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WINTER/HŌTOKE 2020
ISSUE /NGĀ TAKE 39
communication
Thriving in Challenging Times: members share
Contents
Rārangi upoko kōrero
1 2 4 5 5 6
From the NZSTA Tips and tricks Clinical NZSTA Enhancing
president Happenings for telehealth placement Conference well-being:
opportunities 2020 – our members
Postponed share
7 8 10 11 12 14
Loud for Ten Top tips for Oral Language No Sugar Zooming High An Awe-some
Life online Telehealth and Literacy Coating Covid telepractice
companionship Initiative session
15 16 18 19 20 21
Postcard from Big Country Clinical Practice New Expert Te reo o te Week of
New York Innovation Guideline for Advisors Kaumātua connection
Paediatric
Dysphagia
Cover: Finn’s online learning. Photo credit: Sara Richardson
Please contact the editor with your ideas at any time and we will endeavour to accommodate them in the next edition.
Send to 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
Reflecting on the big P. and staying home. It felt crazy to put Tara Brabazon, I’ve been able to turn
life on hold but actually, nothing like my focus back to a scoping review.
The big P – Pandemic. I had a global crisis to help you get a fresh
A huge thank you to all the speech-
Perspective – another important P word.
never really contemplated language therapy community for
One by one, I picked up those balls your support of each other, for your
such an event or thought encouraging feedback to the NZSTA
again, starting with the NZSTA Board
about it. and our response to COVID-19. I’m really Board as we have banded together.
I juggle a range of ‘P’s in my proud to be able to work with such a We are making this plan up as we
life – President, PhD, Parenting, Paid dedicated crew, and crisis management go, but we are getting through this
work…so COVID-19 comes along and has brought us closer together. Many time together.
the juggling act is turned on its head. laughs were had on our WhatsApp Stay safe, keep connected.
Life throws many things at us to prove we group chat and Friday morning coffee
zoom sessions have become a nice way Kia Kaha •
are not always in control. I lived through
20,000 plus earthquakes in 2010–2012 to offer each other support. So there Annette
and fellow Cantabrians relate knuckling was a Positive out of the negative:
down and getting on with a new way of Connection, whānaungatanga. The
life, while our amygdala prepares for fight next ball was getting back into Paid
or flight. We add some new vocabulary work, locuming at our local DHB.
to our daily conversations – Isolation Telehealth under level 3 and 4 was a
versus quarantine, antibodies versus new way of life. I love a challenge and
vaccines, PPE and physical distancing. it has been a fun learning curve and an
opportunity for some creativity. The
Feeling quite overwhelmed with worry
majority of my clients really enjoyed
and change in the first couple of weeks
the challenge of using new skills and
of level four, the best thing for me to do
participating in online therapy.
was hang out with my girls. Parenting
is a nonstop role and my most important My final P – PhD took some stamina to
one. We prepped for homeschooling get back into – my main stress trigger.
but preferred the early school holidays, Emails had been overwhelming so
baking, arranging zoom catch ups, I took a couple of weeks leave and
board games, movies, cleaning out with support from my advisory team, Above: Briar Rotherham homeschooling
some cupboards, weeding the garden lovely peers and a VLOG guru – Photo credit: Annette Rotherham
Communication Matters • 1
NZSTA
Happenings
Some of our recent
Association happenings
at a glance...
Left to right: Rukingi Haupara, Katrina McGurr, Annette Rotherham, Shannon Hennig, Anna Miles,
Jodi White, Claire Winward.
APR 17 17
APR MAY
Shannon Hennig and Sally Kedge NZSTA Infection Control TVNZ’s Waka Huia featured
made a remote submission Standards were launched Kaumatua Rukingi and
regarding proposed changes those who attended the Māori
to education law. stroke conference last Oct in
Ohinemutu. The programme
discussed the impact of stroke,
and how many Māori stroke
2 14
MAY MAY survivors have been able to
move forward and develop
a future with a lot of hands
helping. Watch this fantastic
programme on tvnz online.
NZSTA COVID-19 Level 3 NZSTA COVID-19 Level 2
Guidance for Health and Guidance for Health and
Community SLTs launched Community SLTs launched
2 • Communication Matters
CURRENT
Launch of COVID-19 webpage on NZSTA website
– members are urged to check this out
Above:
Shannon works on phonics on her deck with
chalk and the hose
FORTNIGHTLY MONTHLY
Fortnightly Attendance at Monthly Head of Programme Communication Matters’
Ministry of Health update meetings with Canterbury Autumn Edition is available to
for Allied Health Sector, University, Massey University view on our website, as we
with Martin Chadwick, Chief and University of Auckland were unable to go to print due
Allied Health Officer about clinical placements. to lockdown. Feedback and
suggestions for Communication
Matters is always welcome, and
we will include some in the Spring
APR-
JUN Edition. Contributions are also
Development of Ministry of Health always warmly welcomed!
COVID-19 Rehabilitation Guideline for Allied Health Please contact Selena:
editor@speechtherapy.org.nz
Communication Matters • 3
Tips and tricks for Telehealth
– our members share
Using YouTube for visual Every “challenge” offers an
explanations opportunity for learning!
Kate Hedworth, SLT, Waitematā DHB Kareen Muller, Ministry of Education
Video demonstrations can be really useful Working in the Ministry of Education,
for visual prompting or verbal explanation learning support, I have had to shift
(instead of written). Videos can also help my mindset from working in a private
whānau to support their loved-ones by practice framework (1:1 sessions) to
showing them what exercises, or diet a more collaborative and upskilling
modifications to do at home. I’ve been approach. Therefore, the notion of
Instagram for Aphasia Therapy
making short, patient-specific videos in working from home, away from our daily
Kate Hedworth, SLT, Waitematā DHB addition to telehealth sessions and to interactions with teachers and parents,
Over the past few weeks of remote- include whānau at a distance. Videos was a really stressful and uncertain
therapy, I’ve been on the hunt for recorded on your phone or device can idea. I reached out to colleagues and
resources that my patients can access be immediately uploaded to YouTube we navigated the first week together.
easily from home. That is when I and a link sent via text or email to the Zoom quickly became our platform for
remembered my good friend Instagram! intended audience. YouTube settings can team meetings and it was fun to see my
be easily changed so the video is private colleagues in a more relaxed setting.
