Our purpose as speech pathologists is to enable people to communicate in a way that is authentic and meaningful to them. This might seem like a straightforward concept, but in a profession that has the word “pathology” in its name, historically speech pathologists have been very good at identifying what is “wrong” with a person’s communication, rather than what is strong, unique and special. The speech pathology profession is going through a slow but important transformation where we are realising that the goal of speech pathology intervention is not a homogenising one, where every person is required to speak “correctly” (as has traditionally been the goal), but rather a process to embrace the diversity of different forms, styles and cultures of communication.
During this fireside chat, I will draw on four specific areas of speech pathology practice that are currently undergoing a process of de-pathologisation. These are: speech production, cranio-facial differences, fluency and neurodiversity. Each of these topics will be discussed to critically reflect upon the historical impact of colonisation, ableism and the medical model upon speech pathology practices. Innovations in these areas of practice have largely been led by the voices of community members who experience these communication differences. Listening to diverse voices can strengthen the profession to create a positive impact in the lives of people with communication and swallowing needs. Doubly, amplifying the voices and participation of speech pathologists who are from these communities can enhance safe and responsive practices.
Members of the audience will then be invited to share their own experiences of de-pathologising the profession and the challenges faced in applying the social model of health in a medicalised healthcare environment. In doing so, this fireside chat will highlight current innovative practice by speech pathologists and highlight future areas for change.

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