is incredibly empowering for them. It is innovative. The future looks exciting, and with jobs. Maybe making a computer. In the In special education, we are than what a lot of our students could awesome having a student show you how With the help of the University of technology we really don’t know the future, apparently, there’s going to be like very ‘teched up’; our students use cope with, it wasn’t out of reach. With they solved the problem or teach another Canterbury, we now have a school-wide path we are walking down! We will be robots and you have to control them from technology to communicate and to a modified programme, this really was staff member how to complete a task! draft curriculum document for digital constantly on the look-out for engaging the computer. The future is always going access the curriculum, but have very little a possibility. Code Club then came and Currently, we have small groups technology that will be used in 2017. The equipment like Makey Makey and to be coding.” opportunity to be creative with it. spent some time at school and met our working around the school in a variety Allenvale School Strategic Plan directly Sphero, and for robotics programmes

10 COMMUNICATION MATTERS ISSUE 25 11 Myasthenia Gravis and Speech-language Therapy: An Unpredictable Journey WORDS: MERETI HOWE AND MARIE JARDINE

MERETI HOWE (PATIENT) AND MARIE JARDINE (SPEECH-LANGUAGE THERAPIST AT MIDCENTRAL DHB) SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE DURING 2016 AT PALMERSTON NORTH HOSPITAL.

Day 1 Day 24 Day 121 MH: It was wonderful to be able to eat MH: I was advised not to drink (other than Day 162 MJ: Mereti was admitted to hospital with In ICU for respiratory support. Optiflow Tracheostomy removed, NGT in situ. and drink again. I had to take my meds clear fluids) or eat until everything was Discharged home. myasthenic crisis. Doctors suspected and nasogastric tube (NGT) in situ. Voice therapy. Recommended steam 4x a day and by late afternoon I was assessed. But I felt I could. I tried at first progressive deterioration in respiratory Recommended to rely on NGT to meet inhalation. too exhausted to swallow. I was told swallowing my saliva, then small amounts MH: Over the moon that I had met all my condition and noted ocular symptoms. nutritional needs and repeat FEES as to take them by the nurse, who had of water, then sucking on lollies, and I goals, especially the removal of the NGT appropriate. MH: The steam inhalation was helpful for limited knowledge of myaesthenia gravis, thought, well, if I can swallow that I can and tracheostomy. Happy to be able to MH: It was a confusing time because my throat and mouth—important as I had but I wouldn’t, for fear of choking. I try coffee! see my home again and settle into normal Day 29 the extent and cause of respiratory not had any food or drink for months. deteriorated rapidly, and ended up in ICU. routines, but sad too, to leave people I deterioration were not known. Myasthenia Tracheostomy inserted electively. Day 143 now consider friends, who helped me gravis is still a rare disease in New Day 123 Day 137 Breathing relaxation exercises over a really challenging five months in Day 78 Zealand, and presentations in emergency Saliva management assessed via Readmitted to ICU overnight, due to introduced. hospital. departments, such as mine, are not FEES in ICU. Tracheostomy and NGT in endoscopy; significant improvement. respiratory distress and stridor. NGT common. I was very short of breath, situ. Severe oropharyngeal dysphagia. reinserted. Day 149 losing my appetite, and becoming very Day 134 Barium Swallow indicated normal Day 141 fatigued. MH: By this time I was in respiratory FEES. No aspiration observed on puree oesophageal motility. FEES demonstrated I met with Marie in the ward. I wasn’t failure. It was a terrible time. texture, recommended pureed snacks. Family meeting. Future of oral intake vs. prompt swallow initiation, nil residue post sure why I was seeing a Speech-language enteral feeding discussed. swallow. Therapist. Once she talked about safe Day 107 Day 135 Day 142 swallowing, I realised it could be quite Trial tracheostomy decannulation. No VFSS. Stasis observed in upper Day 150 serious. cough response to secretions in airway. oesophageal region, resulting in medical Swallow review requested. Mereti had Recommended puree meal at breakfast Tracheostomy reinserted. team’s referral for Barium Swallow. finished two cups of coffee against due to oromotor fatigue in mornings. NGT Day 23 advice. Discussion with lead consultant; removed. Neurologist requested a swallow Day 108 Day 136 concluded that Mereti is competent to MH: It was wonderful to have the NGT assessment in ICU. Daily oromotor exercise programme make decisions about her care. Free fluid removed for the final time. I felt free; I had Collaborating with dietician, NGT Marie Jardine (left) and Mereti Howe. commenced to improve oral phase. removed. Oral medications commenced. diet commenced until Barium Swallow. achieved one of my main goals. Mereti was vigilant and diligently completed practise.

