Speechmag

Free conversing with Sharynne McLeod article now available

Being a speech-language pathologist herself, internationally renowned educator, researcher and editor Sharynne McLeod knows how much our profession likes to talk.

During a study day in Bristol in July ('Speech Sound Disorders in Children - Seminar for SLTs'), Sharynne made a point of encouraging the 50 attendees to shift seats at each interval and talk to someone new. It may feel more natural to find a seat and stick with it, but I enjoyed experiencing her informative, challenging and inspiring seminar from different vantage points, and discussing it with a variety of friendly speechies. Definitely something to do again at future events.

To finish, Sharynne got us each to blow up balloons and write on them the main two messages we would take away from the day. The activity also involved a song and punching the balloons around, which I imagine goes some way towards explaining why I still remember that I wrote 'siblings' and 'polysyllabic words' on mine.  

There were, however, many other equally important messages about making sense of the literature, writing for publication and making a difference across the globe, which I have written about in a new free article on the study day and a follow-up interview with Sharynne. This e-article supplements the content of the Autumn 10 issue of Speech & Language Therapy in Practice magazine. Other free original articles are also available here.

Wordworks supports early literacy, empowers parents and fosters resilience

Cynthia Pelman, who joined Speech & Language Therapy in Practice recently following several years working abroad, says the Wordworks charity in South Africa is "continuing to do wonderful work which I am a bit sad not to be part of any more."

The three main strands of Wordworks are:

1. supporting early literacy and language development through training volunteers, teaching assistants, library staff and community workers
2. empowering parents to support learning in the home, especially when they may not have had the benefit of educational opportunities themselves. This is the legacy for many families in South Africa from the apartheid years. (This photo includes a dad who had never held a pen or pencil before.)
3. addressing the psychosocial needs of children in disadvantaged communities - in other words, "doing hope".

It is interesting to note that the project doesn't just value learning but recognises the strong, consistent, supportive relationships forged with volunteers are key to the success of the literacy program. The use of Hero Books alongside the literacy work aims to foster resilience, with the emphasis on "how they cope with difficulties, what brings them joy and uplifts them, what they do to get the support they need to make the best of their lives". Therapists who wish to run programs for parents and volunteers should have a look at the Wordworks' freely available resources.

Cynthia says that, thanks to previous generosity on the part of donors, the charity has more than enough books, but you can contact her or see the website to find out how to contribute financially. Speech and language therapists may be particularly interested in the suggestions of practical support which could make interesting projects for their clients. (For more information on project work, see Simpson, Denman & Gale's 'Walking with Dobermanns' in the Autumn and Winter 09 issues of Speech & Language Therapy in Practice.)

Faces for Tomorrow half marathon

Regular contributor to Speech & Language Therapy in Practice Paula Leslie is running a half marathon to raise funds for a small charity with a big goal of providing medical and surgical services to children around the world with facial deformities. (You can support her at firstgiving.)

One of Paula's colleagues Rhona Galera worked with Faces of Tomorrow on its first mission in Ecuador, and hopes to return in January 2010. Rhona and Paula wrote an evidence-based article in the Summer 09 issue about the importance of nurturing native language and traditional family cultures. Faces of Tomorrow emphasises that it works within the cultures of the communities it serves. On the 2009 trip the team carried out over 100 assessments, over 80 surgical procedures and dental work, and offered education sessions on subjects such as speech issues.

Paula explains, "The Speech Pathology component of this clinical team is essential to the communication outcomes of the people who have surgery. Rhona's work goes beyond just the trip because she trains and supports the local speech team in many aspects of our field, not just the cleft lip and palate work." Rhona features in this trailer of a film made by Meg Pinsonneault about the team's experience in Ecuador.

Kenyan laryngectomee workshop appeal

Speech & Language Therapy in Practice member Emma Shah has forwarded an appeal for funds from the Kenya Association of Laryngectomees to enable a unique residential workshop to take place in November/December.

The organisation is looking for kes.220,000 (just under £2000). This will cover the cost of boarding facilities for one week, lecture materials, transport and counselling. All other professionals, including Emma, give their time and expertise for free.

Although there is a monthly meeting of the group in Nairobi, distance and transport costs prevent many people from attending. At least 20 laryngectomees will participate and, if funds allow, there will be a session for spouses and carers.

Organising Secretary Bishop Duncan Mbogo Wanjigi's enthuasiasm is infectious. He says, "The Kenya Association of Laryngectomees is committed to creating awareness of the existence of the voiceless but not speechless persons in Kenya and that laryngectomy is not the end of life - life continues!"

The Bishop says cheques made payable to 'KENYA ASSOCIATION OF LARYNGECTOMEES' can be mailed to Kenya Association of Laryngectomees, Town House, 4th Floor Room 412, Kaunda Street, Box 42086-00100, Nairobi, Kenya. Alternatively money can be paid into the Association's account at Equity Bank Ltd, Thika Branch, Account # 0340-291602170.