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ISSUE /NGĀ TAKE 43
WINTER/HŌTOKE
communication
2021
Creating something special with Kimi Ora Choir
Takiwātanga: Na Keri Opai • Diversity and inclusion in the our workplace • 25 years of START
Contents
Rārangi upoko kōrero
1 2 3 4 5 6
From the NZSTA 75th Expert Advisor Recount and Members
president happenings anniversary recommenda- review in the media
of NZSTA tions
ICP update
8 9 10 11 12 13
Te reo o te Remembering Takiwātanga: Kimi Ora Diverse, A word from
Kaumatua Marie Ellis Na Keri Opai School Choir included and NZSTA’s EA for
supported in neurodiversity
our workplace and autism
14 16 18 20 21 22
Why can’t you 25 years Aphasia NZ’s AphasiaNZ Diversifying in Contact details
learn a bit of of START Kōrero Clubs in 2021 the COVID-19
autism? response
Cover: Kimi Ora School Choir rehearsal. L–R: Te Au Mārire Madams, Himanthi Gunawardana, (Teacher-aide) and Aydin Taing.
Photo credit: Kimi Ora School
Please contact the editor with your ideas at any time: editor@speechtherapy.org.nz
ISSN 2324-2302 (Print)
ISSN 2324-2310 (Online)
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.
From the president
Nā te tumuaki
Annette Rotherham president@speechtherapy.org.nz
The days are getting shorter but that does not mean we are doing any less in our daily lives. 2021 has
been full of activity for myself and the NZSTA board and we hope you all managed to connect
with some of our newer board members, Emma and Akshat at the recent area meetings. We hope
to keep circulating attending the meetings to allow more connection and kōrero between us all.
Something that is top of mind for me • 23 Irish SLTs per 100,000 internationally. The board has unanimously
at present is advocacy. Being heard in • 19 NZSTA members per 100,000 agreed that we want to be a governance
government is a vital strategic goal but board not a management board and we
requires specific skills and planning to The consequences of unmet need are the have explored how this will occur with the
ensure we achieve the desired outcome. growing inequity in health and education help of Siobhan, who brings not only her
We have been working with Deborah Hart, systems, and a pressing need to address knowledge of the profession of SLT but
a specialist in public and government the support and services required for also 16 years of association management.
relations to assist us to develop our youth and adults who have been let down A full report will be shared with members
strategy for lobbying and advocacy. by the systems during their lives. I wish soon to demonstrate the benefits from
She is focussing on some vital areas such to applaud and Tautoko Sally Kedge identifying our gaps in skill and policy and
as our self-regulation model and the from Talking Trouble for her stunning learning how to take the association to
service gaps. When the leaders from all oral submission to the select committee a more strategic and higher functioning
sectors of the profession met in 2019, we in February in response to the Oranga level. I am thrilled to be able to offer a
identified key national issues 1) there is still Tamariki (Youth Justice Demerit Points) 12 month trial contract to Siobhan as the
much unmet need out there for people Amendment Bill – hearing of evidence
NZSTA Executive Director and I am sure
with communication and swallowing (17 March 2021). You can read about this
you will all see some significant changes
disabilities 2) We are thin on the ground, exceptional mahi from the Talking Trouble
and progress with this milestone position
only 19: 100000 SLTs in Aotearoa, lower team on page 6. Thank you for portraying
for the association.
than all our MRA partner countries. your message so clearly and simply but
with strength and integrity. Ngā mihi nui. I hope you enjoy this edition of
We took a basic SLT to population ratio Communication Matters, please feel free
and came up with the following. NZSTA have benefited greatly from
to be in touch with myself, Siobhan and
• 50 ASHA SLP members per 100,000 bringing Siobhan Molloy onboard
the rest of the board as well as Loreen
in February. NZSTA is experiencing
• 35 SPA members per 100,000 our secretariat.
significant growth and needs to
• 26 RCSLT members per 100,000 perform at a high level alongside other Hei konā mai
• 26 Canadian SLTs per 100,000 allied associations both nationally and Annette
Communication Matters • 1
NZSTA happenings 20 APRIL
Some of our recent Association happenings at a glance...
SLT Leaders summit include:
MARCH APRIL • NZSTA advocacy plan
• Cultural safety and building
diversity into the workforce
• NZSTA CPD project
AHANZ AGM attended by Website survey to members • Updates from the sectors
Annette, Rukingi. AHANZ cultural – Members have their say about
safety workshop attended by what is working and improvements
Annette, Katrina and Rukingi they would like to see. MAY
in Wellington.
19 APRIL
MARCH
Call for nominations for the
NZSTA Board – great opportunity.
“Joining the board of the NZSTA has
Board meeting
ICP – Annette reviewing the been an opportunity to truly make
strategic goals of the ICP with a difference and have a voice for
partner organisations ASHA, the profession both nationally and
SAC, RCSL, IASLT and SPA. internationally.”
– Annette Rotherham, President
MAY
Siobhan Molloy, project
manager reports to the
NZSTA Board with a nine step
Left: plan to effective governance for
February NZSTA the NZSTA.
Board meeting.
2 • Communication Matters
75th Anniversary of NZSTA
Siobhan Molloy, NZSTA Project Manager
This year, NZSTA celebrates 75 years as the pre-eminent association for speech-language professionals.
It is an opportunity to remember the In the beginning The meeting agreed that a membership
instrumental role members have played On 28 August, 1946 the first annual fee for practising therapists should be £1
in the past, and continue to play now general meeting was held in Christchurch while students were to be charged 5/-.
and into the future. So many of you have during the first annual conference. Those
contributed to our story, helping to build While no motion was passed, the
present elected an executive to ‘control members also agreed to sanction the
the future of speech-language therapy. the organisation of the Association.’ charging of two guineas for 10–12
Why is the 70th annual general They were: private lessons – something with today’s
meeting coming up? Commerce Act, NZSTA would have
• President – Miss. M.E. Saunders
Each (annual) general meeting has been found itself in serious hot water. •
• Vice-Presidents – Mrs. Roberts and
labelled with the date and sequential Mr. Dunne
number – this year is the 70th (annual)
general meeting. NZSTA project • Secretary and Treasurer –
manager, Siobhan Molloy was curious Miss. C. Justin
as she came across contradictory • Members – Mrs. Craw and Seabrook
information on our website which
suggested that NZSTA might be older
than 70 years.
A bit of sleuthing and a morning at the
National Library, Wellington and the
Alexander Turnbull Library unearthed
some public and private collections of
historical Association information.
The records are clear – the Association
was formed in 1946 – making this
year our 75th anniversary. Curiously
though in 1954 there was a decade of
Left:
biennial general meetings instead of
Siobhan uncovers
annual meetings – thus this year marks SLT treasures in the
the 70th (annual) general meeting and Alexander Turnbull
our 75th anniversary. Library.
Photo credit: Siobhan Molloy Communication Matters • 3
Expert Advisor recommendations
Members reported that they Carlene Perris, Voice has a number • Movie: Do I sound gay? Watch
of recommendations, inspired by her the trailer at youtube.com/
enjoyed the Autumn issue’s specialism in voice: watch?v=R21Fd8-Apf0
array of suggestions from our • TED talk: Vocal Branding Beyond
Expert Advisors, for interesting Words ted.com/talks/
wendy_leborgne_vocal_
and captivating media, which branding_beyond_words_
align and celebrate some how_your_voice_shapes_your_
of the areas which SLTs are communication_image
• Website: Voice Medicine Australia
passionate about. voicemedicineaustralia.com
We would like to hear yours! Please email
editor@speechtherapy.org.nz about
books, films, podcasts, blogs, pinterests;
Liz Fairgray, Hearing Impairment and Maegan VanSolkema, Traumatic
any media which you feel speaks to
Cochlear Implant highly recommends Brain Injury acknowledges the challenges
speech-language therapy and the
this resource: Facilitating Hearing of working as an SLT and needing to
people we care for.
And Listening In Young Children by focus on “shadow work” in order to be
Carol Flexer. the best for our clients and ourselves.
This text is straightforward and easy to Maegan recommends: Dare To Lead
read, filled with practical information and Unlocking Us: two fantastic
and suggestions for SLTS and all people podcasts by Brene Brown.
You can find details of NZSTA’s working with children who have hearing
Expert Advisors, and how to These have both provided an abundance
loss. (CWHL). Many parents would find
contact them, on the back of of amazing books to read about emotional
this useful as she explains many complex
Communication Matters, or on intelligence, counselling skills, becoming
concepts in a simple format; emphasizing
the website. Expert Advisors good leaders, but also books for our souls.
key ideas and omitting unnecessary detail.
are approachable for queries Examples include audiograms, different
about complex cases you types of hearing aids, cochlear implants,
are experiencing, and also FM systems, sating, background noise
contribute, on members’ behalf, etc. This book truly shares great realistic
to national health and education techniques to facilitate hearing and
strategy when needed. listening in young children.
4 • Communication Matters
Recount and review
Selena Donaldson (editor) Thank you to the members dialect. Many members commented
recommends: Ngā Kete Mātauranga: on the interest of this piece, and we
Māori Scholars at the Research who contacted us about send our warmest Aotearoa greetings
Interface edited by Jacinta Ruru and our Ngāhuru issue. It is to Nicole, remaining connected with
Linda Waimarie Nikora. NZSTA from afar.
available on the NZSTA
As news emerged of Professor Gail website. Please contact Selena Donaldson
Gillon… (page 6) I was enjoying dipping editor@speechtherapy.org.nz
in and out of this exquisite volume. Apologies to Nicole Kornelson, with any contributions for
Providing rich narratives of Aotearoa’s NZSTA Member currently working Communication Matters. Large or
advancement of Māori academic on Vancouver Island, Canada for not small, written or pictorial, members’
excellence, there is so much to be including her title in her interesting input for our association’s magazine
learned for our profession, across it’s article about preserving language and is vital. •
many specialisms, from this book. •
ICP update The International Communication Project
(ICP) aims to be an advocate for those
2021 activities with key focus areas.
The UN Convention of State Parties will
with communication disabilities, their occur virtually in June 2021, so we hope
Annette Rotherham families, caregivers and communication to take this opportunity to plan a side
professionals. The ICP highlights the event. I want to thank Ann Smaill for
Communication is a human importance of human communication her continued representation of NZSTA
right continues to be the and how communication disabilities on the advocacy ICP group. In the
message on an international significantly impact every aspect of life. meantime, the ICP mission is:
Established in 2014, the ICP is built on
level and I continue to the premise that communication is vital
• Include people with communication
disabilities in international policy.
meet with the International to life; yet is often ignored as a disability.
The ICP joins organisations from around • Raise the profile and status of
Communication Project the world in advocating for people with communication disabilities with
strategic committee monthly. communication disorders and raising the international health bodies and
profile of communication disabilities. policy makers.
• Increase public awareness of
NZSTA hosted the meetings from
communication disabilities and
Dec–February and we are revising the
the significant impact they have
ICP website information and planning
on people’s lives. •
Communication Matters • 5
Members in the media
21 March 2021
The Ministry of Education recently staged
an Instagram take over to promote SLT as a
career and highlight the scholarships they
11 March 2021 have available to support students. They
followed Chermei Haufano, SLT, through
NZSTA were very proud to see a day’s work supporting tamariki and
Professor Gail Gillon (Ngāi Tahu) whānau.
amongst the impressive line-up of Ngā
Ahurei a Te Apārangi Fellows and Ngā Chermei talked about why she chose the
Capturing moments
active, dynamic profession of SLT and what
1 MARCH 2021 | VOL. 100 | NO. 2
of learning Ahurei Honore a Te Apārangi Honorary
Refreshing our
Focus on early learning
Aotearoa New Supporting early
Fellows elected to the Academy of the she enjoys about her daily working life. She
profiled the difference SLTs can make for
national curriculum Zealand’s histories literacy
Royal Society Te Apārangi.
children with communication difficulties,
This award acknowledges Professor their learning, interactions, relationships
Gillon’s enduring contribution to and how they feel
transforming speech language therapy about themselves
and teaching practice in Aotearoa and the world.
and across the globe, as a world
expert in spoken and written language
development.
