Community connection: Shifting the inclusion focus
Community connection: Shifting the inclusion focus
This workshop is designed for neighbours, peers, community leaders and local groups who want some simple, actionable ways to be inclusive community members for the people who have Down Syndrome in their community.
Polly Newton will share practical strategies for community-minded people to build meaningful, two-way connections and communication with people who have Down syndrome.
Parents already have impossibly long to-do lists, so this session isn’t about giving families more tasks. Instead, it equips the wider community with the tools, practical resources, and points them towards existing programmes to support them to actively step in, reduce isolation, and share the joy of connection.
Polly clearly remembers wanting to interact with people with Down Syndrome and other additional needs at her school and in her community, prior to training as a Speech Language Therapist, but she didn’t know how, and nobody thought to show her. This workshop shares the information she wished she’d had, all those years ago.
Presenter
Polly Newton
Speech Language Therapist
Expert Adviser Speech Sound Disorders, New Zealand Speech-Language Therapists Association
Meet Polly, the friendly face behind Speech Teacher! With a heart full of dedication, Polly launched Speech Teacher to lend a helping hand to parents and children navigating speech challenges. As a seasoned Speech Language Therapist and a parent herself, Polly understands the realities of family life. Her mission? Ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard loud and clear, without any doubts.
Polly holds a Bachelor of Speech Language Therapy from Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand, though she jokes it sounds more like a delicious sandwich (mmm, B.SLT!). She’s proudly affiliated with the New Zealand Speech-Language Therapists’ Association (NZSTA) as a registered member and expert adviser for speech sound disorders.
With over 20 years of expertise in the New Zealand education sector, Polly’s journey has been remarkable. Her path includes roles with the Ministry of Education, Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), Rural Education Activities Programme (REAP), and Special Schools, among others. She’s now been running and evolving Speech Teacher – her private practice (and third baby) for over 13 years.
Through the years, Polly’s honed her craft to perfection. She’s not just about teaching and speeching; she’s about working collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes for everyone and in the process, delivering an exceptional experience. By staying updated with the latest research, listening and adapting to families’ needs, and embracing newfound inspirations, Polly ensures that her practice continues to evolve in the best possible way. Perfecting her approach is a top priority – all to serve families like yours, in the most remarkable way.
Theme: Communication
Audience: Parents, whānau and professionals