A Festive Note from the Chair of NAPLIC

Hello,

The festive season is here, and I just wanted to send some warm wishes your way.

This time of year, is all about reflecting on the amazing things we’ve achieved together in the work we are doing raising awareness and understanding of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).

The annual conference continues to be a big part of what we invest in, and we are looking forward to welcoming you again next year on Saturday 29th March 2025 in Birmingham.

We continue to develop our NAPLIC CPD opportunities too with specialist teacher, DLD diagnostics and SLCN provision networks. We have launched a Journal club starting in the new year as well.

We have had lots of changes within the organisation this year, with a change in Chair and welcoming lots of new committee members onboard. Together, we’re ready to take on different challenges and continue supporting and developing important work around DLD in the new year.

Thanks for everyone’s ongoing support for NAPLIC at events – helping to organise, facilitate and participate. Its really appreciated and I feel very lucky to work alongside amazing people, doing great things!

I hope this festive season brings you lots of joy, peace, and a chance to relax and recharge.

Happy Holidays!
Victoria
Chair, NAPLIC

Join Us at the NAPLIC Conference 2025!

Date: March 29th, 2025
Venue: The Studio, Birmingham

Discover the latest insights and research on Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) at this year’s NAPLIC Conference. Engage with other peers and professionals and hear powerful stories from those directly impacted by DLD.

Key Speakers:

• Two adults sharing their lived experiences with DLD.
• Jenny Gibson discussing DLD and social, emotional development through theories, concepts, and research.
• Hannah Harvey and parents of children with DLD, exploring diagnostic procedures in the UK, including enabling and obstructive factors.
• Amanda Finer on sharing children’s perspectives of their lives and experiences with DLD.
• Amy Gaunt on how a focus on oracy can support children with DLD.

Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding and connect with the DLD community. Register now and be part of the conversation!

For more information and to register, visit our Conference page.

A message from Stephen Parsons, Outgoing Chair

After 8 years, my time as Chair of NAPLIC is coming to an end. I have enjoyed immensely the opportunities that the role has offered. Working with the wonderful committee and partner organisations we have made great progress. The world of DLD has transformed in that time, and I am very proud that NAPLIC has played an instrumental role in this.

My successor, Victoria Wadsworth has great passion and skills and will undoubtedly lead the organisation ably. I will still be involved as a member of the NAPLIC committee and Chair of RADLD international, and look forward to supporting Victoria.

I would like to thank all members of the committee, past and present who have made my involvement so enjoyable. You really are a motivated and motivating bunch of people. 

Stephen Parsons

Raising Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder

October 18th is fast approaching, and we are extremely pleased that so many members are planning a creative range of activities and events right across the UK. Together we can raise awareness of this hidden condition.

Get involved in raising awareness of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), by going to radld.org. You can also learn more about DLD by perusing the collated resources on our DLD page. There’s so much to learn.

RADLD also have a YouTube channel with loads of great videos.

Oracy APPG

After consulting with NAPLIC members, the committee recently submitted a summary of views to the All Party Parliamentary Group for Oracy. You may read the full response here. Thank you to committee member John Parrott for collating views, and to all of our members who sent in their responses. A team effort!

To read more about the Oracy APPG click here.

Westminster debate on speech, language and communication needs on July 4th

Rebecca Pow, MP is leading a Westminster Hall debate on Wednesday July 4th. We want MPs to attend so please contact your MP as soon as possible. RCSLT have provided a range of tools to make this easier and quicker. Check them out here.

By getting behind the Bercow 10 years on report and sharing information about the needs of children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (including Developmental Language Disorder) then we can make a difference. Your individual action matters.