In a typical class of thirty, teachers and SNAs support several children with speech and language difficulties. This one-hour introduction aims to provide you with the foundations for supporting the most common disability in Irish classrooms. 

The practical knowledge you will gain from this webinar will help you to: 

1. Identify speech, language and communication needs in a classroom setting. 
2. Implement universal strategies to support all children.
3. Differentiate between different types of difficulties. 
4. Adapt the strategies used based on the difficulties identified. 

The webinar is suitable for SNAs, class teachers, learning support teachers in both primary and secondary school.

Presenter Bio: Alanna O' Connor

Alanna O’Connor is a Kerry-based Speech and Language Therapist, who trained in the UK. In her time in Manchester, she worked based in a school and college, working alongside teachers to support students to meet their educational potential. Since returning to Ireland, she has worked with children and young people in clinic, home, and school environments. Last year, she delivered online training to over 1’000 education staff. 

Alanna has worked with children and young people with autism spectrum disorder throughout her career. She has experience of diagnosing autism and providing intervention in home, clinics, and schools. Alanna works hard to take on board the opinions and feedback of autistic people, as well as providing neurodiversity-affirming support.