Speech & Language | Down Syndrome Development Trust UK https://downsyndromedevelopment.org.uk Helping families on the Down syndrome journey Thu, 09 Oct 2025 13:50:48 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://downsyndromedevelopment.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/cropped-DSDT-logo-sml2020-32x32.jpg Speech & Language | Down Syndrome Development Trust UK https://downsyndromedevelopment.org.uk 32 32 DSDT Reading Intervention – Resources https://downsyndromedevelopment.org.uk/education-programme/reading-intervention/dsdt-reading-intervention/ Thu, 04 Jul 2024 20:26:35 +0000 https://downsyndromedevelopment.org.uk/2020/?p=3710 Reading intervention is based on the proven whole word reading techniques used by renowned organisations such as DSE in the UK and the Institute of Human Potential in the USA.

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Our Reading Intervention
Helping your child at home and school

The background

Reading intervention is based on the proven whole word reading techniques used by renowned organisations such as DSE in the UK and the Institute of Human Potential in the USA.

These techniques are currently recognised as the best-practice method of teaching children with Down Syndrome how to read and how to develop speech and language skills.

How it works

We know that learning to read is a complex process involving word recognition and language understanding. Flashcards are proven to enhance speech development in children with Down syndrome.

The DSDT have expanded this understanding to supply each reader with extra resources that play a very important role in developing and improving reading fluency.

 

oxford-reading-tree-books

The Oxford Reading Tree (ORT)

Oxford Reading Tree - Up You Go
The books progress through each stage of reading.
P.s. Look out for the odd bit of humour added especially for parents and care-givers!

We follow the ORT’s Biff, Chip & Kipper stories.

The ORT is used throughout all primary schools for pupils first starting out to read. The stories follow the adventures of three children called Biff, Chip and Kipper. The stories are engaging and well-loved, the simple but characterful drawings capture the essence of each story.

Find Oxford Reading Tree books

Find out more about Oxford Reading Tree books at Oxford Owl, part of Oxford University Press. You can also find the books to purchase on Amazon.

Oxford Owl, part of Oxford University Press.

Oxford Reading Tree Books

Find out more about the ORT books.

Learn more here

DSDT downloads

Each download listed in Levels One – Four below, comprises of enlarged font sentence strips and word flashcards to use alongside the corresponding Oxford Reading Tree book – please note we do not supply the books, they are to be purchased separately.

The Down Syndrome Development Trust ask for a small donation of £2.50 to the charity to cover the reading intervention development costs. If you wish you can make a smaller or larger donation.
ORT Sentence Strips and Flashwords

Purchase your resources here:

The post DSDT Reading Intervention – Resources first appeared on Down Syndrome Development Trust UK.]]> Communication for Life https://downsyndromedevelopment.org.uk/speech-language/down-syndrome-training-day/ Wed, 15 Jan 2020 13:57:58 +0000 http://downsyndromedevelopment.org.uk/?p=1022 A day for families and professionals supporting children and young people with Down syndrome from age 9 to young adulthood. We look at communication issues in the context of adolescence, a time of transition from childhood to adulthood.

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Communication for Life – developing communication skills for real life communication challenges of the teenage years and young adulthood.

A day for families and professionals supporting children and young people with Down syndrome from age 9 to young adulthood. We look at communication issues in the context of adolescence, a time of transition from childhood to adulthood.

We explore ideas and strategies that can support communication around key issues for teenagers and young adults, focusing on strengths and challenges associated with Down syndrome.

So, if puberty is on the way or has arrived already, this course will help to map out future directions and priorities, as well as discussing practical strategies for everyday challenges.

Symbol UK

Symbol UK is a powerhouse for change!

Our courses are developed with Symbol UK who bring together skilled practitioners and commissioners to develop innovative services that enrich the lives of children and adults who have Down syndrome and other special needs.

Symbol UK’s work supports clients to develop their skills and confidence, to make choices about their lives and improves their opportunities to engage with and contribute to the community.

Read more here:

https://symbolconnect.co.uk/speech-language-therapy

Contact Us

Speech & Language Training Courses are available on request.

For information on hosting this course in your area please call the DSDT on 01323 892323, or Symbol Uk on: 01273 615073, Mb: 07897 373839.

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Sign up for the next round 3 day course training for co-workers to run speech and language groups that assist people who have Down syndrome to develop their communication skills.

The co-worker network was set up in 2005 to address the shortage of syndrome specific speech and language therapy provision for people with Down syndrome, from babyhood through to adulthood. Across the UK, co-workers supervised by specialist speech and language therapists are providing effective and otherwise unavailable speech and language therapy groups to address speech, language and communication skills using syndrome specific approaches.

Experts indicate that syndrome-specific speech and language therapy is vital to enabling people with Down syndrome to make best progress with speech, language and communication skills, and supports learning and social inclusion.

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