SEND White Paper response – NAPLIC Members we need you!
We would like to gather information on your thoughts, experiences and priorities as NAPLIC members on what you think about the SEND White Paper reforms. We have identified a series of questions (from the 39 questions in the SEND White Paper publication) that we feel are most relevant to the NAPLIC membership.
We will gather everyone's responses and use these to inform our official joint response to the SEND White Paper review.
Please complete the questions that you feel are relevant to your experiences and views - we would love to hear from you!
NAPLIC’s – SEND White Paper Response
Hello members,
Since the SEND Reforms were announced a couple of weeks ago, we have been carefully digesting information that has been published and what we have heard as an organisation. Please find NAPLIC’s official response to the SEND Reforms below. We will continue to be involved in conversations at all levels, as we try and influence policy and practice and campaign to support the needs of children and families living with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).
Below is a shortened version of the information in our official response:
The White Paper contains promising commitments, particularly around early intervention and SLT access. But the success of the reforms for children with DLD will depend on the detail: how eligibility is defined, how specialists are funded and deployed, and how children’s and parents’ rights are protected.
We call for:
- Clear, transparent criteria showing how children with DLD will qualify for Specialist Provision Packages and EHCPs.
- Guaranteed Read More
Thank you to all our NAPLIC members
Plus conference bookings now open
On behalf of NAPLIC, I’d like to wish all our members and colleagues a joyful holiday period and a peaceful New Year. Thank you for your continued commitment to raising awareness and supporting children and young people with Developmental Language Disorder.
We’re excited to announce that our annual conference will take place on Saturday 9th May 2026 at The Studio, Birmingham. The theme is: 'Developmental Language Disorder: Research, Practice and Lived Experience'.
Expect a full line-up of inspiring speakers and thought-provoking sessions - details coming soon! Bookings are now open, so save the date and join us for what promises to be an engaging and impactful event.
NAPLIC 2025 Conference Videos Now Available
A Message from the NAPLIC Chair – Victoria Wadsworth
Dear colleagues and friends,
I’m delighted to share that the videos from the NAPLIC 2025 Conference – “Developmental Language Disorder (DLD): Research, Practice and Lived Experience” – are now available to purchase.
Held on Saturday 29th March, this year’s conference was a powerful reminder of the value of coming together to share knowledge, lived experiences, and new perspectives. From heartfelt personal stories to thought-provoking research and practical strategies, the day was rich with insight and inspiration.
As I’ve revisited the recordings, I’ve found them to be a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the depth and diversity of voices in our community. Whether you joined us in person or couldn’t make it on the day, these videos offer a chance to reconnect with the content—or experience it for the first time.
Highlights include:
- Tanaya Brady – My DLD Journey
- Abraz Hussain – Living and Working with DLD Read More
NAPLIC Conference 2025 Summary
‘The three days of the year I most look forward to are my birthday, Christmas and the NAPLIC conference,’ was a comment made by one conference delegate. I think there are quite a few people who feel like that.
Whilst for several years we have had people with lived experience of DLD speak at conferences, this year we also saw lived experience being more prominent in both practitioner and research presentations.
Abraz Hussain and Tanaya Brady got the day started telling their experiences as young adults with DLD. They both spoke movingly about their journeys and how diagnosis and support has really made a difference, and with their own advocacy allowed them to succeed. And in a first for NAPLIC we had a song!
Dr Hannah Harvey and a lived experience panel of families presented about family experiences of diagnosis of DLD. The striking differences in how the DLD diagnosis was shared by professionals varied from exemplary to gobsmackingly brief. It certainly was illuminating. The panel of families were heavily involved at every step. We look forward to seeing Read More
2025 conference bookings now open
As Chair of NAPLIC, I am excited to remind you about our upcoming annual conference! This year's event will feature a diverse lineup of expert speakers, interactive workshops, and the latest research in the field of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).
We warmly invite professionals, educators, researchers, students, and parents/carers of those living with DLD to join us for a day of learning, networking, and collaboration.
Make sure to secure your spot by registering today.
We look forward to seeing you there and working together to advance our understanding and support of DLD.
Victoria Wadsworth, Chair, NAPLIC
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 Read More
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
Conference summary 2024
Once again, the NAPLIC conference showed the power of getting people in a room together and sharing views, stories and information.
