OUR STORY
connect2community is an innovative community-based speech pathology private practice with an adult focus. We provide person-centered and evidence-based assessment and management for communication and swallowing difficulties resulting from neurological injury and illness, alongside normal ageing and chronic illness.
At connect2community we place the life concerns of those affected by communication and swallowing difficulties at the centre of all decision-making. Life participation and client-valued activities play a key role in the delivery of our therapy as we journey towards meaningful real-life outcomes and enhanced quality of life. Collaborative goal-setting and wellbeing-support is core to our community practice.
We advocate for a management approach that encompasses and expands on the neurological or medical condition to include all aspects of a person’s life. Our assessment and therapy integrates the social, emotional, personal and environmental contexts of the person. This balanced approach allows the speech pathologist to consider the ‘whole person’ within the context of their therapy. In a profession where human interaction and care is central to our work, knowing a client, and understanding their story serves to guide the therapeutic process, highlighting the most relevant issues for them.
Our human rights lens recognises the rights of each person to be an effective communicator, to eat and drink safely, and to have valued connections to their community. At connect2community we widen this lens to support equitable access to speech pathology services and inclusive practice that reflects the diversity of our population.
MY STORY
Jules Sax
Master of Speech Pathology (MSpPath), Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP); Member of Speech Pathology Australia (MSPA), Bachelor of Education (BEd).
Jules is a compassionate and committed practising speech pathologist and the founder of connect2community. Jules has worked across a diverse range of caseloads and settings including adult inpatient and outpatient hospital rehabilitation and locally in community-based private practice. She demonstrates a high degree of contemporary knowledge and experience across a wide range of adult communication and swallowing disorders and a strong clinical skill-set for management of these population groups.
Jules approaches all therapeutic interactions with her clients with sensitivity, compassion, hope and optimism. Her approach is person-centered and collaborative, involving you (the client), your family, and your community. Your goals, priorities, strengths, and interests provide the foundation for a personalised and functional therapy plan. Jules believes there is no greater privilege than to work with and journey alongside her clients.
Jules oversees all aspects of connect2community. As a result, clients have a consistent point of contact and ongoing continuity of care. Jules is dedicated to continuing to build a strong and supportive team workplace based on the values of mutual respect and kindness. Personal wellbeing is fundamental to the connect2community organisational culture. Jules is proud to be leading a speech pathology service that empowers connect2community clients and therapists alike.
OUR PURPOSE
At connect2community our work as speech pathologists support each client to:
Communicate effectively
Eat and drink, balancing safety and enjoyment
Connect and belong
Exercise their right to self-determination
Fulfill their day-to-day needs
Participate in, and contribute to their community
Expand and achieve their life choices
Speech Pathology Australia, (2016).
Speech Pathology 2030-Making futures happen. Melbourne.
Our commitment to Community connection
At connect2community we believe community connection is closely linked to quality of life and general well-being. We support and encourage each client to develop and maintain socially valued roles and engagement with family, partners, friends and community.
Our role extends beyond communication and swallowing management to focus on building the capacity of not only our clients, but our clients’ family, friends, and carers (aka ‘team’). We ensure all ‘members of the team’ have access to the knowledge they need to support their loved one’s communication, eating and drinking goals. We take time to connect with the family’s story, and work holistically with relevant family members to understand their goals and strengths. This is a shared journey, and we know the support of each member of the team can make a huge difference to the client’s functional outcomes and quality of life.
We are mindful of the needs of clients, families, friends, and carers to connect with an external support network who share similar experiences and who can offer valuable guidance. Where possible, we will help establish systems of support with like-minded individuals and groups.
We take an active role in advocating for communication accessible communities so that connect2community clients can participate in their community and know that they will be treated with dignity and respect. We will work alongside our clients and together lead the necessary community changes required.
We collaborate and partner with a wide range of health professionals to deliver highly coordinated and integrated care and services, recognising how important this is for our clients. Where appropriate joint sessions with other allied health team members are developed.
Speech Pathology Australia, (2016). Speech Pathology 2030-Making futures happen. Melbourne.
BRINGING ABOUT SOCIAL CHANGE
connect2community is a private practice with a social conscience. We are committed to providing equitable access to speech pathology services for those who do not have access to alternate funding options and are experiencing significant financial hardship.
Please contact connect2community to discuss your situation. connect2community offers a limited number of discounted sessions for this purpose. As our business grows, we aim to increase this support to ensure our service remains accessible and attainable for the majority population.
We support equitable access to our speech pathology services for all individuals to improve quality of life.
Some things may have changed, but the power of communication and community remains.