The Better Start Literacy Approach,
Te Ara Reo Matatini, the mahi of
Professor Gillon and colleagues, is
currently implemented by the Ministry
of Education in new entrant and year
one classes. There is an extensive
and feature in Issue 2, Pages 42–48,
(March), Tukutuku Kōrero Education
Gazette, I about the Better Start Literacy
Approach, the evidence behind it, and
accompanying resources Ready to Read
Phonics Plus.
6 • Communication Matters
17 March 2021 Sally Kedge, Talking Trouble Aotearoa, • A timeline to show options for made an oral submission to the Social providing interventions for children Services and Community Committee of and young people. New Zealand Parliament, for the Oranga The visuals were on the low-tech end Tamariki (Youth Justice Demerit Points) of visual support – involving classic SLT Amendment Bill. This was accompanied creativity – laminated paper, white board by an extensive written submission from markers and blutack! Alayne McKee, Sally Kedge and Alison Paulin. The team made clear that they Sally Kedge’s oral submission is did not support this legislation being available to view on the Talking passed. Their submission discussed Trouble Facebook page facebook. the language and communication com/talkingtroubleaotearoanz/ needs of young people who might be posts/2789407301327574 involved, and how those might prevent The written submissions from all the intention of the Bill being successful. submitters (including the Talking Sally also talked to the Committee about Trouble team) and information about the missed opportunities for addressing the proposed legislation are available language, learning and other well-being here: www.parliament.nz/en/pb/ needs much, much earlier in children’s bills-and-laws/bills-proposed- lives. She urged the MPs to consider how laws/document/BILL_96165/tab/ speech-language therapists and others submissionsandadvice • could be utilised to bring about better outcomes for children. Sally used innovation in her submission, abandoning the traditional ‘oral’ presentation and employing some effective visual aids to enhance her message. These were: • A ‘Bla-ometer’ to help the Committee consider the level of ‘blablabla’ within the legislation and the interactions that it would involve for young people. • A set of ‘Communication Glasses’ to allow the Committee to consider the communication skills of the youth population the legislation was going to apply to. Image credits: Carol Green Communication Matters • 7
Te reo o te Kaumatua
Nā Rukingi Haupapa
Rukingi Haupapa, Kaumatua
Ngā mihi o te wā e koutou mā. and their area of specialism, and then The NZSTA are holding their Summit later
close with a waiata was awesome, (in this month, with representatives of the
fact it was almost a karaoke competition!) various areas of our membership. During
The University of Auckland
Thank you to The University of Auckland this we will be discussing Cultural Safety.
Orientation
for your invitation and support. I’m hopeful that we can contribute to the
It was awesome to be invited to the discussions that hopefully lead to clear
School of Psychology orientation in Cultural Safety step forwards with this kaupapa. Below is
February. Bumping into NZ Police and Iwi Since I began as kaumatua in 2019, a well known whakataukī that applies.
leaders before the welcome, and then Cultural Safety has been a topic that
having time to wait and talk with the new Mā te mahi ka mōhio
many SLTs raised and continue to see as
students and staff could not have been Hard work leads to knowledge
an issue. Stress and the anxiety of saying
better planned. It was a great opportunity or doing ‘the wrong thing’ is affecting Mā te mōhio ka mārama
to let them know who I am as NZSTA SLTs in their work. Unfortunately, I never Knowledge leads to understanding
kaumatua and to wish them all the best really had the opportunity to specifically
stepping into SLT study and their new Mā te mārama ka tau
learn or train about cultural safety, so it
careers. The excitement was building Understanding concludes with
was great in March when three of us from
and it was great to also have time to talk acceptance and completion
the NZSTA Board attended an Allied
a little about the pōhiri process and even Health Association training session. Ngā mihi ki a koutou katoa.
practise our waiata.
It was well attended by a number Nākū noa.
The rest of the day involved meeting of health associations and with Rukingi
different staff and students spread across presentations from member
the various groups within the School of organizations including Ngā Pou Mana,
Psychology, and especially those in the Māori Doctors, and the NZ Dietician
SLT programme. Association. All impressed and informed
To see and hear the Doctorate in Clinical me about where you and I sit and when
Psychology, the Applied Behavioural we engage with others, particularly
Analysis programme and of course in regard to the culture, beliefs and
Speech Science introduce themselves knowledge that each has.
8 • Communication MattersRemembering Marie Elizabeth Ellis the sake of change. Management once
asked her to write down what she did
every fifteen minutes. She responded in
25 April 1939 – 27 December 2020 the nicest possible way that she was very
happy to do this as long as they supplied
Christine Musgrave, Margaret Maclagan and Paul Ellis someone to follow her around.
The epitome of her moral strength and
Marie was born in Newcastle NSW in 1939 so technically she was disarming sincerity was demonstrated in a
an Australian. At 3 months, she travelled to the UK with her parents confrontation by a manager. For obvious
via New Zealand. Her war years were spent in Chatham and Crewe. reasons, we are not identifying you who it
was or where and when this happened!
She never forgot the sound of the air raid sirens.
Manager: I am afraid we have to reduce
She moved to NZ in 1953 and attended She was a true professional and let your hours
St. Margaret’s College in Christchurch nothing get in the way of her vocation and Marie: I am usually fully booked for
and then undertook Teacher Training, her commitment to her clients; a strong the week
gaining a Teacher’s Certificate with special and tender-hearted advocate for them.
qualification in Speech Therapy. Marie’s One past colleague described Marie as Manager: We have to reduce our costs,
first postings were in Motueka and Nelson being no ‘fuddy-duddy’ but being right you know.
