Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Health & Rehab Sci School
This course focuses on the management of communication impairments in people with disabilities and mental health issues. It addresses the provision of augmentative and alternative communication in people with severe communication impairments.
In this course, students will be introduced to working with people with disability and communication systemsﾠthat are used to address the psychosocial impacts associated with living with communication and/or swallowing disability. The course builds on and extends students' understanding of disability andﾠAugmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), including unaided, low, and high technology options for people with complex communication needs and their communication partners. The role of the speech pathologist in palliative care and in mental health services is presented and the speech pathologist's role in counsellingﾠthose affected by communication and/or swallowing disability is explored.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
Completed all of Year one to three of BSpPath(Hons)
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
SPCH4102
Restrictions
BSpPath
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Aﾠweekly course overview is available on the SPCH4107 Blackboard site.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to enable you to:
- Develop your skills to plan speech pathology services for people with communication disabilities, mental health conditions,ﾠand those in palliative care with consideration to a multidisciplinary environment.
- Engage critically and constructively with contemporary issues relevant to speech pathology practice.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Identify and describe appropriate assessments across the ICF framework to evaluate clients with a disability, mental health conditions, and clients in palliative care (Professional Standards 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 1.7, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3).
LO2.
Design and describe evidence-based speech pathology intervention to address client goals for people with a disability, mental health conditions, or those in palliative care (Professional Standards 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 2.5, 3.4, 3.5).
LO3.
Understand the legislation that impacts an individual's ability to be eligible for, gain access to, and receive services through the NDIS (Professional Standards 1.2, 1.3, 3.4)
LO4.
Identify the steps in a participant's journey through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the types of supports they can access, and how different health professionals might be involved (Professional Standards 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 1.7, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4)
LO5.
Critically reflect on contemporary issues impacting people with communication disabilities, mental health conditions and those in palliative care which are relevant to speech pathology practice (Professional Standards 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.6, 1.7, 2.1, 2.2, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.6).
LO6.
Provide effective and constructive feedback to peers on working with individuals, communities and professionals to develop knowledge and shared understanding of the scope of speech pathology practice or ways to support optimal communication and swallowing for people with disabilities, mental health conditions or those in palliative care (Professional Standards 1.5, 1.7, 2.1, 2.2, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1)
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
NDIS Module 1 Quiz
|
Pass/Fail, Must Pass |
24/02/2025 - 30/05/2025
Students can complete the quiz at any time during the semester up until 4 pm on Friday 30th May 2025 (Week 13). |
| Product/ Design |
Disability Issues Blog/Podcast
|
40% |
Draft Due Date: 11am Monday 10th March, 2025 (via email to peer and cc'd to course coordinator) 10/03/2025 Final Due Date: 2pm Monday 31st March 2025 (via elearning Blackboard site) 31/03/2025 |
| Product/ Design |
Peer Feedback
|
10% |
21/03/2025 2:00 pm |
| Examination |
End of Semester Theory Exam
|
50% MUST PASS |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
NDIS Module 1 Quiz
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- Pass/Fail, Must Pass
- Due date
24/02/2025 - 30/05/2025
Students can complete the quiz at any time during the semester up until 4 pm on Friday 30th May 2025 (Week 13).
Task description
Following the completion of NDIS Module 1, students will be required to complete an online Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) Quiz. Students can complete the quiz at any time during the semester up until 4pm Friday 30th May, 2025 (Week 13).
Hurdle requirements
Students must achieve 80% on the quiz to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Via elearning Blackboard site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
Exams submitted after the end of the submission time will incur a late penalty.
Disability Issues Blog/Podcast
- Online
- Mode
- Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Product/ Design
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
Draft Due Date: 11am Monday 10th March, 2025 (via email to peer and cc'd to course coordinator) 10/03/2025
Final Due Date: 2pm Monday 31st March 2025 (via elearning Blackboard site) 31/03/2025
Task description
You are required to develop original evidence-based content in the form of a blog post or a podcast episode on one given topic related to contemporary issues in disability, mental health, or palliative care. You will need to sign on to a topic through the course blackboard site.
