Survey for S-LPs – The Use of Melodic Intonation Therapy

Credit: James Cook University

Researchers from James Cook University in Queensland, Australia are conducting a research project to look at the attidues and experiences of speech-language pathologists regarding the use of Melodic Intonation Therapy with children who have speech and language disorders.

They have created a survey to look into these attitudes and experiences and are seeking participation from S-LPs internationally.

Take the survey now!

Upcoming Event from Canadian Stuttering Association: A Panel on Therapy From Both Sides of the Table

Credit: Canadian Stuttering Association

The Canadian Stuttering Association (CSA) is excited to invite you to an interactive virtual talk from both sides of the therapy table.

Join them on Saturday, May 29 from 3 to 5 p.m. ET (12 to 2 p.m. PT) for an informed panel of speech-language pathologists (S-LPs) and persons from various therapy backgrounds. This virtual collaboration will delve into different approaches to treatment, as well as individual experiences and perspectives about the therapeutic process.

This online event will provide a great opportunity for persons who stutter of all ages, their family and significant others to share their experiences and to ask questions about speech therapy. They welcome and encourage the participation of S-LPs and S-LP students to learn from and engage with panelists and other participants about their therapy experience.

The panel will be co-hosted by Carla Di Domenicantonio, CSA S-LP Liaison, and Lisa Wilder, CSA Webmaster and Editor.

The cost is only $10!

Register now and learn more on the Canadian Stuttering Association website.

 

 

Upcoming Applied Linguistics Speaker Series on Aphasia Friendly Canada

Credit: Brock University

The Applied Linguistics Department at Brock University is hosting an online Applied Linguistics Speaker Series. On Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at 1 p.m., the series will feature a public lecture on Aphasia Friendly Canada Business Campaign.

The Aphasia Friendly Canada Business Campaign is a non-profit organization founded the speaker of this lecture, Dr. Lori Buchanan. Their goal is to eliminate the societal roadblocks that contribute to the loneliness and isolation that many people with communication disorders face. In this presentation, Dr. Buchanan will tell you the story about how they started this campaign, what they are currently doing and what they ultimately hope to achieve.

Register for the Applied Linguistics Speaker Series now!

 

COVID-19 Vaccines Webinar: Recommendations of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) on Extended Dose Intervals and Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines

Credit: The National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCCID) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)

This moderated and live webinar includes a presentation and discussion on the Recommendations of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) on Extended Dose Intervals and Effectiveness of  COVID-19 Vaccines, with live Q&A to inform health care and vaccine providers. This webinar is hosted by the National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCCID), in collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).

 

Presentation highlights:

  • To provide a brief overview of NACI guidance in the context of public health decision making
  • To describe the efficacy and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in the context of one or two doses
  • To discuss the impacts of extended dose intervals of COVID-19 vaccines
  • To present the NACI recommendations on extended dose intervals

 

English Session:

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EDT

Moderator: April Killikelly, PhD, PHAC

Participants: Dr. Robyn Harrison, NACI; Dr. Jesse Papenburg, NACI; Dr. Bryna Warshawsky, PHAC; Austin Nam, PhD, PHAC; and Beate Sander, PhD, NACI

Register: Click here

 

French Session:

Friday, May 7, 2021

1:00pm – 2:00 pm EDT

Moderator:  Lindsay Colas, PHAC

Participants: Dr. Jesse Papenburg, NACI; Dr. Robyn Harrison, NACI; Dr. Philippe De Wals, NACI

Register : Click here

 

Please note, due to time limitations, not all questions can be answered.

The same presentation will be delivered in English and in French.

 

The webinars will be recorded and available on the NCCID website immediately following each event.

For any registration difficulties, please contact NCCID: nccid@umanitoba.ca

 

Provide Your Input to the CAHS’ Assessment on Autism

Credit: Canadian Academy of Health Sciences

The Canadian Academy of Health Sciences is conducting an assessment on autism which will be used by policy makers to inform the development of a National Autism Strategy.  An important part of the assessment process is gathering input from organizations that serve Autistic people, families or other supporters such as service providers and educators.

These community conversations will take place in Ontario via Zoom on:

  • Tuesday, June 1 at 6:30 pm ET, Pan-Canadian
  • Friday, June 4 at 2:30 pm ET, Pan-Canadian
  • Saturday, June 5 at 2:30 pm ET, for those in Quebec

There are also a number of community conversations listed for other specific audiences that may be of interest to you or the people you serve. The conversations will explore two key questions:

  • How can services and programs better meet the needs of Autistic people?
  • How can we promote inclusion of Autistic people?

Registration is now open and we encourage you and others in your network to consider joining. Please register as soon as possible!

