Harmonising diversity: Creative AAC applications in music therapy and speech pathology
Tracks
Stream 1
| Saturday, September 7, 2024 |
| 10:50 AM - 10:57 AM |
| Room 1 |
Speaker
Anna Foran
Clinical Lead Speech Pathologist
Queensland Paediatric Allied Health
Harmonising diversity: Creative AAC applications in music therapy and speech pathology
Biography
Anna Foran is the Clinical Lead Speech Pathologist at Queensland Paediatric Allied Health (QPAH). She completed her Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) at the University of Queensland, establishing a strong foundation for her exceptional practice.
Fluent in both English and Japanese, Anna is a bilingual Licensed Speech Language Pathologist, providing comprehensive and culturally sensitive care to a diverse caseload of children and adults. Her extensive clinical experience spans speech, language, literacy, fluency, voice, social communication, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
Anna's commitment to client-centered care, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional collaboration ensures the delivery of top-quality speech pathology services. She has completed additional training in: Key Word Sign, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Prompts for Restructuring Oral Motor Phonetic Targets (PROMPT), Hanen It Takes Two to Talk, Sounds-Write, Sounds-Write in Years 3-6, Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD), Professional Supervision Training by Michelle Bihary.
Beyond her professional work, Anna is a concert violinist with a passion for music and its therapeutic benefits.Anna Foran's expertise, dedication, and leadership at QPAH exemplify her commitment to helping individuals overcome communication challenges and achieve their full potential.
Monica Zidar
Director & Principal Registered Music Therapist
Queensland Paediatric Allied Health
Harmonizing Diversity: Creative AAC Applications in Music Therapy and Speech Pathology
Abstract Overview
In our interconnected world, effective communication is essential for inclusion and participation. This abstract presents our innovative collaboration in enhancing communication skills among diverse populations through integrating music therapy and speech pathology, utilising both low-tech and high-tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods.
Background:
The synergy between music therapy and speech pathology provides a unique platform for addressing communication challenges. Leveraging the therapeutic benefits of music and the structured approaches of speech pathology, we offer holistic support to individuals with diverse communication needs. Our approach is rooted in the recognition that varied communication needs require equally diverse and creative therapeutic methods.
Methods:
Our interventions combine low-tech AAC tools, such as picture exchange systems and communication boards, with high-tech devices like speech-generating devices and communication apps. We use a person-centered approach, tailoring interventions to each client's unique needs and preferences. Sessions foster active participation through musical activities, including singing and songwriting, creating engaging environments for communication practice.
Results:
Preliminary outcomes indicate the generalisation of targeted communication skills across environments and partners. Participants show increased confidence in using AAC tools and improved interaction skills across settings. Music therapy effectively motivates and regulates clients, facilitating smoother transitions between communication modalities.
Discussion:
Our collaborative approach exemplifies the conference themes of creativity and diversity. By embracing the diverse needs of our clients and creatively integrating AAC methods within music therapy, we reimagine possibilities for communication enhancement. This highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in advancing therapeutic outcomes for individuals with communication challenges.
Conclusion:
Our presentation will share detailed case studies, practical strategies, and insights from our collaborative work. We aim to inspire practitioners to explore and adopt creative, interdisciplinary approaches. By celebrating client diversity and inherent creativity, we contribute to the growing body of knowledge in contemporary music therapy and its applications.
Background:
The synergy between music therapy and speech pathology provides a unique platform for addressing communication challenges. Leveraging the therapeutic benefits of music and the structured approaches of speech pathology, we offer holistic support to individuals with diverse communication needs. Our approach is rooted in the recognition that varied communication needs require equally diverse and creative therapeutic methods.
Methods:
Our interventions combine low-tech AAC tools, such as picture exchange systems and communication boards, with high-tech devices like speech-generating devices and communication apps. We use a person-centered approach, tailoring interventions to each client's unique needs and preferences. Sessions foster active participation through musical activities, including singing and songwriting, creating engaging environments for communication practice.
Results:
Preliminary outcomes indicate the generalisation of targeted communication skills across environments and partners. Participants show increased confidence in using AAC tools and improved interaction skills across settings. Music therapy effectively motivates and regulates clients, facilitating smoother transitions between communication modalities.
Discussion:
Our collaborative approach exemplifies the conference themes of creativity and diversity. By embracing the diverse needs of our clients and creatively integrating AAC methods within music therapy, we reimagine possibilities for communication enhancement. This highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in advancing therapeutic outcomes for individuals with communication challenges.
Conclusion:
Our presentation will share detailed case studies, practical strategies, and insights from our collaborative work. We aim to inspire practitioners to explore and adopt creative, interdisciplinary approaches. By celebrating client diversity and inherent creativity, we contribute to the growing body of knowledge in contemporary music therapy and its applications.
Biography
Monica Zidar is the founder and Managing Director of ‘Tweedle – The Home of Music with Monica,’ renowned for its status as the longest-running provider of Music Therapy services in the Gold Coast region. With over two decades of experience in paediatric allied health, Monica has made significant contributions to the field, particularly in her role as Director of Queensland Paediatric Allied Health (QPAH), where she works extensively with neurodivergent, and autistic children and people living with disability. Her practice is characterised by neurodivergent-affirming approaches, emphasising strength-based collaboration with children and their families. Monica was appointed Vice President of the Australian Music Therapy Association in October 2022. Monica's professional excellence has been honored with the Richard Thompson Award for Excellence in Music Therapy in 2014. She is certified as a Neurologic Music Therapist, having completed advanced training with The Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy in 2016. As a clinical supervisor for the University of Melbourne, Monica provides mentorship and practical placements for students in the Master of Music Therapy program. She co-leads a team of twenty at QPAH, including Registered Music Therapists, Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists ensuring the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based services across the Gold Coast. Monica’s leadership and dedication to client well-being underscore her role in the allied health community. Her ongoing efforts continue to shape the future of Music Therapy, advocating for its transformative power and fostering innovative practices that benefit diverse populations.