Search for ‘nameandtag’ or
and only viewed by those you choose.
‘nameandtagverbs’, and you’ll find Some helpful websites are toy theatre,
streams of picture stimuli that can be Speech Pathology Australia has boom learning and teacherspayteachers,
used inventively for various aphasia published a fantastic array of webisodes with great resources for tele therapy.
therapy tasks (a little bit of basic on tele-practice on the professional There are also demos in tele therapy
picture naming? How about some development tab of their website. on Youtube. In addition, I have viewed
semantic feature analysis? Or treat These supplement our specialist some webinars through the company
yourself to a game of ‘taboo’!). skills by examining practice more “voyager sopris learning”. Their website
generally, such as Family-Centred is really interesting, especially for
work and risk-management. dyslexia and reading development.
4 • Communication Matters
NZSTA Clinical
Conference Placement
2020 – Opportunities
Postponed
Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 All three universities are collaborating
pandemic, we have had to take the to seek and set up placements for
decision to postpone our conference SLT students. They are in discussion
Techno Free Telehealth for a year. With the uncertainty around with MoE, DHBs, Boards of
for Preschool and ongoing travel restrictions and physical Trustees, not-for-profit and private
Early Schoolers distancing, we could not be sure practitioners, and are working to
Liz Fairgray, The that restrictions would be lifted in time support the ongoing development
University of Auckland for our conference or that people of students through their courses.
Technofree telehealth is a would feel confident travelling.
They are seeking eighty five placements
great way to deliver therapy, Further information will be provided over the period of September to
presenting children and for those who have already submitted December this year. SLTs around the
parents with thematically abstracts and planning for NZSTA country are strongly encouraged to
organized, creative language 2021 will resume in early 2021. Thank support the universities. They are
enriched activities. My you for your understanding of this. very open to providing upskilling in
sessions have a phonological The great news is that our Keynote clinical education (via Zoom) and
or articulation focus but speakers have accepted the decision seeking creative ways of supporting
without toys or apps. to postpone and have confirmed they students in workplace placements
I use household and garden will be available to present in 2021. during these extraordinary times, e.g.
materials and follow a theme telepractice and telesupervision with
appropriate to the family. a virtual caseload. More information
All session themes are checked to be shared in the near future.
in advance with families. All Many thanks,
materials are set up in advance,
photographed on my phone Gina: gina.tillard@canterbury.ac.nz
and then emailed to family. •
Yvonne: y.cope@massey.ac.nz
Philippa: philippa.friary@auckland.ac.nz
Communication Matters • 5
Enhancing wellbeing
Our members share links to wellbeing resources
www.calm.com/blog/take-a-deep-breath
Susan Roe
This beautiful blog has tools that can be shared in
sessions with clients who are working on areas such Speech in a Sec videos by
as breathing, relaxation and stress management. Sophia Cormack (NZ SLT)
Relaxing breath, visualisation, calm music, and desktop Grace Eriksen
backgrounds are great for voice therapy in person, These are great easy-to-understand short
in the Telehealth space, and for home programme/ animated videos for families on AAC,
generalisation, as well as for clinicians to use for their language stimulation and speech work.
own resiliency in these times of challenge and isolation.
5 ways to wellbeing at work
Susie Mole
At the Auckland Regional Meeting,
Susie Mole from Wilson Special School
recommended – “5 ways to wellbeing
at work” from the Mental Health
Foundation and Health Promotion
Agency. This is an extensive workplace
toolkit for fostering and prioritising
Aphasia related resources for SLTs mental well-being in the workplace,
Mascha Hoexum-Moeremburg with practical tools and templates moodmeterapp.com
www.aphasiafriendly.co/covid- which make it highly accessible. Mascha Hoexum-Moeremburg
19-accessible-information.html https://bit.ly/36tFhfV This app is helpful for looking and
teaching feelings with kids.
6 • Communication Matters
Loud for Life online COVID-19
companionship When COVID-19 required us to stay home and be kind,
Karen Spray, Loud and Clear Speech Therapy The Community SLTs at Waitematā DHB had
patients on their mind.
I had been working on establishing speech exercise classes How to see people now we had no choice,
for people with Parkinson’s Disease who had previously
completed LSVT LOUD treatment. I completed online How to keep them safe, to give them a voice.
training with LSVT Global at the beginning of the year to We’d learned about telehealth but could we presume,
allow me to run LOUD for LIFE classes and had already set
up a small group on Auckland’s North Shore with our first That patients at home would welcome Zoom?
meeting all booked for the end of March in a local We learned that with a bit of enthusiasm,
church hall. a leap of faith and strong WiFi,
Then came Level 4 and everything was cancelled. Patients of all ages and backgrounds
The wife of one of my clients told me her husband was so were willing to try.
disappointed and would I consider holding the classes We zoomed with those who were over 80,
anyway via Zoom. I agreed and set up Loud for Life Zoom
classes starting in the middle of April. We have just had The conversations had, some were quite weighty.
our fourth class today. The numbers are small, with typically We found we could be surprisingly creative,
5 or 6 people attending, but these classes have quickly
become the highlight of my week. Be it digital immigrant or digital native.
