Friday 23 May 2014

Connections in our Communities. What happens when consumers have non functional literacy?

I presented this paper during the week at the Speech Pathology Australia conference in Melbourne.
It was wonderful to see a greater interest from all sectors in this area.

I have tried to upload a pdf of the paper to my blog here, without success. Please email me if you would like to view it before it goes onto my website.

Below are some of the links to the resources I showed in my paper.
There are many more examples both nationally and internationally. Please contact me if there is a particular topic you need.

 I would be happy to talk with you, your organisations and the people you support about how to implement Easy English.


Cathy
Cathy Basterfield
Speech Pathologist
Access Easy English
0466 579 855

Some resources from Speech Pathology Australia conference paper, 2014. 
 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with a Disability 2006.                                         Plain Language     Easy Read
Secret Girls and Boys Business - Australian publication on puberty and changes.
Voices against Violence Research reports.    Easy English  

Thursday 22 May 2014

The importance of Social Connections - Speech Pathology Conference 2014.


This week has been the Australian Speech Pathology Conference in Melbourne. I attended 1 day of the conference, and have come away with some great insights across the breadth of Speech Pathology practice.

Of particular note was the Keynote Speaker, Associate Professor Jacinta Douglas, who presented the Elizabeth Usher Memorial Lecture. The title of her address was
"Placing therapy in the context of the self and social connection."

Associate Professor Douglas works in a rehabilitation setting primarily. However her research has wide reaching implications for all Speech Pathologists. In particular, anyone working in a Human Rights framework and Social Inclusion and Social Justice for all.

She identified Social Connections as being paramount to ones needs in returning to the community after an Acquired Brain Injury. This is just as critical in working with any individual with communication needs.

Social Connections and social relationships also have significant power and make a difference in
·         Health mortality;
·         Emotional well being;
·         Self identity.
She noted – “even 1 really good relationship makes a difference. 

In her research she asked people who had more successfully re-integrated into the community after their Acquired Brain Injury,  how do you get Social Connections?
There were 6 critical elements identified
·         family  - which may lead to other connections;
·         friends;
·         paid carers - these do have boundaries. But also don't devalue these, particularly if you are unable to replace them with any other connections;
·         pets;
·         social snacks – these are tangible reminders of what we have done. They could be photos or awards or objects of significance;
·         self narrative - in particular, for those who have their literacy skills, in this climate of technology, the use of Facebook, online groups, blogs or their own websites.
These 6 elements can be seen as being as highly relevant to all members of our community.

Now, think about the people in your world - how socially connected are they?
How can social connectedness be developed, to improve the persons sense of well being?

Talk to Cathy about how you can use Social Connections to improve communication and well being for the people you support in the community.

Cathy

Cathy Basterfield
Speech Pathologist
Access Easy English
0466 579 855

Friday 16 May 2014

Voices against Violence research papers released


Yesterday saw the launch of this significant research study into the violence and abuse of Women with Disabilities.

Natasha Stott Despoja, AM. Ambassador for Women and Girls and the Chair, Foundation to Prevent violence against Women and their Children gave the Key Note Address.

The significant findings were that

more women with disabilities are subject to violence, more often, by more perpetrators and more often, in more places, than other women.  This is a dreadful and hidden epidemic which must be addressed.

You can read the press releases on the partner websites, and also download the 7 papers which make up the project.  The papers are also available to purchase. I would encourage organisations and individuals supporting people with low literacy to consider purchasing a printed copy of at least the Easy English paper, or at the least, printing it yourself in color.

At the launch all 7 papers were introduced, and explained. It was extremely gratifying to see Book 7, the Easy English summary receive the same weighting and importance as each of the previous 6 papers.  It is extremely rare to see projects do this.  The Easy English paper was a critical element to the entire project. The project plan and implementation ensured this Paper was completed and delivered by the launch also.

Access Easy English wrote Paper 7. I want to thank Sharon and Keran from Women with Disabilities Victoria for their thoroughness in supporting this implementation.


Project Papers  Scroll to the bottom of this link to find all the papers.

Call Cathy to discuss how you could also develop your project materials into Easy English

Press releases and or partner websites at

and the funding organisations
Legal Services Board  (this project to be posted)


Cathy

Cathy Basterfield
0466 579 855
cathy@accesseasyenglish.com.au
www.accesseasyenglish.com.au





Wednesday 14 May 2014

Voices Against Violence. Disabled, abused - and not alone



 
In today's Age an article about a study about Women with Disabilities and Violence.

Disabled, abused - and not alone



Go to The Age
 

 

Access Easy English has written Book 7 for this project. The launch of the Project is tomorrow in Melbourne. I hope to see some of you there.

Cathy
0466 579 855