As part of your blog/podcast, you will need to critique the available research evidence and synthesise the information to explain the implications for speech pathology practice which must also include implications for interprofessional practice.
You will be required to submit a full draft of your assignment to an allocated peer. This peer will provide constructive feedback on your assignment draft.
Further information regarding this assessment piece is available on the course Blackboard site.
Blog word length: 2500 words (+/- 10%) Podcast audio duration: 20 minutes (+/- 10%)
- Draft Due Date: 11 am Monday 10th March 2025 (via email to peer and cc'd to course coordinator)
- Final Due Date: 2 pm Monday 31st March 2025 (via elearning Blackboard site)
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Draft: Must be emailed to allocated peer and the course coordinator (Dr Rebecca Armstrong rebecca.armstrong@uq.edu.au)
Final: Via elearning Blackboard site. Podcast submissions must be accompanied by a script. A signed coversheet must accompany the submission.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extensions can be requested for this assessment item. Please apply for an extension request via my.UQ > my.UQ Dashboard > my. Requests and provide evidence of circumstance, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than the assessment item submission date. Further information regarding what constitutes an acceptable reason for an extension is listed on the my.UQ website: Applying for an extension - my.UQ - University of Queensland
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Peer Feedback
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Product/ Design
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
21/03/2025 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
Task description
You will provide formative feedback for a complete draft of the disability issues assessment submitted by one of your peers by 2 pm on Monday 17th March 2025.
Your feedback should:
- Demonstrate principles of effective feedback
- Be specific and explicitly linked to requirements of the task and criteria for the disability issues assessment
- Focus on enhancing the learning of your colleague
Word Limit: 500 words (maximum)
Your feedback must be submitted via email (to your partner, cc'd to the course coordinator Dr Rebecca Armstrong rebecca.armstrong@uq.edu.au) and via TurnItIn by 2pm on Monday 17th March, 2025. Late penalties will apply to both submissions.
Extensions can be requested for this assessment item. Please apply for an extension request via my.UQ > my.UQ Dashboard > my. Requests and provide evidence of circumstance, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than the assessment item submission date. Further information regarding what constitutes an acceptable reason for an extension is listed on the my.UQ website: Applying for an extension - my.UQ - University of Queensland
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
To be submitted via email (to peer & course coordinator, Dr Rebecca Armstrong rebecca.armstrong@uq.edu.au) and TurnItIn.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
End of Semester Theory Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50% MUST PASS
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
End of semester Examination – Two (2) hour written case-based examination. The examination will assess your ability to integrate content from the Disability (including AAC), Mental Health, and Palliative Care modules.
Deferred exams can be requested for this assessment item. Please apply for a deferred exam if there are exceptional or unavoidable circumstances, or as a one-off discretionary request. Deferred exam requests should be submitted as soon as possible, and no later than five calendar days after the date of the original exam. Further details, including how to apply, can be found at - Deferring an exam. Please also email the Course Coordinator to advise of the deferred exam request.
