Communication - Using Tikanga in your Practice Unlocking Prisoner Potential Ngā Whāriki Kōrero - New Zealand ...
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ISSUE /NGĀ TAKE 40
SPRING/KŌANGA
communication
2020
Using Tikanga in your Practice
Unlocking Prisoner Potential • Ngā Whāriki Kōrero
Contents
Rārangi upoko kōrero
1 2 3 4 5 6
From the NZSTA Recount / Board news Te Reo o What is
president Happenings review Te Kaumatua cultural safety?
Podcast
8 10 12 13 14 16
De-colonising Ngā Whāriki Ko Taku Reo: Gwen Gender Engaging
and re- Kōrero Deaf Education Broadley, affirming with older
centering New Zealand Life Member voice and adults about
of NZSTA communication swallowing
therapy
17 18 19 20 21 22
KiwiChat goes Unlocking SLT in Renewed Dear Friend, Contact
virtual prisoner the media interest in a letter to details
potential developmental our speech
language language
disorder therapist
Cover: Photo kindly gifted by Whakatōhea iwi and Talking ISSN 2324-2302 (Print)
Matters, depicting their partnership in Ōpōtiki. We will be ISSN 2324-2310 (Online)
running a feature about Whakatōhea and their journey of
The NZSTA reserves the right to refuse for inclusion in Communication Matters, any
revitalising te reo Māori, in our Summer Issue. 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
Please contact the editor with your ideas at any time and we advertising does not imply endorsement of views, positions, programmes or products
will endeavour to accommodate them in the next edition. by NZSTA. Articles may be edited.
Send to editor@speechtherapy.org.nz
From the president
Nā te tumuaki
Annette Rotherham president@speechtherapy.org.nz
The past 3 months have Despite challenging times during these values and embed them into
COVID-19’s disruptions to our daily our practice. We are focusing on one
been full of celebrations. lives and work environments, it was value per year for raising awareness.
Our 2020 AGM celebrated important to acknowledge achievements Awareness week 2020 has the theme
in research, student supervision, and of Whanaungatanga – Get connected,
all the mahitahi within the ambassadorship, through the NZSTA Be connected, Stay connected during a
NZSTA membership over awards and grants. We were very proud “week of connection” 7–13 September,
the past year. Again I thank to award Brooke Dibley the 2020 we look forward to seeing how creative
Ambassador Award, and Fiona Dominick you are with this theme.
all the area reps, our private from Whakatane, the 2020 Clinical
Finally, we announced our new Board
practice rep, and our student Field Supervisor Award.
with three newly elected members to join
reps who contribute time It has been a huge milestone to launch our hardworking team. Katrina McGarr
and energy and show the 2025 Strategic Plan, which you will (Ngāi Tahu) has been elected to Māori
have received with your Winter edition of and Cultural Development, Emma Quigan
leadership in their daily Communication Matters. We carry on the (Ngāi Tahu) has been elected to
work representing NZSTA. mahi of the past NZSTA Board from 2015 Communications and Akshat Shah has
and take this plan to the next level with been elected to Member Networks.
the incorporation of the NZSTA Values of We farewelled Jodi White who served six
Whanaungatanga, Aroha, Kotahitanga years in the Member Networks portfolio
and Rangatiratanga. We want to live and has demonstrated huge leadership,
commitment and support to members.
We also acknowledged Shannon Hennig
who came on board for ten months and
worked hard in the Communications role
through difficult times for the Association.
Ngā mihi nui to you both.
The future is looking bright and I am so
Left: looking forward to being able to meet in
Annette Rotherham person in September as a board and to
on a Beehive Tour
plan for the coming 12 months.
during the school
holidays. Annette
Communication Matters • 1
NZSTA Happenings
Some of our recent Association happenings at a glance...
1 JUNE
Left:
Rotorua SLTs
Return to Practice Framework relax post AGM
and Processes reviewed with Rukingi and
by Members Network and Annette.
Professional Standards.
Below:
Additional support and
Karen Brewer
processes now in place. launches Ngā
See website. Whāriki Kōrero.
See page 10.
2 JULY MID-JUNE 30 JULY
Dr Karen Brewer and NZSTA Dr Anna Miles appointed Level 1 Community SLT and
launch Ngā Whāriki Kōrero: Vice‑President of NZSTA. Hospital-based SLT COVID-19
a kaupapa Māori SLT package Guidance launched.
for whānau with communication
difficulties caused by stroke.
20 JULY AUGUST
Annual General Meeting NZSTA launched their first ever
via Zoom. 2020 awards Scope of Practice Paper on
and grants announced. Working in the Justice System.
2 • Communication Matters
What we have done Recount / review
Achievements for the Many thanks to all the members who got in touch about
profession of speech‑language our COVID‑19 focussed issue. It was good to hear that the
therapy 2015–2020 many resources shared were useful, and that we were able
to continue the enormous generosity which emerged during
our difficult months.
“It is really lovely to be part of NZSTA.
