April 29, 2013

International aspirations for speech-language pathologists’ practice with multilingual children with speech sound disorders: Development of a position paper

The following manuscript has been accepted for publication:

McLeod, S., Verdon, S., Bowen, C. & the International Expert Panel on Multilingual Children’s Speech (in press). International aspirations for speech-language pathologists’ practice with multilingual children with speech sound disorders: Development of a position paper. Journal of Communication Disorders.

The paper outlines the work of the International Expert Panel on Multilingual Children’s Speech that met in Cork, Ireland in June 2012, and the resulting position paper. The position paper can be found at: http://www.csu.edu.au/research/multilingual-speech/position-paper

Here is the abstract:

A major challenge for the speech-language pathology profession in many cultures is to address the mismatch between the “linguistic homogeneity of the speech-language pathology profession and the linguistic diversity of its clientele” (Caesar & Kohler, 2007, p. 198). This paper outlines the development of the Multilingual Children with Speech Sound Disorders: Position Paper created to guide speech-language pathologists’ (SLPs’) facilitation of multilingual children’s speech. An international expert panel was assembled comprising 57 researchers (SLPs, linguists, phoneticians, and speech scientists) with knowledge about multilingual children’s speech, or children with speech sound disorders. Combined, they had worked in 33 countries and used 26 languages in professional practice. Fourteen panel members met for a one-day workshop to identify key points for inclusion in the position paper. Subsequently, 42 additional panel members participated online to contribute to drafts of the position paper. A thematic analysis was undertaken of the major areas of discussion using two data sources: (a) face-to-face workshop transcript (133 pages) and (b) online discussion artifacts (104 pages). The following themes were identified: definitions, scope, framework, evidence, challenges, practices, and consideration of a multilingual audience. Finally, a moderator with international expertise in working with children with speech sound disorders facilitated the incorporation of the panel’s recommendations. The resulting position paper contains guidelines for providing services to multilingual children with speech sound disorders (http://www.csu.edu.au/research/multilingual-speech/position-paper). The paper is structured using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: Children and Youth Version (World Health Organization, 2007) and incorporates recommendations for (a) children and families, (b) SLPs’ assessment and intervention, (c) SLPs’ professional practice, and (d) SLPs’ collaboration with other professionals.

April 9, 2013

Peer reviewing: Hot of the press

Recently I have had the interesting task of reviewing grant applications for the Australian Research Council and abstracts for the 29th World Congress of the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics to be held in Turin, Italy. Additionally, I review many papers as editor of the International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. Throughout Australia and the world there are many innovative people who are working to change the lives of people with communication disabilities. It is a privilege to be one of the first people to read about new research before it is hot off the press.

April 6, 2013

The Sound of Speech: Speech Pathology Australia facts sheets

Speech Pathology Australia has launched two new facts sheets here:
  • The Sound of Speech: 0-3 years
  • The Sound of Speech: Preschool and school aged children
Jane McCormack and I were invited to write these fact sheets some time ago, and the published versions have been amended and ratified by National Council.

April 4, 2013

International Communication Project

Today I attended the first meeting of Speech Pathology Australia's  Australian Strategic Advisory Group on the International Communication Project. The aim of the international group is to foreground communication and people with communication disability. To date 5 international professional organizations are involved in the discussions, with a focus on hosting events in 2014 and beyond.

April 3, 2013

Seminar: Supervision of distance, remote, and part-time higher degree research students

This morning Kate Crowe and I presented a 1.5 hour seminar in the Charles Sturt University Higher Degree by Research Supervisor Series. It was titled: “Supervision of distance, remote, and part-time higher degree research students” and it was described as follows: “Interact with other HDR supervisors and share and build your own knowledge and understanding of how to effectively supervise distance, remote and part-time HDR candidates. This workshop will include a presentation from a experienced HDR supervisors, as well as group sharing and discussion.” There were participants from CSU and other universities - and hearing first hand from Kate as a recent distance PhD student made the session very real.

April 2, 2013

International finalist for PhD in childhood disability research

This morning Jane McCormack received a letter from Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto Canada to say that she has been selected as one of three finalists in the 2013 Pursuit Award competition in childhood disability research. This is an international competition for recent PhD graduates who have completed their PhDs in the area of childhood disability research.The 2012 winners are here. They indicated that they received a "strong cast of nominations from around the world" so it is exciting to see that Jane is a finalist. They will fly her to Canada in May to present a paper, and each of the finalist receives a cash award as well. Congratulations Jane!
Here are the details of Jane's PhD.