We started the day hearing the lived experience of Ioan Berry, a young man with DLD. Ioan highlighted how curriculum related visits whilst at school helped his learning. Together with strong creative interests outside of school this helped build him into the confident young man he is today. I expect we will be hearing more from Ioan in the future!
Ioan’s Mum Imogen Berry counted up the professionals who have supported her son from Early Years to post-university and it came to the astonishing figure of 42. And even though most professionals were supportive Imogen reported that the only time she could truly relax was when Ioan was at a specialist Language Provision for 3 years as she knew his needs were being met and he was being well supported.
And in a first for NAPLIC, we heard from a sibling of a person with DLD. And Jotham Berry is one great big brother. He has been a Read More
We are making progress with DLD
It sometimes feel that we have an impossible hill to climb for Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). Whilst it is true that awareness and services are nowhere near where they need to be I have seen a number of promising signs recently.
- DLD day was bigger and better than ever last year. There were more events and social media posts. More countries are getting involved, from Greece to Nigeria!
- In the UK, action for DLD is happening everywhere wth Wales and Northern Ireland, in particular making big gains recently.
- In October 2023 I spoke at the TES SEND exhibition and 100% of the audience (largely SENCOs, and senior leaders) had heard of DLD. They were keen to find out more about what to do. In my experience it is increasingly common to meet teachers who have heard of DLD. This is a huge change from where we were three years ago. A real indication of the work going on. Well done all.
- In Facebook groups for families of children with Read More
NAPLIC 2024 Conference Bookings Now Open!
We will be back live in Birmingham with all things Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).
The conference will be called "Developmental Language Disorder (DLD): the latest research and practice" and will take place on 27th April at The Studio in Birmingham.
Confirmed speakers include:
- Henrietta McLachlan from Elklan: The effectiveness of information carrying word intervention
- Ioan, Imogen and Jotham Berry: A family perspective of DLD (person with DLD, parent and sibling)
- Helen Stringer from Newcastle University: a 10 year study to embed universal, targeted and specialist language services in schools
- Vanessa Lloyd Esenkaya: Friendships in children with DLD
- Rachel Sievers: Learning From Adults with DLD
Early bird booking prices
- Early bird member until 4th April 2024: £130 (£155 from 5th April)
- Raising awareness of DLD
- Launching the DLD vision
- 55 years of AFASIC
- Book reviews
- And much more!
NAPLIC Autumn 2023 Newsletter is now available
The NAPLIC Summer 2023 Newsletter is now available to read free online for all NAPLIC members.
This issue includes:
Members can log in to access it via the Newsletter section of our Members Only area.
Supporting Children and Young People with Developmental Language Disorder: A Toolkit For Practitioners now available
The Communication Intervention Team (ComIT), with support from NAPLIC have developed a DLD Toolkit for practitioners.
The toolkit provides information, strategies, practical activities and suggested resources that can be used within the classroom to support communication development.
It uses the RADLD DLD Bubble Resource which highlights areas Children and Young People with Developmental Language Disorder may have difficulty with.
Watch the video below:
NAPLIC joins collaboration to launch new vision for people with DLD
NAPLIC has been working with Afasic, RCSLT and alongside people with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and their families to launch a new vision for the future.
DLD is a form of neurodiversity in which children do not acquire language as expected. People with DLD may have challenges with understanding what others say to them and with articulating their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
The DLD vision aims to provide a brighter future for people with DLD and was developed through a series of workshops with adults and young people with DLD and their families.
Together the group came up with five key ambitions for what they would like to see in the future:
DLD affects approximately 7.5% of the school-aged population and is a persistent, life-long condition that impacts every aspect of a person’s life. Without the proper support in place, people with DLD are at increased risk of negative Read More
NAPLIC Summer 2023 Newsletter is now available
The NAPLIC Summer 2023 Newsletter is now available to read free online for all NAPLIC members.
This issue includes:
- Vocabulary and word reading links
- Transition from primary to secondary
- Running a DLD Together group
- Book reviews
- And much more!
Members can log in to access it via the Newsletter section of our Members Only area.
NAPLIC conference 2023 summary
I am writing this over a month after our 2023 conference, partly because my head is still spinning. So many ideas and connections. The conference gave professionals, families and people with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) the opportunity to learn from one another. It was a real highlight, and one that left delegates feeling extra-energised.
The day started with our DLD activists Shelbi Annison, Sophie Franks and Damian Quinn who shared their lived experiences, and in doing so, moved many (OK, most if not all) of the audience to tears. Hearing about the hurdles they have all needed to overcome and continue to overcome and then the actions they take to raise awareness is humbling.