We moved from South Africa to
Increase in membership numbers NZ in November 2019 and it’s
from 650 to 900 (40% increase) things, like reading Communication
Matters, that really just made
me feel included and so excited
to continue my journey here,
especially after the challenging
COVID-19 and craziness of 2020 as
a whole.” Karla Roodt, CCDHB
Establishment of the Kaumātua
role and the development of our The Winter 2020 issue is available
own NZSTA Kaupapa on the NZSTA website.
Enormous apologies to Katrina
McGarr, for the misspelling of her
name throughout the Winter issue.
Self regulating /
self governing profession with
Annual Practising Certificates
Feedback, ideas and contributions for Communication Matters
are always very welcome. Consider also sending high-resolution
photos of interesting aspects of SLT practice, which we can
Establishment of a Consumer profile with a descriptive caption. Contributions can be lengthy
reference group and the or brief, and all add to lively kōrero.
consumer lead position Please contact editor@speechtherapy.org.nz
Communication Matters • 3
Board news
Introducing Akshat Shah, Introducing Emma Quigan, Introducing Ashleigh Neumann,
Member Networks portfolio holder Communications portfolio holder Private Practice Representative
Akshat is an experienced, multilingual Emma (Ngāi Tahu, Pākehā) leads a team Ashleigh is a paediatric speech and
SLT based in Whangarei, Northland. of community activators for Talking language therapist who runs Canterbury
He has held roles at the Ministry of Matters, partnering with whānau, iwi, Speech and Language Therapy in the
Education, DHBs, and private practice, communities and professionals to put South Island. She has been in private
and has most recently been the an intentional focus on creating and practice for almost 5 years now, and also
NZSTA Area Representative for the enhancing rich language environments runs a private practice special interest
Auckland region. He is passionate for babies. Previously, Emma held a group in Canterbury. She is an active
about supporting and engaging position within Ministry of Education, NZSTA member, and an advocate for
with SLTs across roles and regions. focusing on professional development having that guidance, networking and
and sector capability. Emma is also professional safety they offer private
studying for her Masters in Education practitioners. She is looking forward
at The University of Auckland. to meeting more of our wonderful
members, and taking on the exciting
projects that our last representative,
Bridget, got underway during her term.
Podcast
Getting better: A year in the life of a Māori medical student
A great podcast I’m listening to at the moment that explores the themes of my article in this issue
of CM, Emma Espiner’s RNZ podcast ‘Getting better: A year in the life of a Māori medical student’. •
Hana Tuwhare
4 • Communication Matters
Te Reo o Te Kaumatua
Nā Rukingi Haupapa
Rukingi Haupara, Kaumatua
Ngā mihi o te wā. The seasons are synchronised with the NZSTA’s kaumātua Cultural Advisor, are
sun, moon, stars (e.g. Matariki) and planet available to help you and your work. He Kete
This issue of Communication earth. Māori, as do other indigenous Whanaungatanga is a resource group of
groups of the world, base their tikanga Māori and non-Māori SLTs who want to
Matters is our Spring or (i.e. practises of living) on the knowledge include tikanga in their mahi to benefit
Kōanga issue. We put it and beliefs directly related and clients. Many of the organisations that you
together in the middle of connected to the environment. are employed by also have Māori staff and
resources to implement tikanga. There lies
winter, when it is cold and Winter (Hōtoke or Takurua) is the arrival
the challenge to you as SLTs, to use these.
of Matariki and a time to reflect on those
when most things are resting we’ve lost and the things we’ve done. NZSTA Week of Action, and Stroke
or sleeping. However, here This is also the best time, while it is cold Awareness weeks fall in Spring this year.
in Aotearoa our indigenous outside, to have wānanga inside to Please share any activities you have been
plan and scheme for the new year – do involved with this year.
culture and beliefs tell us better and improve. Kōanga/Spring is
One of my research findings was that
something different. the launching season for your ‘Master
‘whānau did not have a chance to meet
Plan’. Things will warm up, plants and
other whānau who had been through
animals come alive, and everything
the same horrible journey’. If you are
busily flourishes.
thinking of doing something with Māori
What does all the above have to do with clients and whānau, please email me
SLTs and NZSTA? kaumatua@speechtherapy.org.nz.
We are planning a number of Māori
To me, having a tikanga or practise of
activities with whānau around the Bay of
reflecting on your work at least two
Plenty and love to connect with you and
times a year, one with Māori New Year
the people you work with.
with arrival of the Matariki star cluster in
winter, and again at Christmas/New Year Ka nui te pahupahu o te koroua nei, nareira
in Dec/Jan in summer, gives us excellent me oti.
opportunities to improve and do
Kia ora pai koutou ki o koutou kāinga maha
things better.
huri noa i te motu.
Nākū noa
Rukingi
Communication Matters • 5
What is cultural safety?
