The December news podcast for the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists featuring Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs. Dated 16 December 2024.

• Derek reflects back on 2024, looking at some of the big changes.
• Campaigns and how to get involved. Including Mikey Ackers' petition to Parliament which will be debated in the House of Commons on 27 January.
• What's happening around the nations of the UK.

Useful links:
Inclusive Communication in Parliament coalition:
https://www.rcslt.org/news/rcslt-joins-inclusive-parliament-coalition/

Campaign on Primary Progressive Aphasia:
https://www.rcslt.org/news/campaign-to-improve-care-for-people-living-with-primary-progressive-aphasia-ppa-launched/

Mikey's Wish petition
https://www.rcslt.org/news/rcslt-thanks-signatories-of-mikey-akers-invest-in-slt-petition/

This interview was conducted by Victoria Harris, Head of Learning at The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and features Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the RCSLT. It was produced and edited by freelance producer, Jacques Strauss.

Release date:

16 December 2024

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please do take a few moments to respond to our podcast survey: uk.surveymonkey.com/r/LG5HC3R

What is the role of AI in AAC (Augmentative and alternative communication)?
In this episode Professor Annalu Waller, Professor of Human Communication Technologies at the University of Dundee and Alan McGregor, ex UK team paralympic swimmer and honorary researcher at the University of Dundee take us through what it can do now and developments they'd like to see.

We cover:

• What is AI's role in AAC?
• How can we use generative AAC to expand on communication?
• What are some of the ethical considerations?
• What Annalu and Alan would like to see in the future.

Interviewees:

Professor Annalu Waller, Professor of Human Communication Technologies at the University of Dundee and lead for the Augmentative and Alternate Communication Research Group at the university.

Alan McGregor, ex UK team paralympic swimmer, part of the Straight Talking Group – and honorary researcher at the University of Dundee.

During the conversation Alan is supported by his assistant, Cindy Macfarlane.

Resources:

Here are some links which relate to AI and AAC:

• https://discovery.dundee.ac.uk/en/publications/use-of-artificial-intelligence-ai-in-augmentative-and-alternative
• https://discovery.dundee.ac.uk/en/publications/telling-tales-unlocking-the-potential-of-aac-technologies
• https://discovery.dundee.ac.uk/en/publications/blending-human-and-artificial-intelligence-to-support-autistic-ch
• https://discovery.dundee.ac.uk/en/publications/personal-storytelling-using-natural-language-generation-for-child
• https://discovery.dundee.ac.uk/en/publications/evaluating-the-standup-pun-generating-software-with-children-with

Groups:

• Dundee Accessibility and Assistive Technology Research Group: https://aac.dundee.ac.uk/
• Straight Talking Group: https://aac.dundee.ac.uk/stg/

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please do take a few moments to respond to our podcast survey: uk.surveymonkey.com/r/LG5HC3R

In this, the first of our conversations around AI in speech and language therapy, we chat with Rachel Barton, speech and language therapist about her journey from AI sceptic to AI advocate.

Rachel shares what she has learned and offers ideas on how others might approach AI in their work. Rachel also advises on areas of caution and talks about her pledge for responsible generative AI use in speech and language therapy.

Interviewee:

Rachel Barton, independent speech and language therapist and Professional Supervisor, Chatterbox Sussex Speech and Language Therapy Ltd


Resources:

• Henrik Kniberg “Generative AI in a Nutshell - how to survive and thrive in the age of AI”
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IK3DFHRFfw
  
  
• Ethan Mollick “Co-Intelligence – Living and Working with AI” (2024) Penguin https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/460207/co-intelligence-by-mollick-ethan/9780753560778
  
• Jordan Wilson’s daily livestream, podcast and newsletter https://www.youreverydayai.com/about-everyday-ai-podcast/
  
• https://www.chatterboxsussex.com/blog - this has a more in-depth blog on the SERVE prompt framework as well as other blogs on WordMango, Bias, how AI might help with waiting times and the responsible AI pledge.
  
• https://www.chatterboxsussex.com/aiworkshops - more information about Rachel's AI journey and work, with a link to suggested further learning materials including podcasts, videos, websites and research articles

For RCSLT Members only:

• Artificial Intelligence resources: https://www.rcslt.org/members/delivering-quality-services/artificial-intelligence-resources/
• Integrating Generative AI in speech and language therapy: a practical guide https://www.rcsltcpd.org.uk/lessons/ai-in-slt/

The interview is conducted by Jacques Strauss, freelance producer, on behalf of The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please do take a few moments to respond to our podcast survey: uk.surveymonkey.com/r/LG5HC3R

The November news podcast for the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, guest starring new chair Irma Donaldson.
Irma talks about what motivates her and her journey to being the chair.