Dr Val Brooks was the next speaker and she addressed language and trauma, bringing a total wealth of knowledge to this important and timely topic. The centrality of the early childhood experience to all of life was a key take home message. Every word of Val’s presentation carried such wisdom that it is one that I’ll need to watch again on the recording.
Genetics and Read More
NAPLIC Spring 2023 Newsletter is now available
The NAPLIC Spring 2023 Newsletter is now available to read free online for all NAPLIC members.
This issue includes:
- Narrative therapy project
- APPG action updates
- Online therapy toolkit
- Book reviews
- And much more!
Members can log in to access it via the Newsletter section of our Members Only area.
Building better Developmental Language Disorder services: where to start?
Stephen Parsons, NAPLIC Chair, shares his thoughts
With such low awareness of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), patchy services and lack of school support for many it can be hard to see a way forward, particularly in the current economic and political crisis.
It won’t be easy, but there is a way forward, and the power lies in the hands of Speech and Language Therapists.
With an incidence of 7.6% (Norbury 2016), DLD is the most common speech, language and communication need. It is 5 times more common than autism. And that 7.6% equates to 1 million children and young people (under 18) across the UK. Imagine for a moment if each of every one of those children and young people knew they had DLD. Their families would know about DLD. Their teachers would know about DLD. We would have a ‘DLD army. ‘
And that DLD army could go places. Not only would awareness be far higher, but the sheer number of people would create a great political force. DLD would be Read More
Booking now open for the 2023 Conference and Symposium
We are delighted to announce that booking has now opened for the 2023 NAPLIC Conference "Developmental Language Disorder from every angle" which will take place in Birmingham in April.
This year, along with our popular annual conference, we also have an additional Symposium.
The conference will take place on Saturday 22 April with the Symposium on the Friday 21 April.
NAPLIC Autumn 2022 Newsletter now available online
The NAPLIC Summer 2022 Newsletter is now available to read free online for all NAPLIC members.
This issue includes:
- Celebrating Dorothy Bishop
- Government publications
- Outreach project write up
- Speech and Language UK update
Members can log in to access it via the Newsletter section of our Members Only area.
NAPLIC launches free DLD online learning modules
NAPLIC has launched a series of online learning modules designed for professionals who have some understanding of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), but who wish to develop greater insight and skill with diagnosing the condition.
These free modules are between 20 and 60 minutes long and feature additional handouts and resources.
NAPLIC Summer 2022 Newsletter now available online
The NAPLIC Summer 2022 Newsletter is now available to read free online for all NAPLIC members.
This issue includes:
- DLD Research Priorities
- Government Publications
- Conference Review
- EY Intervention Write Up
- Book Reviews
Members can log in to access it via the Newsletter section of our Members Only area.
NAPLIC 2022 conference summary
In a first for NAPLIC we held our very first hybrid conference, streaming live from the imposing Sheffield City Hall to delegates across the globe.
The speakers were a mixture of parents, professionals and academics, all reflecting on Developmental Language Disorder from their perspective.
Opening the day we had parent, Claire Hoyle reflecting on her daughter’s journey with DLD. From an academic angle, Saloni Krishnan presented ground-breaking work on DLD and the brain, Michelle St Clair spoke of social and emotional mental health and Nikki Botting about long term outcomes.
From a practitioner perspective Carolyn Gelenter, Ysanne Yeatman and Charlotte Hammant described their joint working and Rosalind Merrick about developing teamwork. With a foot in each camp (research and practitioner), long time NAPLIC member Rose Brooks summarised her PhD on teaching vocabulary. It was a stimulating day that went by so quickly.
Luckily for delegates the recordings will be available on the website soon.
Thank you to Charlotte Forwood for her incredible visual summaries. Read More
NAPLIC Spring 2022 Newsletter now available online
The NAPLIC Spring 2022 Newsletter is now available to read free online for all NAPLIC members.
This issue includes:
- APPG Report
- Government Publications
- Conference 2022
- And much more…
Members can log in to access it via the Newsletter section of our Members Only area.
Conference 2022 is back live and in person
Join us on May 21st in Sheffield for a fantastic day of learning about Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). We continue the NAPLIC tradition of bringing you the very best in research and practice. This day is guaranteed to leave you inspired. Tickets are priced from £75 for in person attendance and £35 for livestream access.