The CAHS is also seeking direct input from Autistic adults, family members and other supporters including service providers, educators and volunteers. They have created an online engagement hub that allows individuals to share their views by taking a survey or participating in discussion forums. The engagement hub is open until June 14, 2021.

Register for the community conversations now!

 

Survey: Canada’s New National Standards for Long-Term Care

Credit: The Standards Council of Canada (SCC), Health Standards Organization (HSO), and Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group)

The Standards Council of Canada (SCC), Health Standards Organization (HSO), and Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group) are collaborating to develop two new complementary National Standards for Long-Term Care that will be shaped by the needs of residents, families, and Canada’s LTC workforce.

HSO’s National Long-Term Care Services Standard will focus on resident- and family-centred care practices that value the importance of respect, dignity, trust, and quality of life; safe and reliable care based on evidence-informed practices; and a healthy and competent workforce to ensure sustainable, team-based, compassionate care. HSO’s existing National Long-Term Care Services Standard currently forms the basis upon which 67% of Canada’s current long-term care homes are accredited.

“The devastating consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada’s long-term care homes have only highlighted the long-standing issues that must be comprehensively addressed in order to provide our most vulnerable Canadians the resident and family-centred, safe, reliable, and high-quality care they deserve” said Dr. Samir Sinha, Chair the HSO National Long-Term Care Services Standards Technical Committee. “Having a consistent approach to enhancing the quality of care across all Canadian long-term care homes through a national standard will improve the quality of life for those of us who may one day need this level of care.”

How to Get Involved

Participate in a survey to contribute to the development of Canada’s National Long-Term Care (LTC) Services Standard

As HSO begins designing and building the new standard, they want to hear from Canadians and what matters most to them when it comes to long-term care. All responses will help shape what an optimal future state of LTC ought to look like in Canada.

Participate in the survey now!

 

March 3 is World Hearing Day!

World Hearing Day has now passed. Watch the recording of our special World Hearing Day webinar.

World Hearing Day is an annual global advocacy event and the most extensive awareness campaign calling for action to address hearing loss and related issues. By celebrating this day, we bring additional awareness about hearing loss and the importance of ear and hearing care and enable communities worldwide to promote this important health issue as a national agenda item. This year also marks the release of the first ever World Report on Hearing.

Every year, this day addresses a specific theme. The theme of World Hearing Day 2021 is:

Hearing care for ALL!
Screen. Rehabilitate. Communicate

World Hearing Day aims to address the following:

  • Good hearing and communication are important at all stages of life.
  • Hearing loss (and related ear diseases) can be avoided through preventative actions such as: protection against loud sounds; good ear care practices and immunization.
  • Hearing loss (and related ear diseases) can be addressed when it is identified in a timely manner and appropriate care sought.
  • People at risk of hearing loss should check their hearing regularly.
  • People having hearing loss (or related ear diseases) should seek care from a health care provider.

Learn more about World Hearing Day and the World Report on Hearing.

Become an SAC Board Director – Deadline Extended!

Your Chance to Contribute to Your Profession!

SAC is currently seeking applications from members interested in serving on SAC’s Board of Directors for a three-year term. In 2021, there will be four (4) Director vacancies on the Board — including the role of Director-Student. Applicants must be an SAC member or associate at the time of application. The successful candidate must maintain their SAC membership for the duration of their term.

Serving on the Board is an incredible opportunity to work with and learn from leaders in the professions, represent your peers, raise the profile of communication health across Canada and gain valuable experience in the process.

If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, please visit our Board election portal.

The deadline to apply is February 15, 2021.

Government of Ontario Directive on Province-Wide Shutdown – Health Care and Social Services

Businesses Permitted to Open and Sector Specific Public Health and Workplace Safety Measures

Health Care and Social Services

Organizations and providers that deliver home care services or personal support services to seniors and persons with disabilities

Regulated health professionals

Professionals or organizations that provide in-person counselling services

Organizations that provide health care including retirement homes, hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, independent health facilities and

mental health and addictions counselling supports

Laboratories and specimen collection centres

Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers of pharmaceutical products and medical supplies, including medications, medical isotopes,

vaccines and antivirals, medical devices and medical supplies

Manufacturers, distributors and businesses that provide logistical support of or for products and/or services that support the delivery of health care

in all locations

Organizations that provide critical personal support services in home or residential services for individuals with physical disabilities

Organizations that support the provision of food, shelter, safety or protection, and/or social services and other necessities of life to economically

disadvantaged and other vulnerable individuals

Businesses that are primarily engaged in the provision of health and safety training with conditions

 

CIHR funds COVID-19 Brain Study

A research team led by Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose, professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of British Columbia and a researcher at the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, has received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research for a CLSA COVID-19 study to investigate the possible impact of COVID-19 on cognitive function, brain structure and brain function in adults aged 55 to 70 years who participate in the CLSA. Read more.