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?
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.
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.
GET IN TOUCH WITH SHAUN
Shaun loves to talk all things DLD. You can reach him at:
shaun@thedldproject.com
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 Raising Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder (RADLD) international volunteer committee assisting to coordinate Developmental Language Disorder Awareness Day.
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.
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
Contributors
Dr Charlotte Forwood
Dr Charlotte Forwood is a registered teacher and certified practicing speech pathologist with over 25 years’ experience working with school-aged children in government, independent and special schools in Australia and the UK. She is currently the Director of Learning Design and Development at Camberwell Girls Grammar School. She has a particular interest in vocabulary development (the focus of her PhD thesis), language and literacy skills in primary/adolescence, transdisciplinary learning, language associated with metacognition and advocating for students with Developmental Language Disorder. She also enjoys tinkering with tech and opportunities for collaboration with individuals and organisations beyond the classroom.
Charlotte was the recipient of an NGS Super-sponsored scholarship which enabled her to visit the UK to learn about best practice when working with secondary students in particular with Developmental Language Disorder. She is the co-designer and author of two programs developed to support teachers of students with Developmental Language Disorder: Independent Schools Victoria’s Secondary Schools Language Consultancy Program and the Middle Years Language Consultancy Program. She is the author of a number of books and teaching resources, including the award winning STEM Investigations for primary students which includes a specific focus on developing oral language skills and explicit teaching of vocabuary. She is a global ambassador for Raising Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder (RADLD).
Alison King
Alison King is a practicing speech pathologist with extensive experience supporting children with DLD and their families. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Japanese and Communications) and a Master of Speech Pathology.
Alison has a passion for working with people across the lifespan. Her particular interests are in language disorder and feeding disorders.
Alison’s has experience working in private practice and not-for-profit organisations. She is currently the QLD Principal Clinician at Better Rehab supporting participants of all ages through the NDIS.
The DLD Project is excited to have Alison as a contributor as we know she has exceptional people and clinical skills. Alison will be developing content to specifically support people with DLD and their families.