The theme is ‘DLD: thinking of the future.’ 5 years on from the changes in terminology and criteria we are experiencing a big increase in awareness of DLD as well as an increase in the amount of research. At the conference we will bring together these two strands with insights into innovative practice.
Conference delegates will hear from:
- Claire Hoyle, parent of a child with DLD, and now Afasic parent engagement officer, who will talk about plans to develop greater support for families of children and young people with DLD. A much-needed provision.
- Saloni Krishnan, will be presenting her research into the brain basis of DLD. I expect this ground-breaking work will be new to many.
- Rosalind Merrick will present her work on how young Read More
NAPLIC Autumn 2021 Newsletter now available online
The NAPLIC Autumn 2021 Newsletter is now available to read free online for all NAPLIC members.
This issue includes:
- SLCN update
- Research reports
- Book reviews
- Information for Conference 2022
- And much more…
Members can log in to access it via the Newsletter section of our Members Only area.
NAPLIC Summer 2021 Newsletter now available online
The NAPLIC Summer 2021 Newsletter is now available to read free online for all NAPLIC members.
This issue includes:
- SLCN update
- DLD Day 2021
- Book review
- Conference 2021 feedback
- And much more…
Members can log in to access it via the Newsletter section of our Members Only area.
Conference 2021 summary
The lesson we learnt from this year’s conference is that no matter how much you prepare, you still need to be ready for the unexpected. The sudden failure of a server at our conference support partner resulted in a large number of delegates not being able to log on and watch the early speakers. It eventually got sorted, but we know it caused a great deal of frustration for many delegates. Thank you for your patience and perseverance.
We know it is not the same as the live event, but delegates will be able to log on and watch the presentations. We are also going to arrange some ‘watch parties’ so that delegates will be able to watch the presentations and then discuss them together. Keep an eye out for that.
"The NAPLIC conference is always a highlight of the year and this year felt unmissable. The range of speakers was excellent. I was so impressed with the way it was run. I really appreciated hearing from academics whose research I follow and also hearing about best practice. The balance between teachers/therapists felt particularly Read More
NAPLIC Spring 2021 Newsletter now available online
The NAPLIC Spring 2021 Newsletter is now available to read free online for all NAPLIC members.
This issue includes:
- Letter from the Chair
- Government publications
- Conference 2021
- Book reviews
- APPG feedback
- And much more…
Members can log in to access it via the Newsletter section of our Members Only area.
Early bird booking now open for the 2021 NAPLIC conference
We are delighted to announce that booking is now open for our 2021 conference.
The 2021 NAPLIC conference will be held on 8th May online with a theme of "Language: The Bridge Across the Gap".
Once again we have outstanding and inspiring speakers who will be sharing their knowledge about DLD and wider speech, language and communication needs.
The line up includes Professor Charles Hulme from Oxford University addressing interventions in Early Years, Professor Courtenay Norbury from UCL talking about Developmental Language Disorder across ages and Professors Kate Nation from Oxford and Neil Mercer from Cambridge outlining language and its impact on learning. And that is only the start!
A full list of conference speakers has been announced and conference programme has been released and it promises to be a fantastic event.
This array of speakers will have great appeal to all educational professionals including class teachers, SENCOs and Educational Psychologists, as well as specialist SLCN teachers and Speech and Language Therapists. It is online, Read More
Auditory memory, narrative and SEMH resources
In January, 60 or so specialist SLCN teachers met online to talk about how they support their students. The three themes were auditory memory, narrative and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH). The links lead to summaries from the breakout room discussions. They reflect individuals' practice, and are not endorsed by NAPLIC. Worth a look, as there is lots to ponder.
NAPLIC Autumn 2020 Newsletter now available online
The NAPLIC Autumn 2020 Newsletter is now available to read free online for all NAPLIC members.
This issue includes:
- Letter from the Chair
- Presidential Ponderings
- Treasurer's Notes
- Update on Recent Developments in SLCN
- Research Reports
- Book Reviews
- And much more...
Members can log in to access it via the Newsletter section of our Members Only area.
Debra Myhill ‘Talking Matters’ slides and recording
Professor Debra Myhill from Exeter University presented (via Zoom) on 28th September 2020. Her talk specifically addressed the role of talk in the classroom, so will be of interest to those developing students' oracy as well as those who work with students with speech, language and communication needs. The recording, slides, and the chat from Zoom may be accessed via this link.
Service responses to COVID-19: CPD ‘Quick Flick’
NAPLIC committee member, Sarah Earl has provided a quick summary of the speakers who presented on 11/7/20 about how Speech and Language Therapy and SLCN Specialist Teacher services are responding to the new working arrangements. It covers topics from use of AAC in Early Years, to teletherapy, to oracy in secondary schools for students with Developmental Language Disorder. The summary is available here.
Government funding available for TA-run spoken language intervention for Reception children
Today the government announced that they will be providing £9 million funding to train Teaching Assistants to run the Nuffield Early Language Intervention (NELI) Programme. NELI is an evidenced based small group intervention targeting spoken language. Read about NELI here. Read today's government announcement here.
This is an exciting development and an important acknowledgement that spoken language plays a key part in the post-covid recovery.
Evolving practice to support children and young people with SLCN during the pandemic
An online CPD event with eight speakers presenting lightning talks was held on 11/7/20. Together the presenters showed the diversity of the approaches that speech and language therapists and SLCN specialist teachers are using to respond to the pandemic. Also the NAPLIC AGM at the end.
Click here for the link to the documents including the recording. The CPD element is about 1 hour and 30 minutes long.
Elena Loraine: Capturing changes to paediatric Speech and Language Therapy due to covid-19 measures
Carolyn Gelenter: Student voice and transitions during the pandemic
Emma Jordan: Joint working with schools during the pandemic
Mandy Hill: Recovery Conversations: how can we support our SLCN and DLD children?
Sarah Olulode: Developing secondary students’ oracy through remote discussion
Rafiah Badat: Mind maps apps for remote vocabulary therapy
Jenny Jarvis: Can You See My Voice? Aiding Early Years Communication
Read More
NAPLIC Summer Newsletter now available online
The NAPLIC Summer 2020 Newsletter is now available to read free online for all NAPLIC members.
This issue includes:
- Government publications
- Book reviews
- Conference 2020 review
- And much more...
Members can log in to access it via the Newsletter section of our Members Only area.
NAPLIC 2020 online conference summary
Saturday March 21st saw the first ever NAPLIC online conference. This was thrust upon us by circumstances, and although a very different experience it was amazingly successful.
All of our speakers had pre-recorded their talks. This was a safety measure in case there were internet connection issues on the day. The speakers then dialled in for questions which delegates could submit via an online chat function, thus giving it the feel of a ‘live’ event. Interestingly many more questions were asked than are typically asked face to face.
The first session dealt with the issues that are facing services today. There are different influences on services that can feel at times to be pulling in different directions. Susan Ebbels, Jules Daulby, James Law and Marie Gascoigne, all presented different perspectives. Namely, evidence base, education, public health and commissioners. The technological feat of the day was a discussion between speakers in Stirling, Yorkshire, Surrey and Devon. The comment that struck home was that these different perspectives ‘violently agree.’ Many of the issues come down to terminology and emphasis, but at a fundamental level there Read More
NAPLIC conference 2020 will now be livestreamed
The NAPLIC committee decided on Thursday 12th March to transfer our conference on March 21st online. Instead of meeting in Sheffield, we will livestream the event.
Details of how to access the livestream conference won't be available until Wednesday 18 March. If you haven’t received details by Thursday 19th march please email naplic.conference@gmail.com.
A full statement on the new conference details is available here
NAPLIC Spring 2020 Newsletter now available online
The NAPLIC Spring 2020 Newsletter is now available to read free online for all NAPLIC members.
This issue includes:
- Updates on recent developments in SLCN
- Research reports
- Specialist teacher summit report
- Book reviews
- And much more...
Members can log in to access it via the Newsletter section of our Members Only area.
PLEASE NOTE: The Spring 2020 newsletter was written before the decision was made to livestream the conference.
Oracy All Party Parliamentary Group Inquiry restarted
The Oracy All Party Parliamentary Group Inquiry is now re-started. This is your chance to have shape the future of speaking and listening in the classroom.
Submit your view, or encourage others to do so.
Contributions can be via video. https://www.oracyappg.org.uk/inquiries
NAPLIC Autumn 2019 Newsletter now available online
The NAPLIC Autumn 2019 Newsletter is now available to read free online for all NAPLIC members.
This issue includes:
- SLCN update
- DLD Day 2019
- Book review
- Conference 2020
- And much more...
Members can log in to access it via the Newsletter section of our Members Only area.