Central which included working for the up there with all the developments in Marie: How much do you intend to save
Education Board, visiting a multitude of speech therapy. She was always involved on Speech Therapy?
schools in the Nelson region. in NZSTA and regularly upskilled with
Australasian opportunities. Her ability Manager: Oh, about $18 000
She moved to Australia, gaining the
to deal with bureaucracy was legendary Marie: If I write you a cheque for
Australian Diploma in speech and
and she did not appreciate change for $18 000 will that make it all right?
language therapy (L.A.C.S.T.). She
worked at Northern Districts Spastic Manager: I think we will be able to find
Centre in Melbourne and The Royal the funding Miss Ellis.
Perth Rehab Hospital in Perth. It was
heart-warming to see the many letters Marie was a very private person. She was
and cards Marie received from grateful a much-loved member of St Barnabas
patients after only two years in Australia. Stoke, and a valued member of the
She returned as SLT at Christchurch NZ SLT profession although due to her
Hospital in 1970. It was a fledgling humility she probably didn’t appreciate
department then. She established a the fact. Marie’s life revolved around
strong department and championed the her work, the church and caring for
breadth and depth of SLT involvement people, including her mother. She was
in the medical world. After 10 years she a deeply committed Christian and her
returned to Nelson Hospital Board for whole life of dedicated service reflected
19 years, retiring in 1999. her beliefs. She was described as an
engaging colleague with a delicious
sense of humour. •
Photo supplied Communication Matters • 9Takiwātanga: Na Keri Opai
Tōku/Tōna anō takiwā an opportunity to embrace how her own
practice has undergone decolonisation
In his/her own space and time in her years in the field. Reflecting a
series of whakatauki, Nicky-Marie
Nicky-Marie Kohere-Smiler, Te Aitangi- provided a presentation about the role It is important that
a-Mahaki; Ngati Porou; Tuhoe; Ngati
Tuwharetoa; of Piki Kotuku Speech
of SLT, what communication is, and how whānau with tamariki
acknowledging the whakapapa and all
Language Therapy, recently joined a that surrounds the child will enhance with autism are nurtured
team of Māori and Pasifika speakers,
in a wānanga exploring takiwātanga
maramatanga (come into the light). acknowledging the
(autism) from a Māori world view. Nicky-Marie explains that this is about
transformation and getting that
strengths they bring
Acknowledging that our Māori whānau
have had no choice but to receive a
kōrero started. • with them. – Nicky-Marie
support service that predominantly caters
to a mainstream lifestyle and education
system, this wānanga aimed to build
awareness of what takiwātanga looks like
from a Māori/Indigenous perspective.
Nicky-Marie explains that it is important
that whānau with tamariki with autism are
nurtured acknowledging the strengths
they bring with them. Kaiako are key
to enhancing this kōrero as they are
often the early identifiers of autism in
Te Kohanga Reo and te Kura Kaupapa.
“Be confident in your own song” was
one of Nicky-Marie’s messages. The
wānanga brought together whānau
in the morning and then focussed the
afternoon’s sessions on messaging
for service providers. Whakaaro with
Liz and Dennis Makaleno of Porirua
challenged the attitudes of services going
into homes, including those of gang Above: Piki Kotuku at Mareikura Expo.
members. For Nicky-Marie, the day was
10 • Communication Matters Photo credit: Nicky-Marie Kohere-SmilerCreating something special with Kimi Ora Choir
Cat MacKenzie, Kimi Ora School
One of the best parts of our
job is having a cool idea, and
then having it actually work.
When our music therapist,
Hazel, approached me about
starting a choir we had no
idea where it would lead,
but we were excited to try. Above: Kimi Ora School Choir on stage at Te Papa.
Kimi Ora School is a school for students These switches are big buttons that can it happen. We sang two songs – Bella
aged 5 to 21 with high and complex have any message recorded onto them. Mama and Te Aroha, and received a
needs. Many of our students are non- By recording a line of music onto the standing ovation. Our students were so
verbal, which some would see as a switch, our students can also use these to proud of themselves, and it was great
barrier to a choir. However, like most sing in our choir. Our students pick which to see others being proud of them too.
young people, our students love music. line they want and where in the song This was a massive moment; performing
Heated class discussion around music they want to put it. They are in charge of for the first time, working together to
choice is common, and picking Justin deciding if the song sounds better if they make something beautiful and inspiring
Bieber is always a divisive choice. sing their part twice or twenty times. Hazel other people. We are already eagerly
has been very clever in picking songs that looking forward to our next opportunity
Kimi Choir takes our students love
sound great no matter when the line is to perform.
for music and their individual voices
sung. This way the focus is not timing but
and combines them into something I’ll leave you with what some students
celebrating the students’ individual voice.
really special. Our choir is made have said about Kimi Choir using their
up of ten students, all of whom use We were so proud of how our students PODDs:
Pragmatically Organised Dynamic Display took to this new activity and made it
“I think that’s – beautiful – nice.”
books (PODD) as their main form of sound beautiful. We were invited to
communication. To access the PODD, perform at the Wellington Regional “I think that’s – not – yucky”
many of these students use switches to tell Primary Principals’ Association
“I think that’s – great – funny – handsome –
us yes or no, or that they have something Conference at Te Papa, after only a few
nice – red – pink”
to say. The switches are placed wherever weeks rehearsing. The whole team, staff
our students can best access them – head, and students, worked really hard to make “Come see us.” •
chin, leg, hand – whatever works for them.
Photo credit: Kimi Ora School Communication Matters • 11Diverse, included and supported in our workplace
Robyn Gibson, Speech-language therapist
It is estimated that 1 in 4 There are many reasons for this including
fear of being seen as unable to do our
New Zealanders identify as jobs, fear of having our competence
disabled1. Of those, over half questioned, and fear of how we will be
perceived by colleagues and managers,
have more than one disability.
families and those we are working
Based on those statistics, with, particularly if our needs fluctuate.
there are likely to be over There seems to be a division between
those who are ‘professionals’ and those
200 SLTs in New Zealand who who are ‘patients’, with the expectation
identify as disabled. I will that you can’t be both at the same time.
admit now that I can count on I recognise all of this: this is the way I
have felt for much of my career.
one hand the number of SLTs
I have multiple reasons for being
who I know have a disability, able to identify as disabled. I live with Above: Robyn Gibson and family.
when I probably know dozens. chronic pain, and I have at least three
diagnoses which fit under the umbrella My colleagues noticed at one point
Why is this? of neurodivergent. I can’t say I’ve that I had stopped baking and bringing
always been proud to identify as either plates of cakes and cookies. I didn’t
We work with people with a wide variety
neurodivergent or disabled – it’s been a mention that it’s because baking hurt too
of disabilities from transient to life-long.
struggle over many years to learn about much. At a conference I had to ask for
We talk to them, their families, their
what this means, and to reconcile the help getting up to the speakers podium.
caregivers, and their communities about
conflict between who I am and who I At the next conference, the venue was
living with disability and about being
thought I should be. But over the years as so big and I was in so much pain that I
self-advocates – proud of who they are,
it’s become harder to hide some aspects needed a walking stick to get from one
what their dreams and goals are, and
of my difficulties, and as I met more end to the other. I’ve been told to ‘leave
developing strategies to help them get
colleagues who share my experiences my baggage at the door’, perhaps with
there. We consider ourselves staunch allies
over social media, I’ve become more good intentions of teaching me to hide
of many different communities of disabled
comfortable with this aspect of myself. my personal problems so that they don’t
people. And yet I wonder how many of
I’ve realised how much I’ve ignored complicate or impact my working day.
us are hiding our own lived experience.
the challenges at work, including the However, I have found that accepting
relentless pain and exhaustion, and and learning how to accommodate my
1 stats.govt.nz the tears when it’s overwhelming. disabilities has been far more constructive
12 • Communication Matters Photo credit: Alistair Gibsonthan masking and pretending that they those they are working with. Who better I’ve been lucky to have
don’t have an effect on me. to understand about life as a wheelchair wonderful colleagues and
user than a wheelchair user? Who better the best Professional Leader
I have now been involved in the SLT world
to understand the challenges of living I could have hoped for. But
for more than 20 years. In that time, I’ve
with chronic health conditions? And who now, by being open and honest
had the good fortune to meet a couple
better to understand what it means to about my own situation, I hope that
of SLT students who have been open
manage life with sensory challenges and others may feel safer so that we can be
about their disabilities. It pains me that
executive dysfunction? I don’t share this the truly supportive, diverse and inclusive
my reaction at the beginning of my career
with my patients explicitly, but my lived profession that we all strive for. •
was to help them to learn to mask better.
experience has shaped who I am as a
My own mask is so highly developed
clinician, how I interact with patients and For more reading, you may like to go
that sometimes even I forget that it’s a
their whānau, and the nature of my work to therapistndc.org. For more on
mask until I burn out. However, there is
with them. the concept of masking, I recommend
inherent value in members of the health
theautisticadvocate.com.
and education workforce who have lived It’s been a hard journey at times, and there
experience of the challenges faced by will be new challenges in the future.
A word from Shannon Hennig, NZSTA’s neurodisability and autism expert advisor
As the neurodiversity and autism • a pressure to mask during training Last April, Autism Awareness/
programmes and (often unintentional) Acceptance Month, I challenged
expert adviser for the NZSTA, messages that neurodivergent everyone in our profession to do a
I am hearing more and more from people don’t have the dispositions to spot check for systemic, inadvertent,
neurodivergent professionals become/ be good therapists and/or subtle forms of ableism in our
• pressures to mask and not disclose at professional spaces. And also, try to follow
in Aotearoa – but only privately. some openly neurodivergent people on
work, let alone ask for accommodations
I love that people are feeling social media. There are lots of people
• limited pathways for accurate adult
safe to reach out and chat. diagnosis in parts of New Zealand,
sharing their experiences with the tags
#actuallyAutistic and #AutChat
and subsequent concerns about
There remains a sense that it isn’t safe yet whether you can identify as autistic Neurodiversity in our profession matters.
to be openly neurodivergent in many of (or dyslexic or living with ADHD etc)
our professional spaces. Let’s keep growing and evolving
without a formal diagnosis
together!--
While the individuals have asked for • worries that the anticipated benefits
confidentiality, the themes of these of disclosing professionally are not Shannon
conversations are the same: greater than the potential risks.
Communication Matters • 13Why Can’t You Learn a Bit of Autism? The Benefits
of Peer Support Groups for Autistic Adults from the
Perspective of Participants
Simone Horrocks, Court-appointed Communication Assistant, Talking Trouble Aotearoa NZ
A growing number of scientific and academic research studies are reporting that adults
on the autism spectrum have difficulties with communication, social interaction and social
inclusion throughout their lifetimes, higher rates of unemployment (or under-employment)
than their peers, and higher rates of suicide and mental health problems such as anxiety
and depression. The question of what support is needed for Autistic adults is recognised
to be an important area of concern, but to date, has been relatively neglected.
In my role as an SLT, but also as a information and advisory service that, work (i.e. ‘person with autism’), many
teacher aide and voluntary buddy in along with Autism New Zealand, is others – notably those speaking from
the community, I have met and worked one of the largest charity organisations the point-of-view of lived experience
with children and young people on the providing education for families and – were using identity-first language
autism spectrum, with a wide range of community members nationwide. (i.e. ‘autistic person’). The language
abilities. Many of these young people we use to describe ourselves and
I was to learn a lot over my two days at
have experienced bullying, exclusion others is important, as it embodies our
the conference, but two things struck
and social rejection, and I have seen
me straight away. Firstly, I found myself
how their response is often to ‘act up’
surprised to see the number of adults
or ‘shut down’. I have also met parents
on the autism spectrum, who were
who report feelings of frustration at not
hosting presentations and workshops.
being able to get their teens “out of
Nine of these presentations concerned
their bedrooms”, and have expressed
peer support initiatives set up by and for
fears about how they will fare in adult life
Autistic people, in the United Kingdom
without them.
and Australia, as well as here in New
To learn more about how SLTs might Zealand. This was something that, until
better support these families and young then, I had heard little about. Secondly,
people into adulthood, I attended the I noted that while some people were
2017 “Transitions Altogether Autism using the person-first language I was
Conference”. Altogether Autism is an used to hearing in my professional Above: A lot of time spent at the desk.