She describes her vision for the profession and also some of the big challenges it faces.

Derek gives an update on key things which are happening right now including:
- Covid Inquiry in Scotland
- Mental Health Bill in England
- Northern Ireland RCSLT member event attended by two ministers
- Curriculum review

Vicky called for examples of ways to reduce waiting lists for children and young people’s services. If you have examples for ways to reduce waiting lists for children and young people's services, or improve the waiting experience, please get in touch with Izzy Pompova (izzy.pompova@rcslt.org) or submit directly here: forms.office.com/pages/responsepa…u&route=shorturl

Resources:
The “snowy white peaks” of the NHS: a survey of discrimination in governance and leadership and the potential impact on patient care in London and England.
R. Kline, 2014 www.mdx.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_…of-the-NHS.pdf.pdf

Please do take a few moments to respond to our podcast survey uk.surveymonkey.com/r/LG5HC3R

This interview was conducted by Vicky Harris, Head of Learning at The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and features Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the RCSLT. It was produced and edited by freelance producer, Jacques Strauss.

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please do take a few moments to respond to our podcast survey: uk.surveymonkey.com/r/LG5HC3R

A group of speech and language therapists (SLTs) tell us why they believe the answer is yes. We hear about a survey of SLTs in the UK on their views of this question and find out about attitudes in Germany, Australia and wider.

Interviewees:
Carol Moxam, Senior Lecturer, Newcastle University & Director of The Children’s Speech & Language Clinic
Claire D’Urban-Jackson, Dually qualified SLT with a postgraduate certificate (Level 7) in Language Literacies & Dyslexia, Knowl Hill School
Prof. Pamela Snow, Prof. of Cognitive Psychology, La Trobe University
Sarah-Maria Thumbeck, SLT in a rehabilitation center, research at Uni Erfurt (PhD project on looking at text level reading comprehension in persons with aphasia)

Resources:
• Stephenson, C., Serry, T.A. & Snow, P.C. (2023). Teachers’ perspectives of the role & scope of practice of speech-language pathologists working to support literacy in the early years of school. International Journal of Speech Language Pathology, doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2023.2250934%20, Published online 2023.
• Stephenson, C., Serry, T.A. & Snow, P.C. (2023). Australian speech-language pathologists’ self-rated confidence, knowledge & skill on constructs essential to practising in literacy with children & adolescents. International Journal of Speech Language Pathology, Published online April 28, 2023. doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2023.2202839
• McLean E., Snow, P. & Serry, T. (2021). Dual-qualified teachers and speech-language therapists reflect on preparation and practice in school-based language and literacy. Child Language Teaching and Therapy, 37(3), 249-263. doi.org/10.1177/0265659021995543
• Snow, P.C. (2016). Elizabeth Usher Memorial Lecture: Language is literacy is language. Positioning Speech Language Pathology in education policy, practice, paradigms, & polemics. International Journal of Speech Language Pathology, 18(3), 216-228. DOI: doi.org/10.3109/17549507.2015.1112837.
• pamelasnow.blogspot.com/2019/01/why-d…ologists.html
Literacy for everyday life:
• Rosebrock, C. (2012). Was ist Lesekompetenz, und wie kann sie gefördert werden? [Online-Plattform für Literalität]. Leseforum.ch. www.leseforum.ch/myUploadData/fil…_3_Rosebrock.pdf
• Rosebrock, C., & Nix, D. (2020). Grundlagen der Lesedidaktik und der systematischen schulischen Leseförderung (9., aktualisierte Neuauflage). Schneider Verlag Hohengehren GmbH.
• Snow, C. E. (2002). Reading for understanding: Toward an R&D program in reading comprehension (Science & Technology Policy Institute (Rand Corporation), Hrsg.). Rand.
Aphasia:
• Parr, S. (1995). Everyday reading & writing in aphasia: Role change & the influence of pre-morbid literacy practice. Aphasiology, 9(3), Article 3. doi.org/10.1080/026

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please do take a few moments to respond to our podcast survey: uk.surveymonkey.com/r/LG5HC3R