12 COMMUNICATION MATTERS ISSUE 25 13 REVIEWS TIPS / RESOURCES

Book Review: New Zealand Talking Baby: Helping your Child Discover Language Sign Language REVIEW BY DEAN SUTHERLAND, PHD Assessment Toolkit WORDS: ROSIE LAMB, VAN ASCH If you are passionate about helping accessible, with each chapter including the human mind and the complex DEAF EDUCATION CENTRE babies, infants, and young children learn features such as ‘Talking Points’ which challenges that a majority of children the art of communication, then Talking provide examples of communication overcome. Putting the suggested tips Earlier this year, Kelston Deaf Baby is essential reading! This easy-to- exchanges between adults and infants into practice will undoubtedly support Education Centre and van read, highly informative book is for any (e.g., when changing nappies). ‘Talking children’s communication as well as their Asch Deaf Education Centre parent, grandparent, early childhood and Reading Times’ contain tips for thinking and learning. I recommend all successfully applied for funding teacher, Plunket nurse, doctor, or joint book-reading, such as talking more professionals working with children have from the New Zealand Sign Speech-language Therapist who spends about the pictures in the book to help copies on hand for sharing with parents Language Board to create a New time with young children. Written by two children’s understanding of concepts and caregivers. Available online or from Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) New Zealanders who know first-hand and highlighting links between written your local bookstore. Assessment Toolkit for learners 3 the importance of the early years for words, speech, and concepts. Examples Declaration: The author of this article to 11 years old. This assessment communication learning, Talking Baby of the delightful and colourful early received a complimentary copy of Talking is the first NZSL assessment covers all the key information about how language used by young children are Baby to support the preparation of this Speech Pathology in Sydney: that will follow natural language and why young children learn how to talk. also included throughout. My personal review. development rather than The book takes readers through favourite was the description of a young Different Approaches second language learning and the stages of language and speech child’s attempts at the word “truck” while WORDS: SHING YEE CHAI be standardised and norm- development from birth to three years articulating /f/ for /t/. Thankfully, there are referenced. The NZSL Toolkit will and beyond. Tips to support and also suggestions on how to cope when be an adaptation of the British In 2014, I started working in a public hospital that provides inpatient, outpatient, and understand budding communicators a 4-year-old child demonstrates newly Sigh Language (BSL) Receptive community services, specialising in rehabilitation, palliative care, and older persons’ are included throughout the book. heard swear words! Skills Test and Productive Skills mental health. I enjoyed working with a multidisciplinary approach which was familiar Some examples include information on The book concludes with two Test. to me. In 2015, I took on another role working with children with disabilities from the importance of talking with babies important chapters. Chapter 19 asks and In August, the NZSL 0 to 8 years old in a not-for-profit organization. It took some training and time to both before and after birth despite the answers common questions about young Assessment Toolkit Project Team familiarize myself with the transdisciplinary key worker model. A key component challenges of tiredness and minimal children’s speech and language (e.g., had their first planning meeting of the transdisciplinary model is that one health professional is responsible for responses from your baby, a great My child is repeating lots of words— at Kelston Deaf Education integrating information and advice from the team and presenting it to family, instead summary of the meanings associated particularly when he is excited. Does Centre. The meeting was a great of professionals from each discipline meeting with the family independently. The key with early language development, and this mean he is stuttering?). Chapter 20 success, and the first stage of worker becomes the primary contact person working with the family using a family- a reminder that children think that they then answers the question “Is there a a development process that will centred and strengths-based approach. The positive feedback given by families has speak correctly—even from a young problem?” and guides readers through ensure we create an assessment highlighted how they appreciate building a good relationship with the key worker age—­so adults must take care in how we the indicators that might suggest a Maclagan, M. & Buckley, A. (2016). Talking baby: that is parallel to the BSL and how this approach has been less intrusive into the family home. There are also respond when we don’t understand what need for input from a Speech-language Helping your baby discover language. Sydney, assessment and valid for New opportunities to call in other professional disciplines when required. With the New a child is trying to tell us. Therapist. Talking Baby is also a great Australia: Finch. Zealand Sign Language. Disability Insurance Scheme rolling out in parts of New South Wales, this approach All information in the book is highly reminder of the amazing power of has, and will continue to change the model of service delivery across Australia.