Feedback from group members and their partners/families Speech, language and swallow assessed no trouble,
has been overwhelmingly positive and encouraging. Seeing Who needs to invade a patient’s bubble?
these people beginning to connect with one another and
supporting each other to produce their best LOUD speech Though times may be tough
is hugely rewarding. Despite not being able to sit together There’s no point in wallowing.
in one room, the group is bonding and offering much that
In WiFi we trust,
is denied to people in all walks currently…companionship,
laughter and a feeling that we really are all in this together! • To save Speech-Language and Swallowing!
*Loud for Life Classes are currently held weekly on Becca Hammond, Caroline Leakey,
Wednesdays. If you know of anyone who might Cathy Masterton, Ellen Fallow,
be interested, please ask them to contact me at Louise Hume, Carolien Clemens
LoudandClear16@outlook.com or on 021 266 6191.
Communication Matters • 7
Top 10 tips for telehealth
Brooke Dibley, Speech Language Therapist and Designer of Digital Speech
Resources at Simply Speaking SLT
SLTs up and down the country delighted in Brooke’s generous teleconferenced
“how to” guides for teletherapy when lockdown was announced. So we asked
her to give us her “top tips”.
1 2 4
Trust yourself. You are still a great You don’t need to be a tech wizz to Stay hydrated! You will be talking way
clinician, even with a screen between you do teletherapy! Even if you never open more than ever! Keep a drink bottle of
and your clients/patients. That screen has screen share, or a digital game, you water nearby and don’t be ashamed
not taken away your clinical reasoning can still do great therapy! If you only to guzzle that thing during a session.
and experience. When you dive into have the time and energy to learn one
teletherapy you are not re-learning how new thing, learn how your teletherapy 5
to be an SLT, you are an experienced platform works. Then take those tools
SLT who is learning new technology. and add your SLT creativity to it, Don’t schedule your sessions back to
Don’t be afraid to reach out to other whatever that looks like for you. back! You need time to have a snack,
SLTs who are in the same boat. Working go to the bathroom (because you
from home can be very isolating and it’s 3 are guzzling all that water!), and take
important to stay connected and support a break from the screen. This type
each other as we all learn together. If able, offer your first session as a tech set of therapy can be exhausting at first,
up session. Work with the client and/or especially if you are learning as you go.
their caregiver so they understand how
to mute and unmute the microphone,
Bottom line: Give yourself
how to turn on and off their camera,
grace and trust yourself.”
and also how to change the view on
their end so your video feed isn’t tiny.
If you don’t know the answer to these
things, practise with a friend or family
member first to learn the ropes.
8 • Communication MattersAbove: Pirate Pop Teletherapy Game
Photo credit: Brooke Dibley
6 8 10
It’s ok to do shorter sessions sometimes, Take the time to organise your
when appropriate. For example, with computer files in a way that makes Sometimes less is more.”
some of my clients I can get a lot more sense to you and how you plan
done in teletherapy than when I go visit therapy, you will be very thankful you
them at school. At school there is a lot did. It makes planning so much easier! Don’t let all the bright and shiny
of added fluff involved before we can digital resources, websites, games
finally get stuck into the work. For this 9 and green screens overwhelm you.
reason, most of my teletherapy sessions
are shorter than my in-person sessions, Tech issues will happen and they happen
and I still see the same gains! I am still to all of us. Just like unexpected things Do what is most comfortable
getting the same amount of therapy happen during in-person sessions. The for you.”
done, it just doesn’t take as long. only advice I have is to take them as they
come. Once I had a student move to sit The less stress your session plan brings
7 on the floor in the hallway so they could you, the better your session will go. It’s
be close to the wifi route. Another time ok to hold flash cards up to the webcam,
Slow down! You don’t need all your files I had to call the parent and have them read a physical book, or work with a
and all your browser tabs open before talk through what was happening on physical white board you show the
you start therapy. You wouldn’t apologise their end. Other times we have just had camera. Do what’s best for you and your
in-person for taking a few moments to to reschedule. These things happen. client/patient. For me, a tech loving
get out a pen, or a board game, or an SLT, that’s digital games and websites,
assessment book. So don’t feel guilty but that doesn’t have to be you.
about taking a few moments to open
that website you want to screen share.
The tech isn’t what makes
a good SLT.”
Communication Matters • 9Oral Language and
Literacy initiative
Carla Knott, Oral Language and Literacy initiative Facilitator,
Bay of Plenty-Waiariki
When your days are normally spent intentionally share oral language and
visiting early childcare centres, working emergent literacy strategies they knew. OLLi (Oral Language and
alongside kaiako as they develop Literacy initiative) enhances
We had a National OLLi zoom hui
Universal Level inquiries on how to teacher knowledge, practices
the following week, “On-line Shared
support oral language and emergent and confidence to successfully
Book Reading”, and was attended by
literacy, running Hanen “ABC and 40 kaiako from around New Zealand. support children’s oral language
Beyond” workshops, and video-coaching Positive outcomes included the sharing and early literacy development.
during face-to-face interactions with of ideas amongst educators who came There are 11 SLT’s across 8
tamariki, what does this now look like Ministry of Education regions
from a variety of centre philosophies,
during the current COVID-19 event? involved in this initiative.
regions and practices. These local
and national zoom hui continued
ZOOM to the rescue
weekly throughout Alert Levels 4
After touching base with participants questions, making comments and
and 3 with consistent participation.
in the Bay Of Plenty-Waiariki, I was leaving space for children to respond
amazed at the enthusiasm to link up OLLi Facebook Group (when I remember!).” He also reported
via Zoom…even when kaiako (and I) that the feedback from the children has
OLLi received approval from the
had never used it before! It was been great, and they have received
Ministry of Education Social Media
great fun learning about the white many comments from whānau online.
Team to use FB to support kaiako
board, sharing slide shows, figuring who had previously completed OLLi. The Future
out break-out rooms, and wondering The FB group had just been set up
why videos couldn’t be heard! What will our work look like into the
when the lockdown was announced.
future? There is so much scope for new
The 1st Zoom hui took place one These kaiako have shared exciting ways ways of working, increasing efficiency,
week after going into Level 4. Kaiako that they are keeping oral language reducing travel time (and subsequent
discussed life in their bubbles, shared in their centres alive in this new on- emissions into the atmosphere), while
their initial priority of connecting with line world. One kaiako has been balancing this with the importance
families to retain a sense of community, sharing book reading strategies with of face-to-face communication and
and problem-solved how their centres’ whānau, and recorded one story a connection. It is amazing that a
online platforms could be used to day throughout the lockdown, with challenging international crisis may
share activities with whānau. Kaiako guidance notes. He reports: “...it took lead to new and potentially better
left the hui with thoughts on how a while to get used to reading without ways of supporting our early learning
to link these activities with ways to children in front (of me). I am asking centres, kaiako and their whānau.
10 • Communication MattersNo Sugar
I urged private practitioner If you have employees you may have
1 7
colleagues to access the government to look at redundancies or reduced
subsidy. Remain focussed on the hours. This is your last resort and not
Coating Budget and any news from MBIE re
assistance. This is an ever changing
something to be taken lightly, but
there is a legal employment process
COVID
landscape with assistance to small to follow so to protect yourself and
to medium enterprises (SMEs). your employees. The Employers
Association or your accountant/
2 Embrace telehealth, innovate and
Marg Sharpe Speech-language lawyer is a good place to start.
actively promote on social media.
therapist in private practice Promote, promote, promote! Lastly, be kind to yourself. Monitor
8
yourself, are you snapping at
For those in private practice COVID-19 3 “Value” your practice, make it easy
the children or partner? Check
has demonstrated just how vulnerable for clients to pay, whether by weekly
how you are reacting – are you
private practitioners are. Every billable automatic payments, disability
sleeping, eating, sipping more
hour is important. benefits from WINZ, or funding
wines than usual? If your business
from private charities and trusts.
ACC experienced a drop of 60% in fails, it does not mean you are a
referrals and this rolled on to private SLTs. Look at those areas of your business, failure. Reach out, seek support.
4
We worry “will I get paid for the work (and you do need to view your
I do?”, “will this business survive?” Many private practice as a business) that COVID-19 is beyond our control. The only
private clients are vulnerable to the can be trimmed. Do you really thing you can control are the things that
economic impact; will they prioritise need to print those resources or are in your life…believe in yourself, value
private SLT sessions? can you use online resources – the simple things in your life. Everything
boy there are heaps out there! that is in your circle that you can control,
One question from a young therapist prioritise and value them. Covid is
who had not experienced the effects Talk with the landlord, seek a rent
5 outside of your circle and therefore
of the Global Financial Crisis in 2008 or holiday or rent relief? Approach
you cannot control what happens.
any other financial crisis in her business, your creditors and organize
was “will it ever get better?” I reinforced reduced automatic payments. SLTs, and by nature those of you who are
that it will, but as my mother always Likewise chase all debtors – in private practice have a unique set of
said, “you will have to tighten your belt”. even small regular payments help skills, adaptability, ability to take risks and
As a young person I never understood – set up auto payments for them. the opportunity to embrace change.
this phrase, but perhaps now I do, even Look at all overheads, what can
as, thanks to my sourdough obsessed 6 Anyway lovely people, take a
be dropped, do you really need
husband, my “sourdough roll”, makes to rent your photocopier, is there walk...breathe...it will get better.
tightening my belt a difficult proposition! another therapist who could share
“hurihia to aroara ki te ra tukuna to
rooms with you? Are you paying
But how do you do that in atarangi kia taka ki muri i a koe”
for a car but not charging the client
private practice? “turn your face to the sun and
travel time? Are you undercharging
on report writing, admin etc? the shadows fall behind you”
Communication Matters • 11Zooming High with the University campus prior to lockdown,
they can now join them from home.
Approximately half of the members are
CBR More than Words attending these meetings. The members
learned how to connect to Zoom through
Gavel Club for People
a 45-minute group tutorial session with
Sylvia and volunteers. Sylvia reported
“Members seem to speak more and
with Aphasia everyone has a turn. I thought it would
be a bit tough but the members and
volunteers have been doing an
C.Moore, S. Leão, Gloria Guara Tavarese and Suzanne Purdy exceptional job”. She noted that she
needs to be in control of the mute
Members from the Centre for Brain taken up volunteering roles and returned button as members want to unmute
Research (CBR) More than Words Gavel to paid work. CBR funded a research themselves all the time to talk!
Club (GC) for People with Aphasia speech-language therapist to investigate
To facilitate comprehension, Sylvia and
have been “zooming high” at weekly GC benefits. This research has been
the volunteers use the “share screen”
virtual meetings during the pandemic. published and shows that GC improves
to post. During the week, Sylvia and
Led by Sylvia Leão, this has brought communication, confidence, community
the volunteers help members prepare
people with aphasia (PWA) together participation and quality of life.
speeches and Table Topics questions
online and given them a chance to
Members have discovered that Zooming via Zoom meetings. Volunteers have
connect outside their bubble. Many
is fun and a relatively tech-easy way received communication support training
were in ‘bubbles’ by themselves
to connect. For some who couldn’t by Zoom, including hands-on sessions
and this helped decrease feelings of
physically attend the meetings at the with a member supervised by Sylvia.
immense social and physical isolation.
The GC has been successfully running
for over eight years with over 30
members. Members meet weekly
to engage in novel group activities
that develop public speaking and
leadership skills using a Toastmasters
International format. Participation in GC
supports improved communication,
confidence and leadership in a safe
and friendly environment. It has helped
PWA rejoin life’s conversations with
family and friends and to re-engage in
their community and in turn lower the
risk of depression and social isolation.
