In this week’s episode, we start a conversation about Foundational Supports with Dr Erin West from SPA’s Policy and Advocacy team. Erin will discuss a conceptual model that SPA are using to advocate to ensure that Foundational Supports reflect the need of the children and families speech pathologists support, and that speech pathologists working across all contexts are reflected in the model.

As a member benefit, this episode has also been recorded in video format to show the Foundational Supports model as a visual conceptual representation. If you would like to follow along visually and you are a SPA member, you can find the video podcast in the Learning Hub.

Resources:
Listen to Erin speak about the NDIS review in this podcast from 2024:  
https://soundcloud.com/speechpathologyaustralia/disability-pride-and-anti-ableist-practice-s6e26?si=7fed4f05b3ad456b9413fdcda8a7d4c7&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing 

SPA resources: 
S7E35.5 Foundational Supports (Video, members only): https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=1498530  
NB. In this special Members Only video episode, Dr Erin West takes us through the visual conceptual model Speech Pathology Australia is using to advocate for Foundational Supports. The Foundational Supports model is a member benefit, so please do not share this recording with people who are not members of SPA.

Foundational Supports – Key principles: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=1066 

Submission on Foundational Supports - General and Early Childhood: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=1015 

Submission: NSW Committee on Child & Youth Disability Supports: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=1098 

You will find a comprehensive list of blog posts on the resources list on the Learning Hub, as well as the above resources. Free access to transcripts and for a full list of resources for this podcast is available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.  

Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved. 

Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

Foundational Supports S07E35

From time to time Speak Up will rebroadcast previous episodes to offer timely insights. This week, ahead of World Mental Health Day on Friday 10 October 2025, we are re-broadcasting our conversation with Kerry Holland and Jessica Carpenter from Peninsula Speech Plus.
Laura Caire, SPA’s Senior Advisor Mental Health and Trauma, speaks with Jess and Kerry about recognising when someone we support might need additional assistance, or may have mental health needs. Kerry and Jess also discuss trauma informed practices, and some of the benefits of practicing in a trauma informed way. 

RESOURCES:
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/topic-areas/health-wellbeing/stress-and-trauma
Better Health Channel - Trauma - reaction and recovery: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/trauma-reaction-and-recovery
Blue Knot Foundation: https://blueknot.org.au/
Emerging minds: https://emergingminds.com.au/
Six guiding principles to a trauma informed approach: https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/56843
World Mental Health Day WHO: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day

SPA RESOURCES:
Mental health and wellbeing support for members: https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Members/Members/Member-benefits/mental-health-wellbeing-support.aspx
Mental health and trauma: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Members/Public/services/About-speech-pathologists/Mental-health-trauma.aspx
Position statement – Speech pathology in mental health: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=104
Practice guideline – Speech pathology in mental health: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=132

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. 

Free access to transcripts and for a full list of resources / references for this podcast is available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

Rebroadcast: Mental health is all around us S7E36

In this week’s episode, we discuss values in the context of leadership to celebrate global ethics day, 2025. We are joined by Associate Professor Belinda Kenny, Chair Ethics Board, as well as Kelly and Trish from SPA’s National Office who regularly engage with members about ethical conduct and practice. Belinda, Kelly and Trish discuss reflective practice and the benefits to your work that come from authentically understanding yourself. We also speak about leadership skills, the targeted review of the Code of Ethics, and announce the student ethics essay competition winner for 2025.

Resources:  
Global Ethics Day Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs https://www.carnegiecouncil.org/initiatives-issues/global-ethics-day 
Brene Brown list of values https://brenebrown.com/resources/dare-to-lead-list-of-values/
Brene Brown living into our values https://brenebrown.com/resources/living-into-our-values/
The power of personal values in leadership (Forbes) https://www.forbes.com/sites/liesbethvanderlinden/2023/09/14/the-power-of-personal-values-in-leadership/

SPA resources:
Ladder of inference https://speechpathologyaustralia.cld.bz/Speak-Out-April-2023/28/
Ethical reasoning https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Members/Members/Professional-practice/Ethical-practice/Ethical-Education/Ethics-resources.aspx?hkey=455b4832-2ba7-4d42-9a0d-221a6a3bf9b1
Challenging conversations FAQ https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=540
Ceasing Services FAQ https://speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=872
Social Media Guide https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=882
Ethics education https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Members/Members/Professional-practice/Ethical-practice/Ethical-Education/Ethics-education.aspx?hkey=eaf8f012-9eee-42f0-8cba-31d0575e94a6
Values based decision making case studies  https://speechpathologyaustralia.cld.bz/Speak-Out-August-2023-pages/14/

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. 
Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au
Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

Values driven speech pathology S7E37

In our update this month:

Update on special educational needs in England and Northern Ireland.
Partnership report on children's services in Scotland.
CAUK training for parliamentarians as part of National Inclusion Week.
RCSLT conference.
Useful links:

Sign up to our free Communication Access training: Home - Communication Access UK
Book your place at the RCSLT Conference 2025: https://www.rcslt.org/news/book-your-place-at-rcslt-conference-2025/ 
 

This interview was conducted by Victoria Harris, Head of Learning at The Royal College of Speech and produced and edited by freelance producer Jacques Strauss.

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.
 