NAPLIC Conference 2020
The 2020 NAPLIC conference will be held on Saturday 21st March in Sheffield with a theme of "Developmental Language Disorder: moving forward together".
Once again we have outstanding and inspiring speakers who will be sharing their knowledge about DLD and wider speech, language and communication needs.
A full list of conference speakers has been announced and conference programme has been released and it promises to be a fantastic event.
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.
NAPLIC Summer 2019 Newsletter now available online
The NAPLIC Summer 2019 Newsletter is now available to read free online for all NAPLIC members.
This issue includes:
- Letter from the Chair
- Treasurer’s Notes
- Update on Recent Developments in SLCN
- Summary of Government Publications
- Book Reviews
- In the Journals
- And much more...
Members can log in to access it via the Newsletter section of our Members Only area.
NAPLIC 2019 conference summary
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is a relatively new term, but it is very common with approximately two students in every mainstream classroom presenting with this condition. Most simply, DLD is trouble with understanding and / or talking. Recently the NAPLIC annual conference was held with the theme of ‘Growing Up with Developmental Language Disorder.’ The idea was to explore how DLD changes and how we can provide support at different stages from early years, through primary and secondary education into young adulthood.
The day was opened by Juliet Wright, a young person with DLD, who very powerfully expressed the experience of being a young person with DLD. Her top tips included:
- Make lessons visual, calm and fun
- Keep language simple and flag up key words (ideally in advance)
- Remember it takes longer for me to remember
- Lessons are stressful and tiring, and so I need time for breaks
- Give me strategies to support me when the words just won’t come.
Juliet struggles with language, but her needs have been identified and supported. Many others are not identified. Maxine Winstanley from University of Read More
2019 conference a huge success
The 2019 conference theme 'Growing up with Developmental Language Disorder' was a huge success.
The day was opened by Juliet Wright, a young person with DLD, who very powerfully expressed the experience of being a young person with DLD.
The other speakers were a combination of research and practice looking at the pathway of DLD in terms of its presentation, services and interventions.
Key learning points included:
- self awareness of DLD is crucial;
- YP with identified DLD do better than those who have identified needs;
- language needs at 4 years will continue, so intervention needs to be functional;
- language interventions can still be successful at secondary school;
- early years is crucial, but we need to look closely at the interventions, as what we think might work does not always work;
- collaboration is key.
NAPLIC launches ‘DLD friendly’ scheme
To support services implement the changes to DLD terminology and criteria NAPLIC has developed the ‘DLD friendly’ scheme.
This is a simple self audit which outlines the general areas of service change. Once submitted and approved the ‘DLD friendly’ logo can then be added to letterheads, email signatures etc.
The scheme is open to Speech and Language Therapy and specialist education services which support children and young people with DLD, from all parts of the UK. At this point in time the scheme is not suitable for schools or individual practitioners. The services must be either a group member or have two staff members who are NAPLIC members at the time of submission.
More information and how to apply is available via the Member Area for all NAPLIC members.
NAPLIC Spring 2019 Newsletter now available online
The NAPLIC Spring 2019 Newsletter is now available to read free online for all NAPLIC members.
This issue includes:
- Letter from the Chair
- Presidential Ponderings
- Treasurer’s Notes
- Update on Recent Developments in SLCN
- Summary of Government Publications
- Advance information for Conference 2019
- DLD Day across the country
- Book Reviews
- In the Journals
- Twitter Roundup
Members can log in to access it via the Newsletter section of our Members Only area.
New information leaflets released for NAPLIC members
The first in a series of information leaflets have just been published by NAPLIC and are available for all NAPLIC members via the Members Area of the website.
These leaflets focus on DLD and are a useful resource for NAPLIC members and are entitled 'What is DLD', 'DLD take a second look' and 'DLD Strategy Tree'. They are yours to print off and hand out to families or other professionals.
Early Bird conference rates extended until 15 February 2019
We are delighted to announce that we have extended the Early Bird rates for NAPLIC's 2019 Conference: "Growing up with DLD"to 15 February 2019.
Hurry - conference places are selling out fast!
To find out more about the conference, view the full range of conference speakers and read our conference programme.
NAPLIC Conference exhibitors announced
The exhibitor list is now available for NAPLIC's annual conference, due to take place on 11th May 2019 at Aston University, Birmingham.
Companies currently exhibiting:
- Bite Publishing
- Black Sheep Press
- Course Beetle
- Elklan
- J & R Press
- Language for Learning
- Rompa/Winslow
- Speechmark
- STASS
- Talking Products
There's still time to purchase conference places at the Early Bird rates, which are available up until 31st January 2019.