Members have built new friendships,
12 • Communication MattersMembers aim to give one prepared
speech a week in the online forum.
This allows extra time for any technical
troubleshooting and to give members
more time to share during the round-
table check-in activity. For many
members, these meetings are their
only chance for human connection
thus more time has been given for
them to share their ups and downs
of living through lockdown.
To make Zoom meetings even more fun
everyone is encouraged to dress up
according to the theme. One week was
hats, the next week it was flowers! The
members love using Zoom’s “clapping”
and “thumbs up” emoticons.
Most members have enjoyed the Zoom
experience. Martin Nunn reported:
I wasn’t all that hopeful when the
Zoom call was arranged but it
has been a revolution. Zoom is Sylvia recognised a dire need to help quickly and efficiently we organised
very easy software and it is very those members who were feeling the Zoom meetings. We felt very
easy to see everyone. It is not isolated so she created a weekly “chat privileged to help as the Aphasia
in person but comes close programme”. This involves herself Institute created the world’s first Gavel
second. It would be a great way or a volunteer having an individual Club for people with aphasia over 20
of giving access to the Gavel friendly 20–30 minute chat Zoom years ago. It was their Gavel Club that
Club New Zealand wide.” session during the week. Members inspired the creation of our GC.
report that the Zoom meetings and
We are living in an unprecedented time
individual sessions have been a lifeline
but from this has sprung an innovative
Tony Petrasich, another member, added: as they would otherwise have minimal
way of keeping our GC members
or no interactions during the week.
socially connected despite the physical
The Aphasia Institute in Toronto isolation. Thanks to Zoom, Sylvia and
I have seen friends in gavel Canada have reached out to Sylvia volunteers have been able to continue
club getting better with talk. and the GC’s leadership team to learn to make Fridays the day members leap
I feel wonderful seeing this.” how to create their own virtual Gavel out of bed to attend GC a place of
Club. They were impressed with how hope, belonging and connection. •
Communication Matters • 13An awe-some telepractice session
Bianca Jackson, The University of Auckland
About thirty minutes into our
telepractice session, five-
year old Charlie deliberately
missed a basketball shot, ran
over to a bucket of rainwater
and tipped it over his head.
The calm, loving chuckles
from his mum and the stoic
faces of the SLT students, left
me in both hysterics and awe.
Sessions with Charlie and his mum are
always fun, but working out the game
so he could penalise himself with a cold
water bath was a violation of our normal
understanding of the world – at least a person’s sense of self in relation to through purpose is one of our core
for the two students and me. We had others. Awe can expand the perception needs as human beings. Collective awe,
to accommodate this new information. of time, by creating a sense of more where we share a sense of awe with
time available. Awe has positive effects others, reduces stress. Awe diminishes
A sense of ‘wow’ and cognitive
on our bodies. It increases vagal tone, self-criticism and opens up your sense
realignment are essential parts of awe.
decreases inflammation and decreases of what you can do. Awe has similar
Evidence so far suggests that feeling stress. Psychologically it increases impacts to meditation, spiritual practices
awe can lead to a host of physiological, levels of kindness and generosity, and and appreciation of nature and beauty.
psychological, and social effects. These can lead to humility and a stronger
This is an invitation to find awe in your
range from goose bumps to an expansion sense of connection with others.
day, in your work and with your people. •
of time to increased curiosity.
Awe motivates us to seek meaning.
Awe happens when we witness the By recognising when you experience References available on request from
vastness of nature, people, ideas or awe, you can notice the things that are bianca.jackson@auckland.ac.nz
experiences. It connects us to life. important to you, places where you can
Research suggests that awe diminishes find purpose. The need for meaning
14 • Communication MattersPostcard from New York
Selena Donaldson, Editor
Heather Jones, a Middlemore Since then, three staff members
have died from the virus, including a
Hospital SLT who returned 26 year old carparking attendant, a
to work in her native New nursing assistant and a radiology staff
York, a year ago, got in touch member. With severity of illness not
always consistent with individuals’ risk
during lockdown to share factors, Heather describes a feeling of
her experience. She works “life being plucked” from people.
in a general facility providing Heather continues to see patients, and
inpatient and outpatient care SLT service to individuals continues in
her facility. Supplies have run short and
to residents of a middle socio- Heather has worn the same face shield
economic county. It was in this for a week at a time. Seeing up to nine
patients in a day is usual at present.
hospital that New York’s first
Clinical work has diversified immensely Photo credit: Heather Jones
covid case was discovered. as staff assist with nursing care, reassuring
Heather described her workplace as patients, communication with relatives, fearful times after September 11 2001.
“unrecognisable”. With a usual capacity changing water jugs, or any jobs at all Nevertheless, Heather reports keeping
of 125 – 150 beds, at one point there on the wards, as well as usual SLT care. a sandalwood candle on her bedside
were 198 covid positive patients in the Heather describes an incredible learning table and repeatedly checking her sense
hospital. On the day we spoke, there curve wherein all previous expectations of smell every evening after work.
were 132. As well as the usual intensive and algorithms for caring for patients To further assist Heather to flourish in
care (ICU) space, three additional spaces have had to be abandoned. At times her challenges of clinical work, she has
had been altered to exist as make-shift individuals expected to be taken devoted each day of work to people
ICUs. The hospital lobby is altered to by the virus, have made surprising or communities who have inspired her,
act as a space for staff to change in and outcomes, and others who seemed sharing this with her friends around the
out of their personal protective gear. strong, experienced fatal heart and world via social media. In this manner,
The first case which presented at kidney failure. Heather reports that she she has told the story of COVID-19
Heather’s hospital was not recognised has coped emotionally by focussing in New York, and we are privileged
as having covid in time to prevent one one patient at a time, and drawing that a day of Heather’s service was
infection of many staff. Allergy season from survival strategies her and devoted to her former colleagues
further confounded the picture. colleagues developed in the dark, and friends here in Aotearoa. •
Communication Matters • 15Big Country Innovation
Bridget McArthur, Private Practice Members Representative (outgoing)
When we considered the theme of thriving amidst challenge
for this issue, we also considered challenges around equity of
service across Aotearoa. Bridget McArthur is well-accustomed
to reaching clients in remote motu, and we asked her to share
her experiences.
