Elizabeth Usher memorial lecture: Speech-language pathology in the transformative age - valuing connectivity

Abstract

Living in the transformative age is one of disruption, change, and infinite opportunity. However, living in a cloud-based world with self-driving cars, advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, e-health, 3-D printing, and COVID-19 can also be somewhat daunting, challenging, and even confronting. As speech-language pathologists, researchers, educators, and advocates, we need to be agile, more creative and connected to data, experiences, and people. Now more than ever, these connections will enable transformation and ensure the future of our profession. speech-language pathologists are now practising on a global scale, in multiple languages and unique contexts, and the education of our future workforce is critical. Over the past 10 years, there has been rapid growth in the number of speech-language pathology training programs delivered by universities in Australia, as well as a significant shift in the demand for services and changing employment opportunities. In Australia, the profession has been planning for the future; Making Futures Happen, Building a Future workforce, and re-developing our Professional Standards. But, are we really cognisant of the global challenges and opportunities for our profession? Do we really value global connectivity? In this discussion paper, authentic examples and plausible scenarios are being used to explore the global transformation of the speech-language pathology profession. Each will highlight some of the political, economic, societal, cultural, and technological influences on speech-language pathology research, teaching, and practices that are driving development, change, and innovation. Readers will be challenged to consider how thinking globally, with a focus on context, translation, and connection will enable them to rise to the challenges we face today and forge new paths for the future.