14 • Communication Matters Photo: Simone HorrocksStudy results underlined the
importance of:
This is the first generation that we’ve ever had, of • Recognising the value of
expertise from experience
adults that can actually turn round and say ‘I’m Autistic • Including the perspectives of
and this is what it’s like for me, this is what it’s like, this Autistic people in research and
practice
is what I have come through in the services, et cetera, • Recognising the call for
et cetera, and this is, you know.’ We can now say acceptance of neurodiversity
• Considering autism in the
what it’s like, and [exhales] it’s really interesting what’s context of culture and society
coming out.. – Margaret, Research participant • Questioning the ethics
and appropriateness of
“intervention” or “behavioural
modification”
sense of identity, but also reflects and Following this experience, I decided
helps change societal attitudes and to commit to a one year research • Considering the value of
stereotypes, so I was curious about only Master of Science in Speech consulting with the Autistic
what had prompted this ‘divide’. Science, at The University of Auckland. community to determine how
The primary aim of the research was professionals might best utilise
I reflected that a much wider discussion their skills to support grass
to learn more about how – and why –
was taking place about autism in my roots initiatives
Autistic adults were coming together
own community than I had previously
to support each other as peers and the • Ensuring professionals working
been a part of, and that in order to
benefits of this from their perspective. with, and alongside, people
better understand the position Autistic
The secondary aim was to consider how in the Autistic community are
adults find themselves in, I needed to
this knowledge might inform the way well-informed about autism as
better understand the issues they face,
we develop services for current and those they seek to help.
from their point of view. By chance I
future generations. To date, there is very
met a person wearing a badge that
little research that specifically includes
read: “Ask me about my autism”, and
the perspectives of Autistic adults, and
so I did. They told me about a cluster
almost no research in our local context.
of local peer support initiatives, one of
The final research report was submitted
which was a social group that had been
and accepted in 2019. •
meeting for almost 10 years, and has
grown from six participants to nearly
100. The group is now forming a trust The full thesis report from this research
to advance pilot schemes around work, project is available free to all on Creative
housing and advocacy. Commons from The University of
Auckland library, theses and research
essays: hdl.handle.net/2292/47453
Communication Matters • 1525 years of Stuttering Treatment and Research
Trust (START)
START :The story so far
START :The story so far
Edited by Meghan Williams
After a couple of false starts A story of an organisation
with shared vision and energy
in times of change and upheaval,
in 2020 due to COVID-19, START: The story so far
well told and fundamentally human.
Professor Michael Belgrave
Massey University
Dr Aroha Harris of The
START and their community
Edited by Meghan Williams
University of Auckland
of supporters, came together supervised students
Stuttering Treatment and Research Trust
The Stichbury Bidwill Centre
251 Campbell Road Greenlane
P.O.Box 24 435, Royal Oak, Auckland
www.stuttering.co.nz
on 10 March, to celebrate the from her Honours level ISBN 0000-0000-0000-0
Ma te huruhuru
oral history class, to
ka rere te manu
now 26 years of this specialist
Adorn the bird with feathers,
so it may soar
collect the narratives
centre for excellence for underpinning START’s 25
years. This illuminated
New Zealanders who stutter. how START was established, the
changes in society behind this,
This occasion provided a chance to
and the many changes in the way
reflect on START’s many achievements
START has delivered its services
as the only organisation in Aotearoa
over time in response to evidence
specialising in stuttering, and to
based practice. Meghan
celebrate some exciting innovations and
Williams (PhD student) undertook
developments in START’s story. With an
extensive additional research,
inspiring address from Judge Andrew
and edited the book with sincere
Becroft, Children’s Commissioner and
care and collaboration for the
Ambassador for START, the many people
many stories within. With a
who have given their time and energy for
foreword from Judge Andrew
START to flourish were acknowledged. •
Becroft, Children’s Commissioner
and Ambassador of START, this
Mā te huruhuru superb volume spans 25 years of
both stories of people who stutter
ka rere te manu and of speech language therapy
Adorn the bird with feathers within the specialism of stuttering,
in Aotearoa.
so it may soar
16 • Communication Matters Photo credits: STARTStuttering: Young Kiwis share
their stories
Launched on TV3: Newshub
on Sunday 14 March, Mike
McRoberts (himself a person who
stuttered as a teen), fronts this
extraordinary film in which
young New Zealanders
share their experiences
with the goal of making
the world an easier
place for people who
stutter. The young people,
ranging in age from 9 to 18
years, provide frank ideas
about their experiences
at school. Their insight Teacher’s Guide to Working
is remarkable and there with Young People Who
is sage advice for every Stutter
educator as well as messages Last issue we profiled the
for us all as clinicians and the Teacher’s Guide to Working
wider community, in this short with Young People Who Stutter
film, which is now available on which START has developed
the START website. in collaboration with Massey
University and University of
START extends heartfelt thanks to
Auckland speech language
the young people who feature in
therapy students. This resource
the film, Cody Packer (film maker)
provides information about
and the Lindsay Foundation who
stuttering, reflections from young
funded the film.
New Zealanders who stutter and
their teachers, and strategies from
young people who stutter about
what is most helpful for them to
be able to thrive in the classroom.
Top left: Top right:
It is both practical and thought-
Nigel Whiteman START’s 25th year
provoking, and is available on the
cutting cake. celebrations.
START website.
Left: Above:
START’s 25th year Judge Andrew
celebrations. Becroft.
Communication Matters • 17AphasiaNZ Kōrero Clubs – the value of peer support
Kate Milford, AphasiaNZ CAA Practice Supervisor
AphasiaNZ has moved Our Kōrero Clubs are intended to In a busy month, the CAA team facilitate
provide the opportunity for people with over 30 meetings. Group frequency varies
away from holding biennial aphasia to communicate in a relaxed depending on the CAA time available
conferences to focus more supportive environment. The groups are and the preferences of group members.
not a replacement for speech language Many people with aphasia attend the
on the Community Aphasia
therapy but aim to complement therapy group for years. We feel that it is important
Advisor (CAA) service, and provision and help people with aphasia that people can attend for as long as they
the number of groups that we with the transition from participating want so there is no time limit on group
in formal rehabilitation into feeling membership (or indeed on how long
hold around the country has confident in their everyday lives and people can receive individual support).
steadily expanded. having greater independence.
Over time, nearly all the groups have
There are currently over a dozen groups become less formal, although most still
with Kōrero Clubs in Auckland, Hamilton, have some structure to the meetings
Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupō, Wellington, with members taking responsibility for
Christchurch and Dunedin. In addition, various roles and aspects of the meetings.
we have an online Kōrero Club held via The aim is for the CAA to be present to
Zoom for people who cannot physically support and facilitate if required, but
attend a group. for group members to feel able to lead
and be independent. The majority of the
groups meet for 2 hours, with a tea break
in the middle. This allows enough time
for all members to participate and also for
a range of activities such as conversation
topics, short speeches, joke-telling
and games. In most groups, there is an
expectation that members will do some
preparation before each meeting.
Group members are really good at
welcoming new people. People who
have lived with aphasia for a number of
Left: years offer support and encouragement to
Aphasia NZ 2019 those who are still coming to terms with
Christmas lunch. their aphasia, and from a CAA perspective,
18 • Communication Matters Photo credit: Aphasia NZit is wonderful to see ongoing
improvement in people’s communication
abilities even many years post-stroke.
We have recently sought feedback from “I am surprised by
group members to find out what they like how little my group now
best about the group they attend, and also talks about aphasia. Only
asked the CAAs what they like about their if someone has an issue they
group(s). There was universal agreement want support with, does the
that meeting other people with aphasia topic come up. It feels as though
and sharing experiences was valuable. because aphasia is the norm, “Kōrero Club
For most, the challenge of speaking in a it isn’t as important. There is meetings start with
group is positive, but a few prefer to be empathy when someone gets introductions and short
quieter and not pressured to participate. stuck, but very little stress speeches for 30 minutes, an
Feedback has been very positive about the around it. The group laugh a lot hour-long coffee break, then
current way groups are run. • and tease each other. But they back for half an hour of games,
are totally supportive too. Lots jokes and planning for the next
of important discussions take meeting. Aphasia is the central
place and the group feels really theme of our meetings and
safe. I really enjoy facilitating members enjoy talking to an
Kōrero Club – it’s a high point understanding audience about
“My favourite thing of my week.” the realities and challenges of
about the Kōrero Clubs – CAA living with aphasia day to day.
is the relationships that the Our members really love our
members build with each other group and speak fondly of the
through their unique shared friendship and support they feel
experience of aphasia. Each as well as the improvements
person experiences their aphasia they see. They say what they
differently, yet they understand enjoy most is meeting others
each other’s struggles and with aphasia and having time to
support each other through life’s share stories about the realities
challenges. As the CAA, I love “Aphasia has taught of life with aphasia. Members
to see the members confidence me to listen. I wish I are quick to congratulate each
grow as time goes by and had aphasia years ago. other as they improve.”
the way the group as a whole I have a lot of time to think. – CAA
becomes like a family. It is a safe I’m interested in other
place for emotions, frustrations, people’s stories.”
laughter and celebration.” – Ron
– CAA
Communication Matters • 19AphasiaNZ in 2021
Kate Milford, AphasiaNZ CAA Practice Supervisor
The past year has been challenging for the not-for-profit sector,
with many of our usual activities cancelled due to COVID
restrictions. Funding has been affected also, although the
Ministry for Social Development created a number of new
funding opportunities for innovative projects. Above:
AphasiaNZ team. Front row L–R: Jan Wanless,
Kate Milford, Mel Dakin, Christa Grbin, Nicole
Lockdown provided us with one benefit – • An online Mindfulness Course for Zwarts, Eleanor Maxwell. Back row: Chris
time to focus on new projects! As a result, Carers – this is delivered by a registered Lawson, Abbey Jacobson, Lauren Morrison,
AphasiaNZ is now offering a number of SLT, Melissa Delaux, who is also an Fiona Couldstone, Kirsten Drayton.
new services: accredited Mindfulness Teacher.
• An online Kōrero Club for those • An online carers support group, We welcome referrals at any time. CAAs
people who cannot attend a regular facilitated by a CAA. do not usually visit in hospital but can
club due to their location or because • Some CAAs are now running support support family while the person with
they cannot get out. groups for people affected by aphasia is still in hospital. Our Stroke
progressive aphasia (including for and Aphasia Handbook can be a great
• Introductory Training in Supported source of information for family at the
Conversation (IT’S Conversation). family members).
acute stage, and this is free when people
This has been designed to be We have also translated our most popular become Friends of AphasiaNZ. Being a
delivered online but can also be resource, the Aphasia? Booklet, into Friend also provides access to our iPad
done face-to-face. The package 5 different languages – Te Reo, Samoan, loaning scheme for therapy support.
consists of 3–4 sessions delivered Tongan, Hindi and Chinese. Please note that iPad loaning is not
by a Community Aphasia Advisor available for people still in hospital.