Photo credit: Bridget McArthur
Our team at Shout is blessed with Because Shout operates a non-clinic- situations, some of which had changed
views that have long attracted people based therapy model, we support because of the COVID-19 lockdown.
far and wide. our clients in their own environments.
So what was our plan?
We go to them.
Sometimes our daily commutes are as
“Business as Usual” – to a point.
long and wide as the big-country scenery Rewind a little, to March 26th, when the
of the South Island in which we travel. implications of dealing with a global Yes, in part we said, “we come to
pandemic, became glaringly real. you, we always have and always will”.
We see the flat plains of Christchurch,
But fulfilling that pledge required
the straights and bends of State Highway The view changed again. We had to
a serious shake-up at our end.
1 along the eastern coastline; we wind look inwards.
through the rich soil of South Otago and And, again, I come back to the power
So we re-evaluated our practices and
past patchwork fields around Invercargill; and potential of effective communication.
processes, our modes of service delivery.
we glimpse the mists of Fiordland and
As a small business of 11 staff and 3 As a team, we needed one another.
snow-clad peaks of the Wakatipu; we feel
contractors, we had to adapt quickly. We needed to support, listen and
summer’s heat reflecting from the schist
respect each other, to be generous and
and thyme-strewn hillsides of Central What did we do when we heard about
kind, and to show the same spirit of
Otago, or witness the hoarfrost growing this crazy virus called COVID-19?
caring that we extend to all our clients
on the No. 8 wire fences up that way.
We communicated. was alive and kicking within our team.
Yes, we take in these vistas as part of our
Firstly, we communicated as a team. Out of that wellspring came the ideas
workday. But they are a perk of a role
and energy that we harnessed to
that, we should all agree, is demanding, Secondly, we made a plan.
continue in those challenging weeks.
stimulating and rewarding.
Oh – and this is the really important part
We also reached out – to the wider
The most rewarding perspectives – we communicated with our clients,
“speechie” community.
come from our interactions with our because any plan needs to be informed
many clients. by our clients’ requirements and personal
16 • Communication MattersIn recent times, our team members’ viewpoints
have changed. We have had to look inwards in
order to outwardly extend our expertise to our
clients, colleagues and others”
Photo credit:
Bridget McArthur
We were lucky to have generosity in resources for our clients; we kept in of more than 200 teachers on what
spades from a local hero, Brooke Dibley, contact with our partner providers. Speech Language Therapy is and what
who offered help for free on the “how- they can do to assist communication.
And, as mentioned, we kept in contact
to” of delivering effective teletherapy.
with our clients, most of whom said, “yes, I’ll end as I started.
We even shouted out (pun intended) we are here” and, “yes, we need you”.
Some views will always be spectacular.
across the ditch, contacting a former Building on the strength and knowledge Others change for any number
colleague from MOE days who has been of our team, we developed several of reasons.
doing telehealth while she jaunts around PD Webinars to support teachers
the Aussie Outback with her husband In recent times, our team members’
and raise awareness of speech,
and kids. She helped us hold tight and viewpoints have changed. We have
language and communication needs
think practically and reassured us all of our had to look inwards in order to
within the education setting.
abilities as Speech Language Therapists. outwardly extend our expertise to
The private practice page also helped This offered a two-way benefit: it our clients, colleagues and others.
us take stock and know that we were diversified our work-stream; and it
To help others communicate,
not alone as we made this transition. diversified knowledge for teachers,
we’ve had to do the same.
who lapped up the chance to gain
In short, we got to work. some expert insights and advice. And as we continue to grapple with the
Within 24 hours of Prime Minister Jacinda effects of a global pandemic, we need
We sprinkled that gold dust far and
Ardern’s lockdown announcement to remind ourselves that what we all do
wide, from teachers in the Deep South,
as Speech Language Therapists is so
on March 23rd we’d created magic. to teachers in Australia. The feedback
important, so essential to the lives and
We mastered the world of teletherapy; we have received shows that those short
wellbeing of so many.
we created easily read and accessible webinars have changed the perspectives
So let’s keep talking. •
Communication Matters • 17NZSTA Clinical Practice
Guideline for Paediatric
Dysphagia
Kristi Exley, Waitemata District Health Board, kristi.exley@waitematadhb.govt.nz
It has been over a year since communicate with multiple stakeholders Jenni Lyons
about our role and capabilities in regard Speech-language Therapist,
the publication of the NZSTA to children with feeding difficulties, The Mess Hall Feeding Clinic.
Clinical Practice Guideline and the responsibilities of employers.
Jane Musgrave
Emily Jones is also promoting the
for Paediatric Dyphagia and document in her role as Expert Advisor
Speech-language Therapist, Practice
& Implementation Advisor – Otago &
we would like feedback and in Paediatric Feeding and Swallowing.