Q and A with Katrina McGarr, Māori and Cultural Development Portfolio, Tūranga Kaupapa Māori
Cultural safety involves being Can I use checklists to make sure To understand these restrictions, we
I’m being Culturally Safe in my need to explore the concepts of tapu
aware of our own culture and workplace? and noa. Most people are already familiar
beliefs, and how these can Unfortunately, you can’t. A checklist with tapu, being sacred and protected;
noa, in essence, is the complementary
influence our interactions doesn’t (and shouldn’t!) exist as it
would undermine the essence and opposite. It is unrestricted or common
with patients and clients. true understanding of what makes a and can lift the restrictions of tapu by
By recognising our own behaviour or practice tikanga. way of a karakia (blessing or prayer), or
by action (using water or eating kai).
personal attitudes and biases, How do I know then if I am The protocol of tikanga that we follow
we can begin to recognise incorporating tikanga into my has evolved from ensuring that tapu and
differences in ourselves and practice as a SLT? How could I noa remain separate to protect mana.
introduce more?
the people we work with and To apply tikanga, it is best to start
To further guide our understanding
of tikanga, we must also consider the
alongside during a client’s with understanding “what is tikanga?” standards in which we aspire to; these
journey through our care. This Tikanga are correct procedures or are our values or ideals. Within these,
protocol underpinned by core values guided by tapu and noa, customary
awareness then allows us and practices that guide our behaviour expectations and values become more
as clinicians to purposefully in how we interact with others, ngā Atua apparent, as does our deepened
(the Gods / personifications of the
create environments in which natural world) and the world around us.
understanding of what makes them
tika/true/correct.
our clients feel recognised, Tikanga protects what is tapu, as well as
valued, and safe. our health, our wellbeing and our dignity.
Tikanga also creates processes to ensure
we engage in ways where people are
heard and respected. This is why some
tikanga may seem common sense, such
as washing our hands before and after
preparing kai or not sitting on a table
where kai is served.
6 • Communication Matters
Some of these values you may There are many more values that
underpin tikanga, and what is important
already be familiar with; such as: is to understand the values that drive you
and how you relate to others.
My goal is for all SLT in Aotearoa to feel
Whanaungatanga Rangatiratanga less threatened by the word “tikanga”
How we build and How we nurture or scared of “violating protocol”, and
maintain relationships and empower to engage with the communities and
people around you to start conversations
on what tikanga means to each client
and their whānau. I look forward to
the opportunity for ako/reciprocated
Aroha Kotahitanga learning with all of you; whether it is
How we demonstrate How we work together to supporting you on your own learning
journey, or learning from your anecdotes,
empathy and compassion achieve a common goal
experiences, and wisdom.
If tikanga is something you would like
to know more about, there are free
courses available through Te Wānanga
o Aotearoa; and I am always happy to
kōrero and answer any pātai/questions. •
Communication Matters • 7
De-colonising and re-centering
Hana Tuwhare (Ngāpuhi), Community Activator for Talking Matters
I began a journey of It felt important to bring these conceptual to supporting our Māori whānau,
frameworks to life in my practice as but I wasn’t sure how this looked in
decolonising and re-centering part of my own journey in re-centering professional practice. So, I asked the
matauranga Māori (Māori matauranga Māori, but also as an equity people who were doing it: Māori SLTs
issue as our education system has long (published research coming soon).
knowledge) around the same
been underperforming for our Māori
time I was studying to be an I felt like I was just scratching the
tamariki and their whānau.
surface with this exploration and knew
SLT. During this time, I was I took a deeper dive in my if I wanted to get it right with our Māori
introduced to Māori health honours research and explored whānau, I had a lot more learning to do.
whakawhanaungatanga (relationship After completing my SLT studies I spent
and education frameworks building) when working with Māori a year in a full-immersion te reo Māori:
but I struggled to apply these tamariki and their whānau. I knew no English spoken, only te reo Māori
in a practical sense. relationships were fundamental from 9am – 3pm, 5 days a week. This
was a year of living and breathing Māori
ways of thinking, doing and speaking.
The year was full of deep learnings and
it affirmed to me that I wanted to work in
an environment that valued matauranga
Māori and supported the revitalisation of
te reo Māori.
I now work with Talking Matters, a
campaign to get everyone talking with
babies and young tamariki under the
age of three. As language, culture and
identity are inextricably linked, the vision
is that when young tamariki are wrapped
in an environment rich in the language(s)
and practices of their whānau and home
they thrive as thinkers, learners and
talkers who stand strong in their identity.
I was first introduced to Talking Matters
as a student on placement. I spent
a day on a marae with whānau who
Photo credit: Talking Matters
8 • Communication Matterswere on a journey to create richer oral
language environments for their young
ones: Tamariki were running around,
whānau were sharing their knowledge
and kai as well as listening intently to
kaumatua (elders) who shared pūrākau
(ancient stories) that carried wisdom
around parenting. They were relaxed,
engaged, sharing and laughing – and
it was all focused around building rich
language environments. This was the
kind of kaupapa I wanted to be around.
The whanaungatanga was there, the
engagement was there, the knowledge
around building language was there.
Since working with Talking Matters,
I’ve gained a deeper understanding
of key ways environments like this can Photo credit: Talking Matters
be fostered.