14 COMMUNICATION MATTERS ISSUE 25 15 REPORTS EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Patient Safety Week 2016 Claire Winward – Giving Voice Aotearoa The New Zealand Speech-language Therapists’ Professional Development Association showed its support for Patient Safety [email protected] Week 2016: Let’s Talk, October 30 to November 5. Our key message for Giving Voice Aotearoa is to promote Communication breakdown is behind more Communication Accessible and Communication Friendly than 80% of complaints and errors that occur in Environments. our health system. For those patients who live with a communication disability, this presents KIA ORA KOUTOU, Get involved by contacting your local Giving Voice Champion! Here is some feedback from an increased risk. Communication access is a If, like me, you’ve been flat out busy this term and not had a minute to prioritise your therapists who have completed the simple concept that looks at reducing barriers own learning, then it might be an idea to consider this over the Christmas break. CLAD courses: to communication and avoiding communication Here’s a timely reminder of the online courses offered by our partner OUR KEY FOCUS: breakdown. Collaborative Learning & Development (CLAD): “Online training is great. We can do COMMUNICATION FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENTS You can improve your patients’ healthcare • Radiation training it in our own time without disruption experience by following these ten communication • Constructing and delivering a team plan of patient work. I’m always keen to tips: • Introduction to palliative care upskill—if the material is prepared • Oesophageal screening well with quizzes along the way • Introduce yourself—show your name on your • Speech acoustics and auditory learning to check our understanding then I name badge personally find them really useful. • Speak to the patient directly, not always to These courses have all been written by NZSTA members with the needs of . . . For those of us based away TOP TIPS FOR COMMUNICATION ACCESS their support person members in mind, and are very reasonably priced, from $25 for an hour-long course from main centres they provide us COLLECT THE FIVE TOP TIPS FROM YOUR • Speak a little slower to $86.25 for a three-hour course. Feedback from members indicates that they love with opportunities we may have ORGANISATION • Allow the patient more time to get their this self-directed style of learning and would value more. I will be following up with previously missed out on. . . . I’m message across our Expert Advisors this year to support them with planning online courses in the certainly keen to do more this year if • Give one piece of information at a time areas of aphasia, voice, and AAC, so watch this space! topics are relevant to my work.” • Write down key information A call out to my colleagues working in education and other paediatric-focused --Sally Hagglow • Utilise pictures and communication aids a roles—we need your expertise! If you would be interested in developing an online “As a private practitioner with 2 small person may have with them course in your specialist area, please let me know. CLAD do all the tricky technical DESIGN A COMMUNICATION ACCESS SYMBOL children it was especially convenient • Ask questions that can be answered with a yes work; all you need to do is provide the content. I’m sure that some of you already to be able to access the course TO BE USED IN ACCREDITED COMMUNICATION or no have workshops that you have developed for other fora that could be adapted for a online from home and have the ACCESSIBLE ENVIRONMENTS • Draw a diagram wider audience with minimal effort. All profits made go straight back to the NZSTA, ability to work through either a lot • Clarify you have understood their message so, by providing a course today, you’ll be helping keep membership fees down in or a little of the material depending the future. on what time I had each evening. For more information, please contact And on that note—I’m off to shoulder-tap some of you right now. Be warned. The technical support to set up the To find your local Giving Voice Champion, please contact [email protected] or ask course was excellent and efficient.” [email protected]. your local Speech-language Therapist. Ngā mihi o te Kirihimete me te Tau Hou, --Sarah Paewai Claire