working with a person with aphasia Our website has been updated so do
and their conversation partner. have a look – aphasia.org.nz Please do not hesitate to contact your
Supported conversation techniques Our normal CAA services are running as local CAA for more information or get
are explained, and the couple choose far as possible with groups/Kōrero Clubs in touch with Emma (Executive Officer)
one or two to focus on. The CAA then and home visits. We have CAA cover or Nicole (Administrator) at the office
helps them to integrate these into their across Auckland, central and western on 0508 274 274 or via email at
conversations and reflect on how these areas of Waikato, the Western Bay of info@aphasia.org.nz or
techniques can make conversations Plenty, Rotorua, Taupō, Wellington, admin@aphasia.org.nz
more successful and enjoyable. Christchurch and Otago and Southland. With best wishes to you all,
Kate Milford
20 • Communication Matters Photo credit: Aphasia NZDiversifying in the COVID-19 response
Grace Combellack, Locality Care Coordinator – Victory (Nelson)
All around the world we have Here in Aotearoa it has obviously possible. Increasingly it is about liaising
and fortunately been quite a different with those working at the clinics, working
been observing how health situation. It’s left me questioning and together to ensure the amount of
professionals have adjusted reflecting on how well I would have people booked, matches the amount of
been able to adjust to new working ways vaccinations expected to be available
their roles in response to
and new roles – I suspect like others, from the Ministry of Health. It sounds a
COVID-19. Particularly in my I wouldn’t really have had much choice. lot easier than it is! Wastage is not taken
birth place of the UK, it has Partly because of this, when an email
lightly, so if there’s a sniff of a vaccination
is going spare… every effort is made to
been terrifying and absolutely appeared in my inbox asking if I would
find someone eligible to receive it before
consider taking on some extra work
incredible to see and hear to support the COVID Immunisation
time runs out.
how my friends and former Team, I decided I’d enquire and see if I As the vaccination is made available to
colleagues have had to adapt could offer anything of value. Although more of those in the ‘general’ public
I’d completed the training for ‘COVID (and the 0800 booking number spreads
and often take on such an swabbing’ shifts a few months back (with across the community!) calls are taking
expansion of their roles to guidance from the NZSTA & local DHB), longer & becoming more complex.
the thought of injecting people felt like Which vaccine? Will it hurt? When
support patients and the NHS. a completely different ball game! Only can I have my flu jab? Can I forfeit my
a day later I was called and asked to vaccination for my loved one? All we
complete some training on the ‘COVID can do is try to calm those on the phone,
Immunisation Register’, and a day after answer questions we’re equipped
that, I was part of the team. to answer, and signpost them to
information when we aren’t. As always,
Thankfully, there was no request or
the communication skills we develop as
expectation to complete ‘vaccinator
speech-language therapists, our ability
training’! This is left to those wonderful
to have patience and build rapport
nurses who are a dab hand at it. My role
definitely go a long way. It’s also still
has been mostly with the COVID Booking
really gratifying to have a good kōrero
Team. A large part has been taking what
with someone who’s so very grateful for
feels like hundreds of calls and booking
the work we all do. •
people in as quickly and efficiently as
Communication Matters • 21Please consider contributing content
to Communication Matters about any
aspect of our profession. Feel free
Contact details to discuss with Selena Donaldson,
Editor, any ideas you have.
Whakapā tangata editor@speechtherapy.org.nz
NZSTA Board Members Expert adviser contacts Area representatives
President • Annette Rotherham Ann Smaill Te Tai Tokerau • Suanna Smith & Denise Poole
president@speechtherapy.org.nz Alternative and Augmentative Communication ar.northland@speechtherapy.org.nz
Communications • Emma Quigan ann.smaill@talklink.org.nz Auckland • Tessa Livingston & Hannah Barnes
communications@speechtherapy.org.nz Anna Miles • Adult Dysphagia ar.auckland@speechtherapy.org.nz
Member networks • Akshat Shah a.miles@auckland.ac.nz Waikato/Bay of Plenty • Gwen Kerrison
membernetworks@speechtherapy.org.nz Annabel Grant • Dementia ar.waikato.bop@speechtherapy.org.nz
Professional development • Claire Winward a.grant@massey.ac.nz Central • Elisa Mynen
professionaldevelopment@speechtherapy.org.nz Carlene Perris • Voice ar.central@speechtherapy.org.nz
Professional standards • Anna Miles cperris@adhb.govt.nz Wellington/Nelson • Polly Newton & Emily King
professionalstandards@speechtherapy.org.nz Emily Jones ar.wellington@speechtherapy.org.nz
Māori and cultural development Paediatric Feeding and Swallowing Canterbury/Westland
Katrina McGarr E.Jones@massey.ac.nz Kate Cook & Ruth Ramsay
culturaldevelopment@speechtherapy.org.nz Fiona Hewerdine ar.canterbury@speechtherapy.org.nz
Adult Neurodegenerative Conditions Otago/Southland • Meryl Jones
Other contacts and Palliative Care ar.otago.southland@speechtherapy.org.nz
fiona.hewerdine@bopdhb.govt.nz
National private practitioner Jayne Newbury • Child Language
members’ representative Student representatives
jayne.newbury@canterbury.ac.nz
Ashleigh Neumann Massey University • Jacqui Morgan,
privatepractice@speechtherapy.org.nz Liz Fairgray & Megan Lewis
Hearing Impairment and Cochlear Implant Brianna Oosterbroek & Bo Young Choi
Administrator • ONZL Limited l.fairgray@auckland.ac.nz sr.massey@speechtherapy.org.nz
admin@speechtherapy.org.nz megan@talktogether.co.nz University of Auckland
+64 9 475 0214 Crystal Aranha & Ella-Rose Meagher
Maegan VanSolkema • Traumatic Brain Injury
Speech, Language and Hearing Journal maegan.vansolkema@abi-rehab.co.nz sr.auckland@speechtherapy.org.nz
of APSSLH, HKAST & NZSTA University of Canterbury
Editor: Anna Miles Sally Kedge • Vulnerable Children and Youth
sallykedge@gmail.com Emma Barbafiera, Jessica Eagle & Livvy Pride
professionalstandards@speechtherapy.org.nz sr.canterbury@speechtherapy.org.nz
New Zealand Speech-language Sarah Spence
Therapists’ Association NZSTA Paediatric Complex Communication Needs
www.speechtherapy.org.nz sarspen@gmail.com
admin@speechtherapy.org.nz Shannon Hennig • Autism and Neurodiversity
PO Box 65503, Mairangi Bay, Auckland 0754 shannon@inclusive-communication.co.nz
Communication Matters editor Alison Zani • Aphasia
Selena Donaldson aphasiaadviser@gmail.com
editor@speechtherapy.org.nz www.speechtherapy.org.nzYou can also read