Whānau to whānau coaching Whānau-led
Whanaungatanga Some whānau on the Talking Matters Māori are descendants of discoverers,
Whanaungatanga is about connecting. kaupapa become coaches or champions explorers and innovators and our
It's about creating ongoing reciprocal who support other whānau in their knowledge was used, and is still used, to
relationships developed through shared community. When whānau experience traverse the unknown. Through a process
experiences and working together. the impact on wellbeing when focusing of whanaungatanga we can gain a better
Whanaungatanga puts whānau at the on interacting, responding and talking idea of what that whānau are traversing
centre and creates space for people to with tamariki, they are empowered and how to support them with our
speak from their heart, rather than what and excited to share that knowledge unique SLT skills. When we view whānau
we might want to hear. Through this in culturally affirming ways with other as explorers and innovators of their own
process of connecting, we gain a deeper whānau. Parents often look to people journeys, we make space for them to take
understanding of whānau aspirations, they trust for advice and information the lead. I’m inspired by the many whānau
barriers, and strengths. If there is one about parenting, particularly whānau who take the knowledge around building
thing I’ve learned, whanaungatanga is and friends. A network of coaches is language for tamariki and determine their
the work. It’s the work that allows us as whanaungatanga in action and can own way forward in how it fits in to their
SLTs to be responsive to whānau in the provide a sustainable way to support lives. I am humbled by the knowledge
support we provide because there is a many whānau in a connected community. and strengths that whānau inherently
shared understanding, trust and respect. This reminds me that as the SLT, my role possess and it can be a powerful as an SLT
Taking the time to build relationships will can be to step aside, make space for to simply affirm what whānau know.
always be worth it. the people we work with who know
I am truly humbled by what whānau have
their communities.
to offer when we make the space for it and
look forward to continuing the journey. •
Communication Matters • 9Ngā Whāriki Kōrero
Selena Donaldson, Editor
Dr Karen Brewer The outcome of Karen’s Health Research 2
Council funded post-doctoral research,
(Whakatōhea, Ngaiterangi) these resources began with the many, The website provides a rich collection
launched Ngā Whāriki many hours Karen spent hearing the of video and written resources to help
stories of Māori and their whānau Māori post stroke understand what
Kōrero on 2 July 2020 at has happened and what to expect.
after stroke. She went on to listen to
The University of Auckland the experiences of SLTs, Māori health Aphasia and speech-language therapy is
explained, as well as ideas for beginning
and via Zoom. This is a specialists and Stroke Foundation
to rehabilitate in the early days. The three
community advisors.
beautiful kaupapa Māori components of Ngā Whāriki Kōrero is
speech language therapy available to download in pdf-form from
the website.
package for whānau with 1
communication difficulties SLT online professional stroke.blogs.auckland.ac.nz|
development modules. Available
caused by stroke. Karen talks from NZSTA, these courses provide
extensively about how to use foundational knowledge around the
Ngā Whāriki Kōrero in the health context for Māori, and give
specific information for therapy
launch, the link to which is on and working with our Māori Health
the NZSTA website. colleagues.
Available on the Online CPD website.
10 • Communication Matters3 4 Karen has distributed her resources
across Aotearoa to each of our DHBs,
The booklet, written especially for These two exquisite resources work in sending numbers correlating with
Māori and their whānau, explains tandem. Talking Mats are an interactive the proportion of Māori in each area.
stroke, aphasia and the roles of speech resource with communication symbols Please do feel free to contact Karen for
language therapy and communication- depicting topics, options and a scale, further copies or download the pdfs
based groups to help survivors with their placed in a manner explores feelings and from the website. •
communication. There is a strong focus opinions. Ngā Whāriki Kōrero helps
on moving forward with aphasia, and it the SLT or communication partner to
provides extensive ideas for enhancing build a successful relationship and hear
recovery and suggestions for how about what is important to the person
whānau can help. with aphasia and their whānau.
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Whāriki (English) – stroke survivor cards
Whakawhitiwhiti
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Relationships burden it’s hard
te whakawhitiwhiti
being sociable
© Brewer, McCann, Harwood. May 2020. version 1.0
Communication Matters
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License:
creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
• 11
Ngā Whāriki Kōrero – Whāriki (English) – stroke survivor cards – CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 15
he aha tēnei mate te whai kawenga mō teKo Taku Reo: Deaf Education New Zealand:
A new national service
Angela Wightman, Bronwyn Bailey, Claire Kinera, Delicia Coetzer, Judith Lemberg, Rosie Lamb, Sophie Te Awa
Exciting. Mad. Messy. A new national organisation, Ko Taku Reo We are taking this time to re-examine
Deaf Education New Zealand, will take our practice. We will endeavour to
Stressful. Some of the terms their place. provide a fair and equitable service to the
that described the first half of Consequently, we will have a national
2000+ students who are deaf or hard of
hearing within New Zealand, regardless
the year for Speech-language Speech-language Therapy service.
of location and background. We want
Therapists in Deaf Education. Merging our separate services has
to champion bilingual and trilingual
been a huge learning curve. However,
This has been a time of we are embracing this change and
practice to the best of our abilities.
We value New Zealand Sign Language
great change. relishing the opportunity to have
as an integral part of Deaf culture and a
more collegial support and sharing
On July 20 2020, van Asch Deaf language that should be available to all.
of ideas. The lockdown provided an
Education Centre and Kelston Deaf We see deafness as a communication
unprecedented opportunity to meet
Education Centre will be no more, difference, not as a disorder.
regularly via Zoom, something that was
bringing to a close 140 years of van Asch notoriously difficult when we were all This is a messy, mad, stressful exciting
and 62 years of Kelston. travelling and at separate schools. time. But it has the potential to be great. •
Ko taku reo taku ohooho, ko
taku reo taku mapihi mauria
My language is my awakening,
my language is the window to
my soul
Left:
Collegial support
and connection
at Ko Taku Reo
Deaf Education
12 • Communication MattersGwen Broadley, Life Member of
NZSTA, passed away peacefully
on June 8 aged 99
Gwen’s family kindly shared Auckland until finally retiring in 1998
aged 78.
memories of Gwen’s speech-
Gwen developed professional skills as
language therapy career, with clinic-based SLT and (later) as supervisor
Shannon Hennig, and we in her role as Senior SLT under Val Lewis’s
capture some here. leadership as District Head Therapist
from Pukekohe to Kaitaia. Supervision Above:
Gwen undertook SLT training in enabled her to develop professional Gwen Broadley
Christchurch in 1944 on completion of
and personal relationships with many
Teachers College. Unable at first to get
fine colleagues as she worked alongside
an SLT position, Gwen taught in Gwen, at 99, would have glimmers
them in their clinics and schools across
Blenheim until her son and daughter of her former life, and announce (in a
the region.
were born in 1947 and 1950. tone of wonder) that she used to be
Gwen served for many years in a Speech Language Therapist! Once
In 1957, Gwen began work in a relief
various roles in NZSTA; expanding her when shown a memorial sheet for
role at Grafton 2 Speech Clinic in
network of friends and colleagues while Helen Flower, Gwen smiled and said,
Nugent Street, Central Auckland.
organising or attending workshops “Helen... she was a kind and good friend”.
Later describing it as a “floundering
and conferences throughout NZ and, Other names from the past still resonated,
start” to her SLT career, Gwen gratefully
occasionally, Australia. and mention of Val Lewis always brought
benefitted from some ‘re-training’
a smile of recognition.
observing Nona Brooker’s clinic. Many parents and children kept in touch
This experience had a profound effect, with Gwen after retirement. She certainly Communication has been at the forefront
boosting Gwen’s confidence, and left a lasting impression. In her rest home of all Gwen’s professional and personal
providing a model for Gwen’s later in Dargaville, despite the advancement interactions. Gwen’s main interest in life
contribution to training new therapists. of dementia, Gwen astounded a local has always been people. Even when
She learned the value of observation doctor whose son had a lisp. Gwen her conversations became very brief,
and the chance to work alongside switched on her professional persona: and sometimes very muddled, she
those with specialist skills. performing exercises and prescribing recognised the value of communication.
Gwen was a valued member of Glen practice! She assured them the difficulty Gwen told everyone how lucky she is
Taylor School for 23 years until her first would resolve itself with practice. Next and what a long life she lived. As a Life
retirement in 1981. She later relieved for day, she had no recollection of the visit Member of NZSTA we are so grateful
Special Education Service across Greater and her help. for all Gwen contributed to SLT. •
Communication Matters • 13Gender affirming voice and
communication therapy
Fiona Dominick, Whakatane Hospital There were notable differences
between gender groups’ demand
for voice therapy. While this
demand was higher for trans
Late last year, I attended Jack Byrne, Human Rights Consultant
women (61%) and lower for
from TransAction, set the scene, reporting
a Midland regional hui in on the findings from the ‘Counting
non-binary participants (18%),
almost a third of trans men wanted
Hamilton, working to agree Ourselves Community Report’.
voice therapy and very few had
on a regional pathway for This was a survey with 1178 participants, been able to access it (32%).”
Gender Affirming Healthcare. conducted from in 2018. Participants
were from all regions across Aotearoa. countingourselves.nz/
They were 45% Non Binary, 29% index.php/community-report/
Trans men and 26% Trans women.
Confrontingly, it revealed that 50%
of Transgender women had an These findings were upsetting to me to
unmet need for voice therapy! hear. However, I reflected that as a SLT
working in Aotearoa for 14 years, I had
not carried out any Gender Affirming
Treatments so how could I have
suspected anything less? I felt that I am
The reasons why people cited for not having accessed voice therapy
part of a system that was letting Gender
included;
Diverse People down and therefore
Don’t know where to go 52% I want to be part of the solution. After
8 years of playing Roller Derby (an
Cannot afford this 46% inclusive sport with a strong Rainbow
community), some of my closest friends
Do not know what to expect or not familiar with the procedures 21%
were transgender men, transgender
Afraid to 17% women and non-binary. It was time to
start learning and growing a service that
Might be treated badly for being trans or non-binary 12% could meet their needs. The Professional
Do not have confidence in the service provided 7% Association for Transgender Health
Aotearoa (PATHA) reports that “limited
It takes too much time 7% access to gender affirming healthcare
has a negative effect on the mental health
Another reason 9%
and wellbeing of people seeking to
access them”.
