Swallowing intervention outcomes in critical care: development of a core outcome set.    Letter to Organisation Gatekeepers for Nominations  Version 1.0 8th September 2020    This is a large Delphi study using minimum 2 online questionnaires and involving a wide stakeholder group, including representatives from critical care research, international Clinical Trials groups, multidisciplinary critical care clinicians and patient / carer representatives.  The time demand on any participants will be minimum (15 minutes to complete each survey round) and we can ensure that individual confidentiality will be maintained.      The study is being conducted at the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast in conjunction with the Department of Clinical Speech and Language Studies, Trinity College Dublin and has received ethical approval on 13th October 2020 [QUB Faculty REC reference no: MHLS 20_114].  This core outcome set will be widely promoted for use by all researchers conducting research into dysphagia interventions in critical care.  This is an emerging area within critical care research and by developing and adopting this core outcome set we can enhance the design, conduct and evaluation of such intervention trials in the future.      We would be grateful if you would forward this email to your members so they can self-nominate their interest to participate. They should email me directly at sduncan10@qub.ac.uk and I will respond with more specific information.      I am happy to provide further information if needed. I hope that you will disseminate this opportunity to your members so that the views of your organisation on this issue can be represented.      Sallyanne Duncan, MSc., MRCSLT, 3rd year PhD candidate, Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine,  School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL  Northern Ireland.   Email: sduncan10@qub.ac.uk  

We are conducting research at the University of Limerick which aims to obtain consensus and establish priorities amongst adults who stutter and speech and language therapists on the core components of stuttering intervention for adults. We are recruiting speech and language therapists who work with adults who stutter and would appreciate your support. If you decide to participate, you will have the opportunity to contribute your valuable experiences and perspectives of therapy as a speech and language therapist. You will be provided with feedback on two completed phases of the investigators’ research to guide your participation in three online surveys which will take a total of 40 minutes (one 10-minute survey and two 15-minute surveys). This feedback will include the results of two systematic reviews on the lived experience of stuttering and stuttering intervention effectiveness, and also results from semi-structured interviews with global experts in stuttering intervention. The timing of the surveys will be spread out over several weeks between October and December 2020, with at least 2 weeks between each one. The findings of the study will help speech and language therapists and other stakeholders in the design and provision of more effective interventions and support for adults who stutter. If you are interested in participating, or have any questions, please contact Amy Connery at amy.connery@ul.ie. Thank you for considering this request.   Best wishes, Dr Arlene McCurtin and Amy Connery (PhD candidate)

How to assess for Autism Spectrum Disorder within the Visually Impaired population. Date: 19th November 2020 at 9:30am.   Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0pc-6gqjIuGddskR2eBQFcRLDa6CUZ2jPW   After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.    

As part of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs' What Works Initiative, a ‘Festival of Learning’ will take place from November 3rd-11th with a series of four online events. CES have been working with a team in the Department to plan and manage the events.   The Festival will spotlight the role of government in prevention and early intervention. The first event will look at the role the state has played in prevention and early intervention approaches. Other events in the series will explore prevention and early intervention in policy, innovation in public services, and the potential of artificial intelligence.    Interesting international speakers will contribute to each event, including Professor Patrick McCarthy (Annie E. Casey Foundation), Professor Paul Cairney (University of Stirling), Rowan Conway (UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, UK) and Alexa Hasse (Berkman Klein Center, Harvard University). Panel contributors will use real life experience and examples from Irish and international contexts to generate practical learning and takeaways. Three of the events will be moderated by RTE broadcaster Áine Kerr.     More details about the Festival of Learning and links to register for each event can be found here.