Please do take a few moments to respond to our podcast survey: uk.surveymonkey.com/r/LG5HC3R

RCSLT news Sept 2025

RCSLT news Sept 2025:  SEN in England and NI; report on childrens' services Scotland and more

In this podcast we speak with Anna Ekström and Olof Sandgren about their study of experiences of young people with DLD, which focused on language and communication in a school context. The study is guided by the following research question: How do young people diagnosed with DLD describe their experiences of language and communication in school?

The paper is:

'It depends on who I'm with': How young people with developmental language disorder describe their experiences of language and communication in school https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36703539/

Anna Ekström , Olof Sandgren , Birgitta Sahlén , Christina Samuelsson

First published: 26 January 2023

This paper was nominated in the top five for the 2023 IJLCD Editors' Prize.

 

Resources:

What is Developmental Language Disorder: a discussion for DLD awareness day 2023 https://open.spotify.com/episode/70V0Qqnjf1Y1jH98unrN3Y (Podcast Oct 2023)

IJLCD - The impact of DLD on jury perceptions: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7zQNjYxju2EwuEKxiswSN6 (Podcast May 2023)

IJLCD - collaborative working with parents to support children with Developmental Language Disorder https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Kvyx0tiNZ6CgIQmv2DCan (Podcast Sept 2024)



Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please do take a few moments to respond to our podcast survey: uk.surveymonkey.com/r/LG5HC3R

IJLCD - 'It depnds who I'm with'

IJLCD: 'It depends who I'm with' - young people with DLD and their experiences in school

In our update this month:

Special guest Steve Jamieson CEO talks about:

RCSLT’s 80th anniversary year https://www.rcslt.org/about-us/rcslt-at-80/ 
Annual conference coming up https://www.rcslt.org/events/rcslt-conference-2025/ 
Starting work on shaping the next strategic plan
Inspire leadership programme update https://www.rcslt.org/learning/rcslt-leadership-programme/ 
Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs updates us on:

NHSE workforce plan consultation: respond here https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/10-year-workforce-plan 
SEND reforms – awaiting news 
Oral evidence to the Scottish Parliament Health Committee – Autism Spectrum Disorder pathways

This interview was conducted by Victoria Harris, Head of Learning at The Royal College of Speech and produced and edited by freelance producer Jacques Strauss.






Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please do take a few moments to respond to our podcast survey: uk.surveymonkey.com/r/LG5HC3R

RCSLT News October 2025: update from CEO and key policy news

In this week’s episode, Dr Jacqueline Lim discusses Dynamic Systems Theory as a way to understand Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and inform the supports we provide. She discusses the range of factors that influence motor learning, variability in speech sounds, and considerations for assessment and treatment. 

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.  

Free access to transcripts and a full list of resources / references for this podcast is available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved. 

Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

Childhood Apraxia of Speech and Dynamic Systems Theory S7E38

In this week’s episode, we speak with Jess Francis from the Training Club about digital health tools and resources to support speech pathologists in providing effective and efficient services. Jess speaks about the opportunities that digital health tools, including AI can provide allied health practitioners, acknowledges reservations that some people may hold, including when the TGA may become involved in regulating a tool, and suggests starting points to help people feel confident about engaging with AI while still meeting professional requirements.

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. 

Free access to transcripts and a full list of resources / references for this podcast is available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

Practical digital health tools S7E39

In this week’s episode, SPA Early Career Reference Group member, Georgia Poupoulis, and Nathan Cornish-Raley speak with Chris Antartis of Rebel Recruitment and Polly McCarthy from Village Therapy. They discuss how new grads and experienced speech pathologists can find the right job for their circumstances and career path, and how employers can sustainably offer the supports candidates are looking for.

Resources:  
Interview Boss podcast: https://www.interviewboss.com.au/

SPA resources:
Talking business: Recruitment tips for new grads: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=921283 

Talking business: Recruitment tips for senior candidates: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=1005397 

Talking business: Finding the right candidate: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=921298 

Career Centre: https://spa-au.careerwebsite.com/

Work Ready: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Members/Career-and-work/Work-ready/Work-Ready-resources.aspx 

Early Career Supports: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Public/join/Students/Early-career.aspx?hkey=7748d22e-18d4-427a-ab4b-0de59588dba0 

SPA Mentor Match (Member Only): https://memberhub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/mentoring

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. 

Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

Making job transitions that work for you S7E40

This week we are rebroadcasting an episode on cultural safety with some suggested resources by way of introducing the episode. We speak with Mitch Walley from Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service, and Dr Natalie Ciccone from ECU about a telehealth service for Aboriginal people living with acquired brain injury (ABI). They discuss steps for making the service culturally secure, and the important role of yarning and Aboriginal coworkers in this process.

More cultural learning opportunities for 2025:
Culturally Safe and Responsive Practice for Speech Pathologists, November 28, 2025 https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=1485816

Acknowledge This! How to give an authentic Acknowledgement of Country, available until Dec 31, 2025: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=921288

IAHA Cultural Responsiveness Training Level 1: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=3328

IAHA Cultural Responsiveness Training Level 2: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=3335

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grounded in continued connection to culture, country, language and community and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. 

Enjoy free access to transcripts, resources and the full reference list for this podcast through the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Disclaimer: © (2025) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Notice, Please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (“the Association”). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this recording. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.


Rebroadcast: Culturally safe telehealth for ABI support S7E41

Podcasts from the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

IJLCD: 'It depends who I'm with' - young people with DLD and their experiences in school

RCSLT Sound Waves

Related tracks