Southland, Ministry of Education.
comments about how it has As the working group below was from
Maryanne O’Hare
been received and used. all over the country, we never had a
Speech-language Therapist, Specialist
chance to come together and toast to the
If you have not yet had a chance to Service Lead, Ministry of Education.
completion of the NZSTA Clinical Practice
read this publication, it provides broad Guideline for Paediatric Dysphagia. Zsofia Olah
clinical guidance on assessment and Speech-language Therapy student at
management for children with feeding Billie Hampton Edwards
the time of publication, The University
Therapy Manager & Speech-language
and swallowing difficulties. Each section of Auckland (now Speech-language
Therapist, Tauranga Special School
is supported by evidence from the Therapist at Arohanui Special School).
literature and the consensus of clinical Turid Helier – Speech-language
Caroline Setchell
experts. This has been an incredibly Therapist, Central Otago Healthcare Ltd.
Speech-language Therapist,
long process which began in 2016
Bianca Jackson Canterbury DHB.
with a passionate working group. It is
Speech-language Therapist &
available on the NZSTA website with Professional Teaching Fellow, Speech If you have any feedback on the
the position papers and guidelines. Science, The University of Auckland. publication, please email me as
Please continue to distribute it to people the members of the working group
Stephanie Johnston
you supervise, colleagues you work are very interested to hear your
Speech-language Therapist,
with, and those who are managers. opinions and we will be reviewing
Capital and Coast DHB.
If your organisation wants to endorse the document in the future. •
it, that would be valuable as well. Melissa Keesing
The purpose of the document is to Speech-language Therapist, Starship
Children’s Hospital, Auckland DHB.
18 • Communication MattersNew Expert Advisers Expert Adviser
for Adult Fluency
Claire Winward, Professional Development portfolio holder
Introducing Tika Ormond,
Expert adviser for
Clinical Educator and SLT at the
Cleft Lip/Palate and Expert Adviser
University of Canterbury
Velopharyngeal for Child Fluency
Incompetence My special interest was sparked by my
lecturer and clinical educator at University
Introducing Bryony Forde, Introducing Anna Hearne, College of London, Renee Byrne who
Expert SLT for the Wellington Lecturer and Clinician at wrote the book ‘Let’s talk about stuttering.’
Region Cleft Palate Team Massey University She showed her passion and interest
in people who stuttered and went far
I have worked as an SLT since 2000, and
My special interest in the area of and beyond in her life to engage with
have always had an interest in the area
stuttering developed during my students and clients alike. On graduation
of cleft speech. I currently works as part
undergraduate studies and I have been I went to Sydney to work and came
of a multidisciplinary team providing
specialising in the treatment of stuttering across Mark Onslow, who at that time
specialist assessment and intervention for
since commencing my PhD studies was just starting out in the field. Little
individuals with cleft lip and/or palate,
in 2000. My PhD topic related to the did I know then in 1984–5 that I would
and velopharyngeal incompetence.
treatment of adolescents who stutter go on to be trained by him and the
The hospital team I work with is and their experiences of therapy. Since Bankstown team in the art of Lidcombe.
comprised of many different professions: then I have worked in this area of I have worked at the University of
plastic surgeons, orthodontists, speech language therapy both as a Canterbury for over 30 years providing
paediatric dentists, audiologists, nurses, clinician, a lecturer and a researcher. assessment and therapy for clients of all
and radiologists. We aim to provide I am continuing to work in all these ages with fluency disorders. Over the
wraparound care in the hospital context. capacities and am fully committed to years I have co taught the fluency course
A primary component of the role is to staying up to date with research with Professor Mike Robb and currently
provide support and education for SLT relating to the nature and treatment provide lectures on clinical practice. One
colleagues in Education who proved of stuttering. of my annual highlights is to co facilitate
community based care for children
the Lidcombe training courses with my
with cleft/VPI. This involves advising
You can contact Anna at colleague Anna Hearne, which we have
community SLTs with their management A.K.Hearne@massey.ac.nz done for a number of years. I am committed
of cleft/VPI cases. This has also involved
to maintaining an evidence based practice
attending and running national 2 day VPI
to my clinical work and sharing that
seminars with Australasian colleagues.
knowledge and experience with the field.
You can contact Bryony at
You can contact Tika at
bryony.forde@huttvalleydhb.org.nz
tika.ormond@canterbury.ac.nz
Communication Matters • 19Te Reo o Te Kaumatua
Nā Rukingi Haupapa
Rukingi Haupara, Kaumatua
Ngā mihi o te wā ki a tātou. attack, the level 4 and level 3 restrictions,
and moving to level 2 – I can see
The ‘Communication Matters’ that Matariki knowledge is perfect to
publication every three months is a reflect, plan, and do what is needed for
good way for me to reflect on what kaupapa Māori in NZSTA activities.
has been achieved, what has not been
achieved, and what can be planned for One of my goals as kaumātua is
the next three months. However, none communicating with SLTs who support
of us would ever have expected for kaupapa Māori within their work.
our world to be turned so dramatically YAYYYYYY…we had our first zoom hui
upside down and for our work and recently and no doubt this will be a
world be reduced to what we can do regular tool to ensure communication
from inside our own home. Who would from one end of New Zealand to the
Matariki hunga nui
have believed that three months ago? other. We also now have a facebook
Matariki has many admirers
page. If you are keen to join in
Our government leaders have guided please contact Katrina or myself. The test is pulling it all together –
us through this challenging time and Tūtira mai, tātou tātou e.
we are now back out of our homes and Another goal as kaumātua is about
(Stand, as one).
returning to some kind of normalcy. supporting Māori events and activities.
The question is what can I/we do? Some of us will be supporting Speech Nākū noa.
Language and Stroke activities during Rukingi •
Before lockdown, the board were able
the September and October Awareness
to draft a NZSTA Strategic Plan for the
weeks. If you are interested in joining
next five years and within it were pieces
please contact Katrina McGarr and I.
connected to kaupapa Māori, that is,
At the very least we can acknowledge Our Kōanga (Spring) edition
Māori topics and issues. As kaumātua
and celebrate what you are doing. will feature a wonderful piece
I then began looking through Māori
by Katrina McGurr: “What is
eyes and the first thing that appeared Matariki is about potential and
Tikanga?”. We would welcome
was Matariki, the cluster of stars that possibilities. Below is a proverb that
any contributions on this theme
Māori have used and begun to re-use acknowledges that many people see the
(and any other!) for the next issue.
the knowledge today. With what we same topic or object, but will have their
Ngā mihi nui, Selena (editor).
have just been through with the virus own names, stories, and meanings.