Hurdle requirements
You must pass the EOS exam to pass SPCH4107 overall.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 34 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentageﾠfrom all assessment of 0 - 34%. |
| 2 (Fail) | 35 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentageﾠfrom all assessment of 35ﾠ- 44%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 54 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: A cumulative percentageﾠfrom all assessment of 44ﾠ- 54%. A grade of 3 will be awarded to a student who achieves a final mark of 55% or higher but who does not pass one (or more) of the must pass assessment items noted below. |
| 4 (Pass) | 55 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentageﾠfrom all assessment of 55 - 64%ﾠandﾠhas passed all of the 'must pass' assessment items as noted below. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentageﾠfrom all assessment of 65 - 74%ﾠandﾠhas passed all of the 'must pass' assessment items as noted below. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentageﾠfrom all assessment of 75 - 84%ﾠandﾠhas passed all of the 'must pass' assessment items as noted below. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentageﾠfrom all assessment of 85 -ﾠ100%ﾠandﾠhas passed all of the 'must pass' assessment items as noted below. |
Additional course grading information
Final marks falling between whole percentages will be rounded to the nearest whole percentage. Tie-breaking will be conducted using the round half up method whereby half-way values are always rounded up, meaning, for example, that 89.5% and above will be rounded to 90% and 89.49% and below will be rounded down to 89%.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This course contains ‘must pass’ assessment items, as follows: NDIS Module 1 Quiz and End of Semester Exam. You must pass these items to pass this course overall, i.e. even if your final percentage mark is 55% or higher the individual ‘must pass’ assessment items must have been passed.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Use of Generative AI in Assessments
Assessment tasks in this course evaluate students' abilities, skills, and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Resubmission/Resit of assessment items
The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences supports the concept of resubmission or resitting of failed assessment items in specific and defined circumstances. In this course, the NDIS Module 1 Quiz is eligible for consideration for the resubmission option if the original assessment item was submitted on time.
After resubmission, the maximum result is a pass mark for that assessment component. Students who are granted a resubmission for an assessment item and do not submit by the scheduled date will not be granted an extension.
Deferred exams
Students may be eligible for a deferred exam if there are exceptional or unavoidable circumstances, or as a one-off discretionary request. Deferred exam requests should be submitted as soon as possible, and no later than five calendar days after the date of the original exam.
Further details, including how to apply, can be found at - https://my.uq.edu.au/node/189/0#0. Please also email the Course Coordinator to advise of the deferred exam request.
Submitting assessment in Blackboard and Turnitin
When assessment is submitted throughﾠBlackboardﾠyou will receive a confirmation page as a digital receipt.ﾠThis information will also be sent to your student email account.ﾠPlease ensure you keep this email.
When assessment is submitted throughﾠTurnitinﾠyou will receive a confirmation page displaying “Submission Complete!” and can then proceed to download your digital receiptﾠfrom yourﾠAssignment inbox.ﾠIt is suggested that you save a copy of the receipt for your personal records.
Instructions on how to submit assignments through Blackboard and Turnitin are available at:ﾠhttps://web.library.uq.edu.au/library-services/it/learnuq-blackboard-help/learnuq-assessment. Please review this information so you understand how to successfully submit your assessment items.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Lecture notes and additional resourcesﾠwill beﾠavailable on the SPCH4107 Blackboard site. Students are encouraged to use the discussion board on Blackboard. The forum will be checked once a weekﾠby the Course Coordinator. Students are encouraged to respond to each others' queries. In the interest of equity, there will be no response to individual emails regarding course content or assessment. All student questions regarding course content and assessment will be addressed in class or on the relevant discussion board.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From O-week To Week 6 |
Lecture |
Lecture Series A pre-recorded lecture introducing the course will be available in orientation week. All remaining lectures will occur in person on St Lucia campus from weeks 1 to 6 of the semester. All lectures will be recorded and released via Echo360 after the lecture. Due to confidentiality reasons, some aspects of the lecture may not be recorded and this decision is at the discretion of the guest presenter. Therefore, students are encouraged to attend all lectures in person to gain the full learning experience in this course. |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Not Timetabled |
NDIS Online Modules Two modules have been developed in collaboration with industry representatives to introduce you to the complexities of the participant journey through the NDIS and prepare you to work alongside the NDIS. It is anticipated that these modules will take 3-4 hours to complete and can be completed at any time during the semester. |
Week 3 |
Workshop |
AAC Practical Workshop During Week 3, students will participate in an AAC Practical workshop. This will include hands on experience engaging with AAC low and high tech devices. Due to the experiential nature of this learning activity, it will not be recorded. |
Additional learning activity information
Due to the experiential nature of this learning activity and the discussion of confidential client information, this workshop will not be recorded. Therefore, students are required to attend in person.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: