Does a rainbow break the mould? Fostering queer diversity within the speech pathology profession (11.30am-12.30pm)
Tracks
Concurrent session W3
Equity, diversity and inclusion
Leadership skills
Professional practice
Transgender and gender diverse
Wellbeing
| Wednesday, May 29, 2024 |
| 11:30 AM - 11:45 AM |
| Meeting Room 02 |
Overview
Robert Wells, Kathryn Fordyce, Sandy Lin and Cyndal Nelson
Details
⏫ Fireside chat
đź“š Assumed knowledge of attendees: Intermediate (some previous learning/working knowledge of topic e.g. treated a few cases)
đź“š Assumed knowledge of attendees: Intermediate (some previous learning/working knowledge of topic e.g. treated a few cases)
Presenter
Dr Robert Wells
Lecturer
Curtin School Of Allied Health
Does a rainbow break the mould? Fostering queer diversity within the speech pathology profession
11:30 AM - 12:30 PMPresentation summary
Objectives. This presentation has three objectives. Firstly, it aims to explore the development of professional identity and its relationship with other dimensions of one's identity. Secondly, it seeks to address the common challenges faced by individuals within the speech pathology profession who may feel that they do not conform to the established mould. Lastly, it spotlights the importance of increasing visibility of diverse voices within the profession, particularly focusing on the queer community.
Methods. We will employ a narrative approach. We will begin by providing context and framing for attendees. This will be embedded within real-life experiences of queer speech pathologists. These personal narratives will serve as a powerful foundation for the ensuing discussion within the session.
Results. This presentation will prompt attendees to reflect on intricacies of their identity and how these may be present within their professional identity. The presentation is aimed to equip attendees with strategies to step towards harmonising their professional and queer identities through interactive dialogue. Additionally, there is a focus on nurturing workplaces that are genuinely supportive of queer health professionals. We will emphasise recognition of diverse communication styles within the queer community, understanding that professional ground rules may differ, and support may need to be tailored accordingly.
Conclusions. This presentation will celebrate diversity within speech pathology as a profession. Diversity should be perceived as a valuable asset that enriches our workforce and our ability to work with a diverse range of clients. The ultimate goal is to foster workplaces where all individuals, regardless of their identities, can thrive and contribute to the profession’s success.
Methods. We will employ a narrative approach. We will begin by providing context and framing for attendees. This will be embedded within real-life experiences of queer speech pathologists. These personal narratives will serve as a powerful foundation for the ensuing discussion within the session.
Results. This presentation will prompt attendees to reflect on intricacies of their identity and how these may be present within their professional identity. The presentation is aimed to equip attendees with strategies to step towards harmonising their professional and queer identities through interactive dialogue. Additionally, there is a focus on nurturing workplaces that are genuinely supportive of queer health professionals. We will emphasise recognition of diverse communication styles within the queer community, understanding that professional ground rules may differ, and support may need to be tailored accordingly.
Conclusions. This presentation will celebrate diversity within speech pathology as a profession. Diversity should be perceived as a valuable asset that enriches our workforce and our ability to work with a diverse range of clients. The ultimate goal is to foster workplaces where all individuals, regardless of their identities, can thrive and contribute to the profession’s success.
Key messages
1. Embrace Diversity and Identity Integration – The message is to encourage individuals to be themselves, even when it might not fit traditional moulds, and to appreciate the value of diverse perspectives and backgrounds within the speech pathology profession. [Professional Standards: 1.4, 1.5d, 1.6b 2.1, 2.3a, 2.5, 2.6, 3.3c]
2. Supportive Workplaces and Inclusive Culture Matters – Attendees should take away the message that creating an inclusive and supportive professional culture and working environments is essential for individual well-being and professional success, particularly those within the queer community. [Professional Standards: 1.1g, 1.3f, 1.5d, 2.2c, 2.4b, 2.5, 3.6]
3. Collective Action and Advocacy/Supporting development of the profession – Attendees should be inspired to actively engage in advocacy and support networks, recognising that they have the power and responsibility to drive progress in developing the inclusivity and diversity of the speech pathology profession. [Professional Standards: 1.3f, 1.7c-d, 2.4b, 2.5, 3.1, 3.6]
2. Supportive Workplaces and Inclusive Culture Matters – Attendees should take away the message that creating an inclusive and supportive professional culture and working environments is essential for individual well-being and professional success, particularly those within the queer community. [Professional Standards: 1.1g, 1.3f, 1.5d, 2.2c, 2.4b, 2.5, 3.6]
3. Collective Action and Advocacy/Supporting development of the profession – Attendees should be inspired to actively engage in advocacy and support networks, recognising that they have the power and responsibility to drive progress in developing the inclusivity and diversity of the speech pathology profession. [Professional Standards: 1.3f, 1.7c-d, 2.4b, 2.5, 3.1, 3.6]
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Dr Robert Wells is a lecturer within the speech pathology discipline at the Curtin School of Allied Health. He completed his PhD in 2022 investigating the factors that influence access to speech pathology services. His clinical work has focussed on supporting children who have Developmental Language Disorder within the education sector. Robert's research work reflects his ongoing interest in supporting families to be able to access speech pathology services in a timely and equitable manner.
Ms Kathryn Fordyce
Board Director
Speech Pathology Australia
Does a rainbow break the mould? Fostering queer diversity within the speech pathology profession
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM**********
Kathryn Fordyce is an accomplished executive leader and non-executive director with expertise in the for-purpose disability, health, early childhood, and sexual violence sectors. As the current CEO of Laurel House, a specialist sexual assault service in Northern Tasmania, Kathryn played a pivotal role in establishing the Arch Centres for sexual violence in Tasmania. With a background in the disability sector, particularly in supporting autistic individuals, she holds qualifications in speech pathology, early childhood education, and health services management. A Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Kathryn has co-authored peer-reviewed papers on autism, early intervention, and evidence-based practice. She actively serves on the boards of NASASV, Speech Pathology Australia, and Playgroup Tasmania, contributing to committees focused on child and youth wellbeing. In 2023, Kathryn was honoured with induction into the Tasmanian Women’s Honour Roll and as a finalist for Tasmanian Australian of the Year, reflecting her dedication to diverse communities.
Miss Sandy Lin
Speech Pathologist
Superyou Therapy
Does a rainbow break the mould? Fostering queer diversity within the speech pathology profession
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM**********
Cyndal Nelson
Senior Speech Pathologist
Better Rehab
Does a rainbow break the mould? Fostering queer diversity within the speech pathology profession
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM**********
Cyndal has over ten years’ experience as a clinician in neurological rehab and disability. They are passionate about supporting all people to communicate their own unique experiences in their own chosen way. Cyndal brings a unique perspective in an intersection of queerness, transness and autistic identities to the profession, aiming for their vulnerability and visibility to bring to light the diversity within our profession, so we may reflect the diverse communities we serve. Cyndal lives in lutruwita/Tasmania with their partner and their cat. Their preferred method of communication is using Schitt’s creek gifs.
Session chair
Nathan Cornish-Raley
Professional Support Advisor
Speech Pathology Australia
The information contained in this program is current at of the time of publishing but is subject to changes made without notice.
Disclaimer: © (2024) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Notice, please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited ("the Association"). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this presentation. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this presentation including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this presentation.
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