16 COMMUNICATION MATTERS ISSUE 25 17 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Annette Rotherham – Anna Miles – Communications Professional Standards [email protected] [email protected]

Kia ora all from the Shaky Isles. I hope everyone has stayed safe will roll out a competition to design a communication symbol for Christmas is coming and another academic year is complete, provided by He Kete Whanaungatanga and significant and has prepared their emergency supplies after the whopper New Zealand in 2017. That is just a taste to get the ball rolling. sending more enthusiastic, skilled new graduates into the contributions gratefully received from Waimirirangi Andrews, 7.8 earthquake. I also took the opportunity to wave the communication workforce! Anneka Anderson, Sharon Farao, and Margaret Dudley. This Since the conference in September, I have kept busy with access flag in November at Patient Safety Week, the theme It’s been a busy year with the conference, the IALP bid, new standard provides the university programmes with clear the Giving Voice Aotearoa Campaign and we have had two of which was communication. Did you know that over 80% of Massey accreditation, a variety of Parliamentary Submissions, expectations and guidelines from the NZSTA regarding a successful teleconferences. The first was with the strategic patient complaints are the result of communication breakdown? I new policies and clinical guidelines, and a good number programme’s incorporation of Tiriti o Waitangi Principles, Equity, group made up of myself, Philippa Friary, Sally Kedge, Helen can only imagine this is even larger if you have a communication of qualification approval applications from experienced Diversity, Cultural Competence, and adherence to the New Mclauchlan, and Ann Smaill. We have decided to focus disability. Do you even get to make a complaint? See the Giving international Speech-language Therapists keen to move to New Zealand Disability Strategy. on Communication Access in our advocacy stream of the Voice Aotearoa page (p. 16) for info from the week’s flyer. Zealand. campaign. We are planning to partner with some organisations My other project has been the redevelopment of the NZSTA PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS PROGRAMME ACCREDIATION COMMITTEE (PAC) that already focus on disability access in organisations and website. I have discovered that, like cheese, many good things I participated in an extremely productive teleconference with government policy to bring communication access and take time. We are nearly there, so do bear with me as we get the The PAC and heads of each of the New Zealand Speech- Speech Pathology Australia, the Dietitians Association, and communication friendly environments to more attention. We final touches to the new site done. It is going to be a massive language Therapy programmes (Auckland, Canterbury, and key industry members regarding the implementation of the will also be campaigning to bring this into the NZ Disability improvement, adding a range of functionality and responsive Massey) meet next week. This is an opportunity to reflect and new International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative. All Strategy and our key request of government will be to support capability to all devices. celebrate successful achievements and accreditations from parties are in favour of implementation and there was positive the development of communication accessible environments As we count down to the end of 2016 and look towards 2016. This year, Massey was successful in gaining accreditation assurance from the industry regarding changing product in society by having a symbol, standards, and an accreditation the new year, I hope all of you have had time to celebrate your of their new Bachelor (Honours) programme. Well done Massey! packaging to match the new standards. A working group is process for New Zealand. successes and reflect on your challenges. Enjoy some Summer Over 2016-2017, the Programme Accreditation Framework currently developing resources to support implementation. This led to the second teleconference with our Giving and Christmas festivities with family and friends, and may we all is being revised. The current framework was written in 2011 Voice Aotearoa Champions around the country. They now be recharged and ready for rolling out Giving Voice Aotearoa in and a number of areas require updating. A revised New I’m looking forward to 2017. Enjoy your summer break! have a set of goals to get started on—the first being to set 2017. Zealand Standard has already been written and endorsed by up working groups of enthusiastic Speech-language Therapy the NZSTA Executive Committtee. Thank you to the working Anna Miles, PhD activists around the country. We want to ask consumers and Ka kite, party: Karen Brewer and Linda Hand, with additional assistance Professional Standards Portfolio Speech-language Therapists for their five top tips for creating Ngā mihi mahana, communication friendly environments in their sectors, and we Annette

