Speech Therapist Events

Therapy Groups & Programs

Commencing April 2026

Advance Speech Plus offers a range of small, clinician-led group programs for adults with communication needs and the people who support them.
Our groups focus on practical skill development, participation, and confidence, using evidence-based approaches in supportive, respectful environments.

Support for Carers / Communication Partner Training

Monthly | Commencing 21 April 2026
Facilitator: Jacq
Schedule: Tuesdays, 3:00 pm

This group supports family members, carers, and support workers to better understand and support the communication needs of the people they care for.

This group focuses on:

Understanding communication changes associated with neurological conditions and disability
Learning practical, evidence-based communication partner strategies
Supporting participation, autonomy, and dignity in everyday interactions
Increasing confidence during real-life communication situations

This group is suitable for carers supporting people with aphasia, dysarthria, cognitive-communication differences, Parkinson’s disease, and other acquired or lifelong communication needs.

Parkinson’s Group – Communication Practice

Monthly | Commencing 23 April 2026
Facilitator: Caoimhe
Schedule: Thursdays, 9:30 am

A structured therapy group for people living with Parkinson’s disease, focused on maintaining communication, voice, and participation over time.

Group focus includes:

Speech and voice practice
Communication strategies for everyday situations
Supported group practice to encourage carryover
Education, connection, and shared experience

This group complements individual speech pathology therapy and supports long-term communication confidence.

Key Word Sign – Practice Group

Monthly | Commencing 23 April 2026
Facilitator: Melanie
Schedule: Thursdays, 3:00 pm

This group provides a supportive, adult-friendly space for people who use Key Word Sign (KWS) to practise and strengthen their communication skills.

This group focuses on:

Using Key Word Sign alongside speech in everyday interactions
Building confidence communicating with others
Improving understanding and expression
Practising skills in meaningful, real-world contexts

Suitable for adults who use Key Word Sign as part of their communication system and want regular, guided practice.

Board Game Group

Communication, Connection & Thinking — Your Way

This group uses board games as a shared activity.
It is designed to support neurodivergent adults who want opportunities for connection and communication that feel structured, predictable, and respectful.

Group focus includes:

Communication and interaction in a low-pressure environment
Turn-taking, shared attention, and flexible thinking
Supporting individual communication styles
Enjoying shared activities without forced social expectations

This group values difference, autonomy, and comfort, and supports communication in ways that work for each participant.

Key Word Sign Cooking Group

Cook • Sign • Eat • Connect

This is a fun, hands-on group combining Key Word Sign practice with cooking and shared meals.

Together, participants will:

Practise Key Word Sign while cooking delicious, simple recipes
Use communication naturally during real-life activities
Follow steps, make choices, and work together
Enjoy food, laughter, and connection in a relaxed setting

This group is about learning through doing, building confidence, and enjoying communication with others — with the bonus of eating what you make.

Perfect for participants who learn best through practical, sensory, and social experiences.

Training & Education for NDIS, Aged Care & Support Services

Advance Speech Plus provides practical, evidence-based training for care staff across disability, aged care, and Support at Home services.
Our training is designed to build staff confidence, improve safety, and support best-practice care, while strengthening collaboration between services and clinical teams. All training is delivered by experienced speech pathologists and grounded in real-world care settings.

NDIS Dysphagia Training

For disability and care services
90-minute face-to-face training (plus travel)
Fee: $500 for up to 20 staff

This training supports staff to safely assist people with swallowing difficulties and understand their role in reducing risk during mealtimes.

This session covers:

What dysphagia is and why it matters
Recognising signs of swallowing difficulty
Safe mealtime assistance practices
Understanding risk and when to escalate concerns
Working within NDIS and clinical frameworks

This training supports safer mealtimes, reduces risk, and promotes high-quality care.

IDDSI Training

For nursing homes, residential aged care & supported living facilities
90-minute face-to-face training (plus travel)
Fee: $500 for up to 20 staff

This training provides practical education on the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework, tailored to facility-based care environments.

Participants will learn:

What IDDSI is and why it is critical for resident safety
Understanding food and fluid levels across IDDSI
Practical examples of IDDSI in kitchen and care settings
The role of care staff in maintaining consistency and compliance

This training supports safer mealtime practices and aligns facilities with recognised international standards.

Toolbox Training Sessions

For Support at Home organisations
45-minute face-to-face sessions (plus travel)
Fee: $220 for up to 10 staff

Short, focused training sessions designed specifically for Support at Home teams who need practical strategies they can use immediately in community settings.

These sessions are ideal for: