Speak Up

In this week’s episode, Jess speaks with the authors of “A Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats Analysis of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Aphasia Management With Proposed Ethical Guidelines” about the many ways in which GenAI, when used ethically and thoughtfully, can support aphasia management and clinical practice more broadly.

Resources:
Bailey, D. J., Anjum, J., Park, H., Carpenter, E., Mamlekar, C., & Kurland, J. (2026). A Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats Analysis of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Aphasia Management With Proposed Ethical Guidelines. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 35(2), 402-421.

Pierce, J. E. (2024). AI-generated images for speech pathology—An exploratory application to aphasia assessment and intervention materials. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 33(1), 443-451.

SPA resources:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Speech Pathology Position Statement https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=935

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and offers our respect to Elders, across all times and places. The Speak Up podcast recognises the central role of yarning and oral storytelling in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, how this translates to knowledge translation, and that colonisation has interrupted these practices of Language and knowledge sharing. The Speak Up podcast acknowledges the need for truth-telling and deep listening, the central role that Language plays in connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Culture, Country, and Community, and the interwoven nature of health, and social and emotional wellbeing. We recognise that the Traditional Owners of the Lands across Australia have been here since time immemorial, and that their sovereignty over this land, was never ceded.

Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Disclaimer: © (2026) 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 recording. 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 recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

In this week’s episode, we speak with Dr Margaret Lehman Blake, Dr Ronelle Hewetson, and Dr Amanda Love about the hidden communication challenges that can follow a right hemisphere stroke. They discuss key research findings, the emerging framework of apragmatism, best-practice assessment approaches, and why greater awareness is needed to improve outcomes for individuals and their families.

Resources:
Handout from the presenters: https://speechpathologyaustralia.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/PEOnDemandPrograms/IQCeyWKeGKXjQpDiSHX87L0xAUaeCQUutcsQEbhhzBL2f6U?e=EO3Qkn

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and offers our respect to Elders, across all times and places. The Speak Up podcast recognises the central role of yarning and oral storytelling in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, how this translates to knowledge translation, and that colonisation has interrupted these practices of Language and knowledge sharing. The Speak Up podcast acknowledges the need for truth-telling and deep listening, the central role that Language plays in connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Culture, Country, and Community, and the interwoven nature of health, and social and emotional wellbeing. We recognise that the Traditional Owners of the Lands across Australia have been here since time immemorial, and that their sovereignty over this land, was never ceded.

Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Disclaimer: © (2026) 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 recording. 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 recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

In this week’s episode, SPA First Nations Lead Nikita and our guests discuss how we can improve speech, language, and communication outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the early years of language development. The panel of researchers and clinicians share practical tips and resources to support and improve culturally safe and responsive practice.

Resources:
Hunt-Madden, C., Lewis, E., Purcell, A., & Macniven, R. (2026). Access to support for children with speech, language, and communication needs in the longitudinal study of Indigenous children. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2026.2661350

Closing the Gap:
https://www.closingthegap.gov.au/

Ezhi-gkendaagziyang
https://wordsetmots.ca/ezhi-gkendaagziyang

SPA resources:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culturally Responsive Capability Framework:
https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=884

Childhood and adolescent literacy position statement
https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=1243

Culturally Responsive Speech Pathology Practice position statement
https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resource?resource=1097

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and offers our respect to Elders, across all times and places. The Speak Up podcast recognises the central role of yarning and oral storytelling in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, how this translates to knowledge translation, and that colonisation has interrupted these practices of Language and knowledge sharing. The Speak Up podcast acknowledges the need for truth-telling and deep listening, the central role that Language plays in connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Culture, Country, and Community, and the interwoven nature of health, and social and emotional wellbeing. We recognise that the Traditional Owners of the Lands across Australia have been here since time immemorial, and that their sovereignty over this land, was never ceded.

Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Disclaimer: © (2026) 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 recording. 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 recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

In this week’s episode, Jess speaks with Jenny Wills and Deb Cunningham about their research and work with people with facial palsy. They discuss the complexities of living with facial palsy and how speech pathologists interested in this practice area can upskill and provide comprehensive, person-centred support.

Resources:
Wills, J., Cunningham, D., & Forsberg, G. (2026). The SLP facial therapist: advancing and extending comprehensive facial palsy management in Australia. Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1080/22000259.2026.2710047

Vaughan, A., Copley, A., & Miles, A. (2022). Physical rehabilitation of central facial palsy: A survey of current multidisciplinary practice. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 24(6), 616–625. https://doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2021.2013533

Vaughan, A., Gardner, D., Miles, A., Copley, A., Wenke, R., & Coulson, S. (2020). A systematic review of physical rehabilitation of facial palsy. Frontiers in Neurology, 11, 222. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2020.00222

Facial Therapy Specialists International: https://facialtherapyspecialists.com/

Facial Palsy UK: https://www.facialpalsy.org.uk/

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and offers our respect to Elders, across all times and places. The Speak Up podcast recognises the central role of yarning and oral storytelling in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, how this translates to knowledge translation, and that colonisation has interrupted these practices of Language and knowledge sharing. The Speak Up podcast acknowledges the need for truth-telling and deep listening, the central role that Language plays in connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Culture, Country, and Community, and the interwoven nature of health, and social and emotional wellbeing. We recognise that the Traditional Owners of the Lands across Australia have been here since time immemorial, and that their sovereignty over this land, was never ceded.

Free access to transcripts for podcast episodes are available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/), you will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Disclaimer: © (2026) 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 recording. 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 recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.

In this week’s episode, podcast producers Jess and Nadia are joined by national advisor MJ to discuss inclusive, accessible service design. We feature two recordings from the recent SPA 2026 conference and reflect on the way our services can be enhanced with systemic change focussed on equality.

Free access to transcripts, as well as a full list of resources and references for this podcast, is available via the SPA Learning Hub (https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/). You will need to sign in or create an account. For more information, please see our Bio, or for further enquiries, email speakuppodcast@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Resources:
The ABI Communication Lab from Peter’s presentation: https://abi-communication-lab.sydney.edu.au/

My Comms- visual calendar app from Jenn’s presentation: https://commspec.co/

SPA resources:
Present at the 2027 SPA conference: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Events/Conference/2027/2027-Conference-Program-submissions.aspx

SPA Conference 2026 equity, diversity and inclusion stream: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/catalog-spa-conference-2026-equity-diversity-and-inclusion-stream-2225469

Upcoming SPA wellbeing learning opportunity: Working well (free for members) https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/catalog-working-well-navigating-through-uncertain-times-1822758

Upcoming SPA wellbeing learning opportunity: Managing challenging interactions: https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/catalog-managing-challenging-interactions-october-2026-1631071

Speech Pathology Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and offers our respect to Elders, across all times and places. The Speak Up podcast recognises the central role of yarning and oral storytelling in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, how this translates to knowledge translation, and that colonisation has interrupted these practices of Language and knowledge sharing. The Speak Up podcast acknowledges the need for truth-telling and deep listening, the central role that Language plays in connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Culture, Country, and Community, and the interwoven nature of health, and social and emotional wellbeing. We recognise that the Traditional Owners of the Lands across Australia have been here since time immemorial, and that their sovereignty over this land, was never ceded.

Disclaimer: © (2026) 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 recording. 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 recording including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this recording. Except as otherwise stated, copyright and all other intellectual property rights comprised in the presentation and these materials, remain the exclusive property of the Association. Except with the Association’s prior written approval you must not, in whole or part, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, publish or electronically communicate (including by online means) this recording or any of these materials.