18 COMMUNICATION MATTERS ISSUE 25 19 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Contact Details Jodi White – EXECUTIVE COUNCIL President Philippa Friary [email protected] Member Networks Communications Annette Rotherham [email protected] Member Networks Jodi White [email protected] [email protected] Professional Development Claire Winward [email protected] Professional Standards Anna Miles [email protected] Maori and Cultural Development Karen Brewer [email protected] AREA REPRESENTATIVES Northland Lucy Schumacher [email protected] Auckland Fern Maxwell [email protected] HI EVERYONE, Waikato / Bay of Plenty Annabelle Blue [email protected] Central Emma Irvine [email protected] Wellington / Marlborough Claire-Ellen Roberts [email protected] Firstly, I would like to extend my best wishes to all those minutes, with EC responses included, are now available on the Canterbury / Westland Kate Cook & Ruth Ramsay [email protected] affected by the recent earthquakes in Kaikoura, Wellington, and NZSTA website (http://www.speechtherapy.org.nz/pages-after- Otago / Southland Kathryn Palmer [email protected] the surrounding regions. I hope you were all able to stay safe login/exec-documents/exec-minutes or http://tx0.org/ax). and are receiving the support you need. The tip for this issue for members looking to achieve their STUDENT BODY REPRESENTATIVES It has been a quiet quarter for this portfolio. I would like to CPD points is to attend area meetings either in person or via Canterbury University Olivia Rozbicki & Jun Chong [email protected] extend my thanks to Eleanor Jackson who has been the Otago / teleconference or video conference if you are able. Even if you Massey University (Albany) Jennifer Fleming & Jacqui Morgan [email protected] Southland Area Rep for the past couple of years. Her hard work are not able to make it to a meeting, you can still gain CPD Auckland University Tejal Mevasia & Kate McGraw [email protected] has been much appreciated by the EC and also by members in points by providing feedback about the queries raised and that region. I am very pleased to announce that Kathryn Palmer sending these to your Area Rep. NATIONAL PRIVATE PRACTITIONER MEMBERS’ REPRESENTATIVE has taken over this role and she will be an excellent addition to Please continue to engage with your Area Reps and area Bridget McArthur [email protected] the team. meetings; it really does help the whole association. I wish you We have continued to have excellent attendance at recent all the best for the festive season and hope the Summer is filled OTHER CONTACTS area meetings and I would encourage all of you who attend to with sun and fun and quality time spent with your families. Administrator ONZL Limited add your opinions, comments, and questions. The EC is happy Tel +64 9 475 0214 [email protected] to receive all queries, and we try to provide full responses to Ngā mihi, Speech, Language and Hearing include as part of the national collated meeting minutes. The Jodi Journal of the APSSLH, HKAST and NZSTA Editor: Mike Robb [email protected] Members’ Affairs and Issues Administrator Claire Linthwaite [email protected] Inventory of SLT Resources for borrowing [email protected] NZSTA Website Address www.speechtherapy.org.nz NZSTA Email Address [email protected] NZSTA Postal Address NZSTA, PO Box 302469, North Harbour, Auckland 0751, New Zealand NZSTA Physical Address ONZL Limited, Level 1, Building C, 14-22 Triton Drive, Albany 0632, New Zealand

SUBMISSION DEADLINES FOR COMMUNICATION MATTERS Autumn Issue 2017 – February 13, 2017 [email protected]

20 COMMUNICATION MATTERS ISSUE 25 21 www.speechtherapy.org.nz | PO Box 302469, North Harbour, Auckland 0751, New Zealand ONZL Limited, Level 1, Building C, 14-22 Triton Drive, Albany 0632, New Zealand

The NZSTA reserves the right to refuse for inclusion in Communication Matters, any 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 advertising does not imply endorsement of views, positions, programmes or products by NZSTA. Articles may be edited.

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