20 • Communication MattersWeek of connection
7–13 September 2020
Georgia Holibar, Speech Language Therapist, TalkLink Trust,
Wahanga Tū Kōrero
It has been amazing how These stories will provide perspective
of what living with swallowing or
the saying ‘you don’t know communication difficulties is like,
what you’ve got till it’s gone’ encourage new people to simply give
connection a go and provide us with a
applied to everyone across
powerful resource. If you have a person
the world over the last few who would like to share their story and
weeks. This experience educate others, please contact us.
showed just how crucial In the lead up to the week, we
encourage you to consider how you
sharing kai, social interaction can be involved. This could be through
and communication is to talking to your local media to promote
our wellbeing. our client populations, you could
present to your child’s class about what
While this has been difficult, the we do or you could run connection
creativity of kiwis to persevere and activities within your workplace. There
continue being connected with others are so many ways to be involved so
virtually or with physical distancing is get creative and get connected!
something worth acknowledging. As a
reflection of this, we will be celebrating https://tinyurl.com/SLTweekNZ
with the Week of Connection 2020.
Elizabeth Knowles of We would love to see your own “candid”
The Week of Connection has the www.speechlanguageillustrated.co.nz shots from their work for Beth to
overarching theme of ‘Get Connected, is kindly creating one of her beautiful illustrate. If clients are in the photos Beth
Be Connected, Stay Connected’. This illustrations for the cover for the can maintain their privacy by significantly
theme envisions everyone in Aotearoa Connection Week issue. We would completely changing what they look like,
being connected with no one left like to create four portraits in a grid but keeping the integrity of their pose
behind. The Week of Connection will be of SLTs working in different areas (such in the image. Please forward your images
from the 7th to the 13th of September as hospital, Ministry of Education, to editor@speechtherapy.org.nz.
where our goal is to share stories and private practice with adults or children,
perspectives from the vast populations adult disability etc).
Speech-Language Therapists work with.
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.
editor@speechtherapy.org.nz
Whakapā tangata
NZSTA Board Members Expert adviser contacts Area representatives
President • Annette Rotherham Ann Smaill Te Tai Tokerau • Suanna Smith & Denise Poole
president@speechtherapy.org.nz Alternative and Augmentative Communication ar.northland@speechtherapy.org.nz
Communications • Shannon Hennig ann.smaill@talklink.org.nz Auckland • Akshat Shah
communications@speechtherapy.org.nz Anna Miles • Adult Dysphagia ar.auckland@speechtherapy.org.nz
Member networks • Jodi White a.miles@auckland.ac.nz Waikato/Bay of Plenty • Gwen Kerrison
membernetworks@speechtherapy.org.nz Annabel Grant • Dementia ar.waikato.bop@speechtherapy.org.nz
Professional development • Claire Winward a.grant@massey.ac.nz Central • Elisa Mynen
professionaldevelopment@speechtherapy.org.nz Carlene Perris • Voice ar.central@speechtherapy.org.nz
Professional standards • Anna Miles cperris@adhb.govt.nz Wellington/Nelson
professionalstandards@speechtherapy.org.nz Emily Jones Polly Newton & Emily King
Māori and cultural development Paediatric Feeding and Swallowing ar.wellington@speechtherapy.org.nz
Katrina McGarr E.Jones@massey.ac.nz Canterbury/Westland
culturaldevelopment@speechtherapy.org.nz Fiona Hewerdine Kate Cook & Ruth Ramsay
Adult Neurodegenerative Conditions ar.canterbury@speechtherapy.org.nz
Other contacts and Palliative Care Otago/Southland • Meryl Jones
fiona.hewerdine@bopdhb.govt.nz ar.otago.southland@speechtherapy.org.nz
National private practitioner Jayne Newbury • Child Language
members’ representative jayne.newbury@canterbury.ac.nz
Bridget MacArthur Student representatives
privatepractice@speechtherapy.org.nz Liz Fairgray & Megan Lewis
Hearing Impairment and Cochlear Implant Massey University • Jacqui Morgan,
Administrator l.fairgray@auckland.ac.nz Brianna Oosterbroek & Bo Young Choi
ONZL Limited megan@talktogether.co.nz sr.massey@speechtherapy.org.nz
admin@speechtherapy.org.nz University of Auckland • Tash Thompson
+64 9 475 0214 Maegan VanSolkema • Traumatic Brain Injury
maegan.vansolkema@abi-rehab.co.nz sr.auckland@speechtherapy.org.nz
Speech, Language and Hearing Journal University of Canterbury
Sally Kedge • Vulnerable Children and Youth
of APSSLH, HKAST & NZSTA Emma Barbafiera, Jessica Eagle & Livvy Pride
sallykedge@gmail.com
Editor: Anna Miles sr.canterbury@speechtherapy.org.nz
professionalstandards@speechtherapy.org.nz Sarah Spence
Paediatric Complex Communication Needs
NZSTA
sarspen@gmail.com
www.speechtherapy.org.nz
admin@speechtherapy.org.nz Shannon Hennig
PO Box 302469, North Harbour, Auckland 0751 Autism and Neurodiversity
shannon@inclusive-communication.co.nz
Communication Matters editor
Selena Donaldson Alison Zani • Aphasia
editor@speechtherapy.org.nz aphasiaadviser@gmail.com
www.speechtherapy.org.nzYou can also read
