Mary Woodward

$110.00

Speech Pathology in the Australian Justice System

Not that long ago, speech pathology was largely unheard of in the justice system of most countries across the world. Over recent years, though, there has been growing awareness of the communication needs of many people involved in the justice system, and the role that speech pathology can play in assessing and supporting these needs.

Using Australia as a case study, this presentation will provide an overview of some of the key people, events and activities that have helped change the landscape of speech pathology within the justice system. Visionary speech pathologists and other champions have had to be responsive to the changing landscape of politics and services and have been proactive and tenacious in actively changing that landscape themselves. This has often involved taking pioneering steps, usually with limited resources, to raise awareness of this emerging area of practice through political advocacy, developing the evidence base, showcasing best practice, and/or developing the speech pathology workforce to make a tangible impact on the needs of people involved in the justice system. With humility and insight, Mary will share invaluable lessons learned throughout the journey, and hopes for the future, which can serve as inspiration to anyone interested or working in lesser-known or emerging areas of practice.

The session will conclude with a dynamic panel discussion that explores the themes and activities from the presentation within the New Zealand context. Following this discussion, attendees will have the chance to engage in a practical workshop where they can explore ways to implement these lessons and strategies to foster meaningful change within their own areas of practice.

NZSTA CPD unit allocation = 2 units

Conference delegates: please email the office at admin@speechtherapy.org.nz for special discounted rate to access.

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