14 • Communication MattersThe ‘Guidelines for Gender Affirming We should also have a wider community
Healthcare for Gender Diverse and focus and increase awareness of the
Transgender Children, Young People services we can provide and build
and Adults in Aotearoa New Zealand’* relationships with key organisations
state that “Speech and communication such as Rainbow Youth, InsideOUT,
are fundamental to the way in which we Hui Takatapui committee, local support
express our gender.” They acknowledge groups and other key providers.
the SLT role in helping transgender and
As many of our Speech Language
gender diverse people develop voice
Therapy services across Aotearoa
and communication that reflect their
upskilling ourselves with the skills to
unique sense of gender and that this
provide a quality service to our gender
will likely lead to increased comfort,
diverse population, I look forward to
confidence, and improved participation
the ways in which we can learn and
in everyday life.
share knowledge together. Perhaps
As Speech Language Therapists I believe some international webinars from
that our role would be inclusive of SLTs experienced in Gender Affirming
explaining how the voice works, Healthcare and the formation of a
education on voice care and developing national SIG will continue to propel
a personalised plan on how an individual us in the right direction. •
wishes to express their gender. This could
include working on any of the following Poipoia te kakano, Kia Puawai Above:
parameters; Guidelines for Gender
Nurture the seed and it Affirming Healthcare
• Speaking Pitch
will blossom downloadable from
• Resonance patha.nz/Guidelines
• Intonation
*Reference available on request.
• Voice Quality
• Articulation
• Duration
• Eye Contact
• Facial Expressions Speech and communication are fundamental
• Gestures
to the way in which we express our gender.”
• Posture
• Touching
Communication Matters • 15Engaging with community-living older adults
about swallowing
Marie Jardine, PhD candidate at the University of Auckland
Our survey-based study This project was part of my doctoral Many potential respondents
research yet was much more than an expressed a willingness to complete
was recently published exercise of data analysis. It provided an the questionnaire for the greater
in ‘Dysphagia’ about the important opportunity to engage with good. The enthusiasm and discussion
the focus of my research. The online generated from respondents suggest
swallowing and nutrition
questionnaire enabled community-living they benefited from being involved
status of community-living adults from around NZ to take part and may be interested in future studies.
New Zealanders aged (not just those who lived nearby to a The majority of respondents requested
university). a summary of the results, unanimously
65 years and over. positive feedback was elicited when
Recruitment involved presenting at
Over 1000 adults aged up to 96 years findings were disseminated.
local groups, courtesy of supportive
old responded to our study invitation club organisers. During morning teas, Just over half of respondents had no
through community groups, such as I met with members who recounted general knowledge of ‘dysphagia’,
Probus, SeniorNet, Grey Power and personal experiences of swallowing while one third correctly defined the
Rotary. The questionnaire included problems or supporting a family member term. Eleven respondents suggested
demographic information and two with dysphagia. Similar stories were ‘dysphagia’ was a speech or language
validated screening tools: Eating shared through emails and telephone impairment. In line with our Giving
Assessment Tool (EAT-10) and Seniors conversations. One email particularly Voice Aotearoa campaign, we need
in the Community: Risk Evaluation for resonated with this study. A GP declined to continue to find ways to raise
Eating and Nutrition (SCREEN-II). to make a referral, so the person sought dysphagia awareness in our
We concluded that increased prevalence a specialist’s opinion. A hernia operation workplaces and communities,
of swallowing difficulties in older age was performed privately, resolving their especially for our older population. •
is attributed to health conditions swallowing problems and indigestion;
and medications, rather than ageing ‘[I] feel much better in myself’. Acknowledgements: Dr Anna Miles and
itself. We feel strongly that swallowing Dr Jacqui Allen.
complaints from community-living
References available on request.
older adults should not be ignored or
attributed to the normal ageing process.
This study supports routine nutrition
screening in older adults, particularly
those with risk factors.
16 • Communication MattersKiwiChat goes virtual
Paula Shennan and Lauren Forster, Speech Language Therapists, The TalkLink Trust
The TalkLink Trust aims to Teamwork was required to ensure One of the most rewarding outcomes
sessions ran smoothly. We were keen of running virtual groups, is that these
‘break down barriers’ to to record the sessions so that others sessions have been accessible to more
communication as a could access later. This raised challenges clients than ever before, removing
around privacy as some clients and barriers such as location. Individuals who
fundamental human right.
whānau did not wish to appear in a are unable to sustain their attention for a
Lately, there have been new recording freely available online. full 45 minutes have been able to watch
challenges to overcome After some initial tweaks, the technology
the session at their leisure, and many
teams have reported multiple viewings!
as we navigate supporting issues reduced, and when they didn’t,
this was a great opportunity to model We know that many organisations will
clients virtually. language such as ‘uh oh, there’s a have discovered smarter ways of working
KiwiChat was established in 2010 to problem!’. Attendees were really during this challenging time, and Virtual
support individuals and people around receptive to this new way of connecting KiwiChat is one of the positive outcomes
them to use assistive technology. with TalkLink staff and other teams. TalkLink will endeavour to continue. •
These are fun-filled sessions of learning
There was some fantastic feedback
and sharing to support people to be
from attendees, including the following He absolutely loved the
competent communicators.
comments: KiwiChat Zoom meeting and
Traditionally, KiwiChat Groups were is super keen to do more!!
regularly held around the country. He gave it 2 thumbs up.”
With COVID-19 lockdown, we decided, OMG that was so amazing. It was
with some trepidation, to run a Virtual so well presented, clear and just
KiwiChat group. blew me away. My brain is fizzing
Our first Virtual KiwiChat group ran with ideas. You all worked so Today’s session was
in April following minimal advertising hard. Amazing how you added awesome, thank you.
through Facebook and word-of-mouth. so much to the story. Just brilliant. He seldom concentrates for
Fifty-eight participants from around the Loved every minute.” that long! We would love to
country attended. Families embraced join a session like this every
web-based meeting technology, week. Will use the story
and engagement and enthusiasm of and follow up activities for
participants was remarkable. This gave We have never met other children the next few days.”
us the confidence to plan and run further who use talking devices before.
sessions for a variety of age groups. Really appreciate this.”
Communication Matters • 17Unlocking prisoner potential
Helen White, Kidz Therapy
It began as a response to An established literacy programme in the areas of literacy, understanding
is in place and, although I have and ability to communicate. During this
a plea from the Howard considerable experience in literacy and time I had to advocate for our students
League, an organisation phonological awareness, I wanted to in a gruelling court case and this led
devise a programme which extended me to wonder about how many people
which has been responsible
their language development. As Speech appeared in court with underlying
for establishing programmes and Language Therapists know, it is language processing disorders.
for prisoners to assist them recognised that a substantial number
One of the “tools” in our toolbox
of prisoners have underlying problems
with learning, training for with language.
included the Six Thinking Hats devised
by Edward de Bono. This lead to me
employment and physical In London I managed a centre for devising a programme for the prisoners
activities such as yoga. students with specific language deliverable in short targeted sessions,
impairment, the first in the country to particularly for those on remand.. It was
be attached to a mainstream secondary experimental and we were unsure of
school. We undertook the difficult how it would be received. I believed the
task of gathering strategies which we strategy would be useful in challenging
thought would enhance their learning. prisoners’ thinking and perceptions and
These students were of average or that it would give them the concrete
above average ability and were not means to express themselves.
deaf, physically disabled nor autistic,
Six Hat Thinking is a difficult concept
as there were other centres in secondary
and one in which I have trained and used
schools for individuals with these needs.
for years but still sometimes struggle
We began work with a large cohort
with. I designed the programme so
arising from a single extended family and
that it could be delivered in a formulaic
this family became part of a worldwide
but practical format with a simple easy
study to find a genetic basis for their
introduction to the power of each Hat’s
disorder. This gene was found while I was
function. It was designed to assist the
working with them in the 1990s.
learners to remember the way each Hat
While working with these young people worked and to also enable the students
with language processing disorders we who were training with me to become
developed a “toolbox” of strategies, facilitators and to help them understand
through practice of what worked and the reasoning. The trainee facilitators
what didn’t over the years, particularly were mainly students of criminology,
18 • Communication Matters… it helps with negative thinking, it gives
you strategies to deal with issues and it
SLT in
– Participant gives you a way to plan forward.” the media
psychology and law, with one from The programme was put in place Hana Tuwhare featured in a recent
Mt Eden Correction Facility’s education permanently due to its enthusiastic news feature, about the work of
department. The trainees were to learn adoption by prisoners, the prison staff Talking Matters.
from observation initially with further and the facilitators. Potential benefits
facilitator training to be undertaken as were significant and the programme www.newshub.co.nz/home/
follow-up. evolved to include issues such as new-zealand/2020/06/
relationships. maori-speech-therapist-
Fifteen men turned up for our first walks-the-talk.html
session and respectfully participated, After a year or so my role became one of
listened and felt able to express their facilitator for the training of new students
ideas enthusiastically. After the initial who were to deliver the programme. The My Perfect Family documented the
introduction to the Six Hats, the men feedback from the facilitators, Mt Eden’s highs and lows of living with aphasia,
were asked to consider an entertaining education officer and the prisoners, was and profiled the work of SLT and The
problem under each hat in smaller overwhelmingly positive. After a couple University of Auckland MSLT Prac
breakaway groups, which they were of years, the new prison education officer students.
to feed back to the larger group. Their took over and there are plans to review
attitudelive.com/playlist-page/
summing up was lively, interesting and how the programme is now progressing.
My-Perfect-Family/
very amusing. The review showed that
The Six Hat Thinking Course has now
they had retained the method and its
been rolled out across many prisons and
reasons, so they were asked to go away Noticed on social media...
rehabilitation centres. Prisoners who
and to reflect upon how they felt it could
complete receive a Certificate which is
impact their lives. At the end of this first
taken into account for their parole and
session, men came up to feedback that
court sentencing proceedings.
they had found the session and interesting.
A prisoner due for parole, commented
At the beginning of the next session,
to his lawyer that the Six Hat Thinking
which was again fully attended, men
course is “really good because it helps
came up voluntarily to say how they had
with negative thinking, it gives you
reflected upon the method over the past
strategies to deal with issues and it gives
week and how helpful they found it. They
you a way to plan forward.” •
liked its simplicity, its visual nature, the
ease with which they could practise it
and its potential impact on their thinking Contact helen@kidztherapy.co.nz for
and reflection in their lives. further information.
Communication Matters • 19Renewed interest in developmental language
disorder: What are we going to do about it?
Dr Jayne Newbury, lecturer in paediatric speech and language disorders in the School of Psychology, Speech and
Hearing, University of Canterbury and NZSTA Expert Advisor on Child Language, jayne.newbury@canterbury.ac.nz
The renaming of specific Research suggests language intervention I believe there are multiple reasons
for school-aged children with DLD can children with DLD are under-identified
language impairment (SLI) result in short term gains in language and under-supported. Firstly, language
as developmental language standard scores (Mecrow et al., 2010). development through the school years
It doesn’t necessarily matter whether is incremental and ongoing. Therefore
disorder (DLD) (Bishop et al.,
an SLT or trained parent / educational other than when the child achieves age-
2017) has reignited interest in professional delivers intervention for appropriate language scores or when
language disorders amongst general language stimulation, or whether the child uses error-free conversational
it is individual or group-based (Dickson language, there can be no clear end point
SLTs in NZ. This is excellent, et al., 2009; Law et al., 2005). However for language support services to stop.
as children with language support needs to be intensive or gains This represents a huge ongoing need for
difficulties have long been in standard scores are unlikely to result language support services. How can we
(McCartney et al., 2010). This has huge meet this need?
under-identified and under- implications for any low intensity general
Perhaps also the lack of knowledge
supported. At present, there language support to school-aged
about DLD in the general population
children with DLD.
is no NZ data on prevalence, contributes. Once a child has
Receptive language seems to be more conversational level expressive language,
service provision or outcomes resistant to intervention than expressive, teachers and parents may think the role
for children with DLD. however gains in syntax can be made, of the role of the SLT is over and shift
even in older children with severe emphasis to how specialist teachers can
difficulties, if intensive explicit systematic support the child’s learning. We (as SLTs)
instruction is provided (Ebbels, 2014). know the child is struggling with
I wonder how many children with DLD learning because he has an ongoing
receive an optimal language support difficulty with language. Others may not.
service across their primary school years Do we advertise that we could play an
in NZ? ongoing role?
20 • Communication MattersThese children do not tend to have
major behaviour difficulties (St Clair et
al., 2011). They may be going under the
radar in terms of priorities for identifying
Dear Friend, a letter to our
and meeting their needs due to their
acceptable behaviour in class. speech language therapist
Finally perhaps because once these
children are adults, they may still struggle “Two years ago, Finn only
to communicate complex ideas, they
are not always able to advocate for had a handful of words,
themselves. It is difficult for parents of flash forward to today, he is You have given our
children with DLD to know what to ask for.
a completely different boy a voice, which is
Whatever the reasons, the difficulties
these children face throughout their
child, he is very easy to everything we have
lives in reading, writing, listening and understand exactly what ever wanted.
speaking clearly fall into our scope of he wants/needs”.
practice (ASHA, 2016). Now that we
have a new label and renewed interest We have learnt that all kids are very
in DLD, as members of the NZSTA and different when it comes to speech
advocates for these children, what are but with lots of time and dedication These insights from the parents of
we going to do about it? • we put in, we will get the results. Finn came to us from Ashleigh at
We have also learnt that there are Canterbury Speech and Language
so many different kinds of speech Therapy. Thanks Ashleigh for sharing
For research interests, email me. these thoughts with us.
exercises with certain types working
To raise awareness, visit radld.org.
better for others, Ashleigh always If you are working with or have
Perhaps the simplest way to start raising
makes sure our new exercises will worked with a client or service
awareness is to formally diagnose
work well for Finn (and are fun too!). user who would like to tell our SLT
children with DLD and to use the term in
person, in reports and online? We think this has been a magical community what made our service
ingredient in the speech language come alive or work well for them,
References available on request. therapy service we have received; or what would have helped them
making Finn’s service individual and along the way, we would love to
meaningful to him and his interests. hear their message.
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 • Shannon Hennig 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 • 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 • 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
Bridget MacArthur 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 Tash Thompson & Crystal Aranha
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
NZSTA Sarah Spence
www.speechtherapy.org.nz Paediatric Complex Communication Needs
admin@speechtherapy.org.nz sarspen@gmail.com
PO Box 302469, North Harbour, Auckland 0751 Shannon Hennig • Autism and Neurodiversity
Communication Matters editor shannon@inclusive-communication.co.nz
Selena Donaldson Alison Zani • Aphasia
editor@speechtherapy.org.nz aphasiaadviser@gmail.com
www.speechtherapy.org.nzYou can also read
