Special information evening for parents of kids with support needs

Research* for government backed charitable group The Communication Trust suggests that one in three parents have had concerns about their children’s speech and language development. Communication difficulties can lead to lower educational attainment, behavioural problems and in some cases poor employment prospects. A report by the Northern Ireland Taskforce of Speech and Language** discusses that 40% of under 4’s present with potential communication difficulties and the number is rising.

CONNECT’s co-founder Judith Clarke said, “Early childhood is the optimal time to encourage our children’s sensory, cognitive and social language development, it is vital that parents are supported to do this. I am delighted that our guest speaker will be Liz Elks, I have attended one of her courses, it was both informative and practical – I have to say I still put a lot of what I learnt into practice”

Liz is a speech and language therapist and prolific writer of books and accredited courses, all of which are used to train parents and teaching staff to help them to support the speaking and listening skills of all children, but especially those with speech, language and communication needs. She and her business partner, Henrietta McLachlan, have between them established Elklan Training. Elklan trains local speech and language therapists and specialist teachers to become Elklan tutors, who then deliver the training courses locally.

All parents from a wide area and others interested are welcome to attend Dromore in Action Offices, Church Street, Dromore, Thursday 8th March, 7.30pm. Please contact Judith Clarke on 07764 200870 if you wish to attend or for more information about the group. You can also visit CONNECT on Facebook.