Acknowledgment of country

‘In the spirit of reconciliation The DLD Project acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.’

Our Story

The DLD Project was launched in August 2020 in response to a growing need for evidence based Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) information, resources and training in Australia.  After collectively more than a decade of working with people with DLD Shaun, PhD candidate and  speech pathologist, partnered with his former colleague Nat, who has over 15 years experience leading health and disability charities in strategic marketing, fundraising, advocacy and community engagement.   Together they are The DLD Project Co-Founders who are supported by expert contributors from around the globe.

OUR VISION

A world where people with DLD are recognised, understood and empowered to live their best life.

OUR MISSION

To be the most trusted provider of evidence based DLD information, resources and training in Australia.

OUR Values

We celebrate the individual
We do more with less
We breathe, reflect then act boldly
We make lives better, today

WHAT DOES THE DLD PROJECT DO?

DLD Project on laptop

Extensive and evolving research tells us what works best for people with DLD but unfortunately these learnings and insights sit in the hands of a few.

The DLD Project, overcomes these roadblocks by providing an online platform that distributes evidence-based information, resources and training created by contributors from around the globe.

In addition to offering loads of free and paid tools and resources to support the Australian DLD community a portion of the proceeds goes to funding game changing DLD advocacy and research initiatives.

Meet The DLD Project Co-Founders

Shaun Ziegenfusz

CO-Founder, the dld project

“ The DLD Project is an impact focussed, innovative social enterprise founded to elevate awareness and understanding of DLD in Australia.

  • Bachelor of Science (Developmental Biology)
  • Master of Speech Pathology
  • Master of Special Education (Early Intervention and School Leadership)
As a practising Speech Pathologist Shaun has extensive experience working with young people and families in early childhood and school settings. He is an active member of Speech Pathology Australia, as well as an editorial committee member for the Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech Language Pathology.

Shaun is proud to be an International Committee member for Raising Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder (RADLD) which has a reach into more than 30 countries globally. He has volunteered with RADLD for more than 3 years donating hundreds of hours of his time and expertise to raise global awareness of DLD.
 
Shaun is currently enrolled at Griffith University as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidate where he combines his experience in speech pathology and education to research students with DLD. This vital research is helping to identify the needs and necessary supports for students with DLD from the perspective of key stakeholders. Shaun’s wealth of hands on DLD expertise coupled with his academic achievements make him an invaluable advocate for people with DLD.

 

Shaun is dad to two beautiful girls, an amazing baker and has recently caught the renovating bug in his spare time!

GET IN TOUCH WITH SHAUN

Shaun loves to talk all things DLD. You can reach him at:
shaun@thedldproject.com

Nat T Head shot

Natalie Turner

Co-Founder, the dld project

“Australian families, educators and health professionals have been calling for more DLD Australian specific support and we are here to help.

  • Bachelor of Communication (Majoring in Journalism & Film)
  • Graduate Certificate in Business

Nat has had an interesting career starting out as a radio announcer on Triple M  and B105 before making the shift into the not-for-profit sector. For the past 15 years she has worked internationally for some of the largest and most impactful health and disability charities in fundraising, marketing and community engagement positions. She is also a member of the international Raising Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder (RADLD) volunteer committee.

It was whilst undertaking post-graduate studies in business and working directly with amazing families navigating DLD that Nat started to think of new models for addressing significant social issues. Afterall, Developmental Language Disorder should be a somewhat addressable challenge for many because with the right supports people with DLD can thrive. 

However, due to lack of NDIS funding, low awareness of the condition and the knowledge of what works sitting in the hands of a few, many of the 1 in 14 people with DLD  are not receiving the support they deserve. 

The DLD Project believes we can do better. In fact, we simply have to do better. Nat is committed to leading from the front to ask the tough questions and do the work needed to raise awareness and spread DLD knowledge to every town in Australia. 

Nat is mum to two girls, loves the outdoors and all things handmade. 

GET IN TOUCH WITH Nat

Nat is very keen to talk with people ready to make a big impact in the DLD space. You can reach her at: nat@thedldproject.com

CALLING ALL PASSIONATE DLD ADVOCATES

We believe the saying “It takes a village” is the best way to describe our model. 

We engage families, health professionals and educators to work in partnership to change the lifelong outlook for people with DLD. 

Everyone has an important role to play in empowering people with DLD to live their best life.

At The DLD Project we develop our information, resources and training in partnership with qualified experts from around the world. 

If you share our vision and would like to join our team as an expert contributor we’d love to hear from you. Simply pitch your idea to us via email at connect@thedldproject.com