Booking is now open for NAPLIC’s 2019 conference
NAPLIC's 2019 Conference, "Growing up with DLD", will take place on 11th May 2019 at Aston University in Birmingham.
The conference programme has now been announced which can be viewed online. Speakers include Amanda Finer, Billie Lowe, Danielle Matthews, Cristina McKean, Marie Newton, Deborah Powers, Melanie Rudkin, Anna Sowerbutts and Maxine Winstanley.
The programme covers a wide range of topics related to DLD and promises to be another brilliant day.
Online booking starts at just £99 for a member early bird rate and £160 for non-members booking on the early bird rate.
NAPLIC Autumn 2018 Newsletter now available online
The NAPLIC Autumn 2018 Newsletter is now available to read free online for all NAPLIC members. This issue includes:- Letter from the Chair
- Presidential Ponderings
- Treasurer’s Notes
- Update on Recent Developments in SLCN
- Summary of Government Publications
- Advance information for Conference 2019
- DLD Day across the country
- Book Reviews
- In the Journals
- Twitter Roundup
First announcement for NAPLIC’s 2019 conference
The 2019 NAPLIC conference will be entitled "Growing up with DLD" and will take place on 11th May 2019 at the Conference Aston Meeting Suites, Aston University, Birmingham. We are excited to announce the first conference speakers at our NAPLIC 2019 conference who include Danielle Matthews, Cristina McKean and Maxine Winstanley. You can now register your interest to be notified when booking is open.Developmental Language Disorder Awareness Day is on October 19th
The second Raising Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder (RADLD) Day will be held on Friday October 19th. NAPLIC is part of the international RADLD consortium, and it looks set to be bigger than last year's amazing event. The 2018 theme is DLDABC. For inspiration go to radld.org. There are stickers to print off as well as ideas for you to get involved. Whatever you do, take photos and post them on social media tagged #DLDABC and #devlangdis. We urge everyone to join in and spreading the word about DLD. 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.Support SLCN and sign the Bercow 10 years on petition
Gillian Rudd, from Birmingham City University, has started a petition that asks the government to respond to the Bercow 10 years on recommendations. It is getting close to the required 10,000, so please sign it and ask others to sign the petition. To read more about the Bercow 10 years on report, click here. Together we can build a better future for children and young people with SLCN.NAPLIC Conference 2018
The theme for the 2018 NAPLIC conference was ‘Developmental Language Disorder: Making change happen.’
It started Jean Gross summarising the findings of the Bercow 10 year review which included startling findings about the discrepancies between professionals and parents about how well families are listened to. Mandy Grist and Mary Hartshorne, from ICAN, who have been working on the Bercow 10-year review, addressed the question of what next and showed the array of resources available at www.bercow10yearson.com to support practitioners to become activists. After morning break we heard Megan Dixon from Aspirer Research School on how evidence is used across her trust and the impact this has had on outcomes. The ‘can-do’ approach was inspiring. Following on was Tom Martell from the Educational Endowment Foundation outlining how interventions we really want to work may not always achieve positive outcomes when researched. A new report from EEF on Early Years is out in May and emphasises oral language. In a first for a NAPLIC conference we heard from young people, adults and families affected by Developmental Language Disorder. In a structured Q and A session attendees heard about the struggles and achievements of a very Read More
Bercow 10 years on report
The Bercow 10 years on report is now out. The culmination of a year's work by RCSLT and ICAN has resulted in this important report detailing successes and issues for services for children, young people and families affected by SLCN. The website gives full details including recommendations and a call to action. NAPLIC is fully behind this report and asks members and all who have an interest in improving services for SLCN to get behind the Bercow 10 years on report. https://www.bercow10yearson.com/
Newsletter Spring 2018
The latest NAPLIC newsletter is now available online for NAPLIC members. The NAPLIC newsletter is published three times a year and is one of many membership benefits that our NAPLIC members have. This issue features:- SLCN Update
- Government Publications
- Conference Exhibitors
- Talking Matters: clinical report
- and much more!
New report highlights vocabulary gap in students
Oxford University Press have released a report highlighting the vocabulary gap that exists for many students, its impacts, the concerns teachers have and what can be done to close the gap.
Read the full report here: https://global.oup.com/education/content/dictionaries/key-issues/word-gap/