  We are delighted to let you know about these brand new podcasts hosted by Dr. Ciara O Toole. Given this is DLD Awareness week the focus is on DLD. We would encourage you to have a listen!   1.       A parent’s experience of DLD 2.       The needs of children with DLD at school with Dr Aoife Gallagher 3.       DLD See Me: An interview with Damain Quinn, an adult with DLD 4.       DLD See Me: An interview with Sophie Franks, an adult with DLD   They are at Soundcloud at: https://soundcloud.com/ciara-otoole-908549679   And Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/7jRCCAdTiNEhctTjMYmUAN?si=6cCB5nCPSVGpi-zVyQ7zBQ   IASLT is hoping to create more podcasts and if you are in taking part please contact pr@iaslt.ie   

Basic Grade Speech and Language Therapist Voices for Down Syndrome Galway   We have an exciting opportunity for a Basic Grade Speech and Language Therapist to join our speech and language therapy project. Location                             Galway Position                              Full Time Contract Type                    Initial 2 Year Contract Reporting to                      Supervisory Senior Speech and Language Therapist, Voices for Down Syndrome                                               Galway and the management team.   Purpose of the Post: The Speech & Language Therapist will be part of a small Speech and Language Therapy team providing services to children, teenagers and young adults with Down syndrome in the Galway area.  The post holder will be responsible for the provision of speech and language therapy services; assessment and intervention, both individually and in group therapy. Working Relationships: Person and family centred models are utilized in the delivery of services with the aim of maximising the client’s communication interaction skills within their daily life and community.  This is a parent lead organisation, with links to National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG).  There is a strong working relationship with public and private dual service providers. Main Duties and Responsibilities of the Role: Planning and organising individual and group therapy for a caseload of people with Down Syndrome in our clinic settings (NUIG and our centres in Claregalway and Moycullen) Be innovative in the use of resources to maintain and enhance service delivery standards. Work in partnership with and reporting to the Supervisory Senior Speech and Language Therapist Work collaboratively and in partnership with families, schools and other service providers. Work with therapists in training and volunteers, as required. Monitor, record and report service delivery performance to the reporting committee. Maintain standards of service delivery in line with policy, CORU and IASLT guidelines and relevant legislation. Terms and Conditions: Salary with reference to HSE scale (basic grade). Continuous Professional Development provided. Professional supervision provided. Essential Criteria: A recognised validated University Degree or equivalent professional qualification in Speech & Language Therapy, as recognised by CORU. CORU registration. A minimum of one year’s work experience working as a Speech & Language Therapist Experience working with people with intellectual disabilities and Down Syndrome. Experience using Lámh with people with intellectual disabilities Dysphagia Qualification. Own transport and full driving licence. Desirable Criteria: Experience working with people with Feeding, Eating, Drinking and Swallowing (FEDS) needs Lámh training Qualification in and experience with Hanen It Takes Two to Talk Qualification in and experience with Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) Experience with DIRFloortime® Knowledge and experience with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) Experience working with people with Autism Spectrum Disorders Application: Applications must be made on the Voices for Down Syndrome Galway application form only.  Please contact hr@voicesforgalway.org for a copy of the application form. CVs will not be accepted. Closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 2nd November at 5 pm  Additional Information: For more information on our organisation visit www.downsyndromegalway.ie Informal Enquiries to Sonya Gaffney by phone: 091495795/0873369024 or by email to sonyagaffney@voicesforgalway.org Note: Shortlisting of applications may apply.  Canvassing will disqualify. A panel may be formed as part of the recruitment process.  Panels will stay live for one year following interview and candidates placed on a panel will be considered for subsequent vacancies. This post is subject to garda clearance. Voices for Down Syndrome Galway is an equal opportunities employer.  

RESPONSIBILITIES To be responsible for assessment, diagnosis, planning and implementation of treatment programmes for children according to professional standards. To complete clinical notes and reports in accordance with professional standards and engage in the process of clinical file audit. To collaborate with the service user and their family in goal setting and intervention planning. To maintain professional standards in relation to confidentiality, ethics and legislation. To maintain and develop professional expertise and knowledge by actively engaging in continued professional development. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE A Speech & Language Therapy Qualification recognised by CORU and current registration with CORU. Membership with or eligibility to be a member of the Irish Association of Speech & Language Therapists. Minimum of 2 years post graduate paediatric experience. Demonstrate sufficient clinical knowledge and evidence-based practice in relation to working with children with disabilities. Demonstrate a commitment to assuring high standards and strive for a child and family centred approach. Display effective communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to treat the service user with dignity and respect.