In October's news:
- It's five years since we launched podcasts at RCSLT. We take a look back at what's changed and stayed the same since then.
- RCSLT annual awards.
- Campaign to improve care for people living with Primary Progressive Aphasia: https://www.rcslt.org/news/campaign-to-improve-care-for-people-living-with-primary-progressive-aphasia-ppa-launched/
- DLD Vision turns one: https://www.rcslt.org/news/dld-vision-turns-one/
- AHPs Day 2024: https://www.rcslt.org/news/rcslt-marks-ahps-day-2024/
- Homelessness statement: https://www.rcslt.org/news/new-homelessness-and-speech-language-and-communication-policy-statement-launched/
- A round up of what's happening around the four nations of the UK including:
- Darzi review: www.rcslt.org/news/lord-darzis-n…ommunity-services/
- Phonics in Wales
- RCSLT Connect event coming up in Northern Ireland.
- National Care Service in Scotland.


Please do take a few moments to respond to our podcast survey uk.surveymonkey.com/r/LG5HC3R

This interview was conducted by Victoria Harris, Head of Learning at The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and features Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the RCSLT. It was produced and edited by freelance producer, Jacques Strauss.

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please do take a few moments to respond to our podcast survey: uk.surveymonkey.com/r/LG5HC3R

How do speech and language therapists collaborate effectively with parents of children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)? Firstly, speech and language therapists need to understand, 'What are their needs?' In this podcast we talk with lead researcher Inge Klatte, of the Research Center for Healthy and Sustainable Living, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, and one of the parents involved in this study, Astrid van Gessel, who has two children with DLD and also works at a special needs school.

The paper is:
Collaborative working in speech and language therapy for children with DLD—What are parents’ needs?’

Inge S. Klatte, Manon Bloemen, Annemieke de Groot, Tina C. Mantel, Marjolijn Ketelaar, Ellen Gerrits

First published:
16 September 2023

Useful resources:

The following papers are open access.

Network Collaboration for Communication: Collaboration for Communication Network | Collaboration for Communication Network | Newcastle University (ncl.ac.uk)

Link to the paper ‘Collaborative working in speech and language therapy for children with DLD—What are parents’ needs?’: Collaborative working in speech and language therapy for children with DLD—What are parents’ needs? - Klatte - 2024 - International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders - Wiley Online Library

Link to the systematic review I mention in the podcast: Collaboration: How does it work according to therapists and parents of young children? A systematic review - Klatte - 2024 - Child: Care, Health and Development - Wiley Online Library

Also see RCSLT's Developmental Language Disorder overview: https://www.rcslt.org/speech-and-language-therapy/clinical-information/developmental-language-disorder/


NOTES:
For RCSLT members, access this paper by navigating to the IJLCD website from our A-Z journals list here. Also, if you would like further information on the research terms used in the podcast, or many other aspects of research design, please navigate to the ‘Sage Research Methods’ collection from the Research Methods page of the RCSLT website’.


The interview is conducted by Jacques Strauss, freelance producer, on behalf of The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please do take a few moments to respond to our podcast survey: uk.surveymonkey.com/r/LG5HC3R

In Septembers news:
- Dysphagia dining event www.rcslt.org/news/people-with-d…dining-experience/
- SLT voices - a new section on the website to showcase views from the world of speech and language therapy www.rcslt.org/news/rcslt-launche…lt-voices-section/
- 80th anniversary next year www.rcslt.org/about-us/the-rcslt-at-80/
- Connect England event for members: www.rcslt.org/events/rcslt-connect-england-2024/
- Voices of the future careers event www.rcslt.org/events/voices-of-t…-language-therapy/
- RCSLT student to newly qualified event www.rcslt.org/events/rcslt-stude…learning-day-2024/
- Influencing in Westminster and mentions of speech and language therapy in maiden speeches in Parliament.
- Darzi review www.rcslt.org/news/lord-darzis-n…ommunity-services/
- Evidence given at Covid 19 Inquiry www.rcslt.org/news/evidence-give…-covid-19-inquiry/
- Meeting new Welsh ministers and meetings in Northern Ireland
- Scottish budget and health cuts

Please do take a few moments to respond to our podcast survey uk.surveymonkey.com/r/LG5HC3R

This interview was conducted by Victoria Harris, Head of Learning at The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and features Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the RCSLT and Cara McDonagh, Director of Engagement and Communications.

Release date:

20 September 2024

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please do take a few moments to respond to our podcast survey: uk.surveymonkey.com/r/LG5HC3R