Janet O'Keefe » Expert Witness http://janetokeefe.co.uk Just another WordPress weblog Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:45:52 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2 What is Wordswell? http://janetokeefe.co.uk/2011/08/13/what-is-wordswell/ http://janetokeefe.co.uk/2011/08/13/what-is-wordswell/#comments Sat, 13 Aug 2011 00:35:39 +0000 Janet http://janetokeefe.co.uk/?p=54
WW reports strap 02a 300x156 What is Wordswell?

 

 
Wordswell is a group of speech and language therapists improving the communication skills of children and adults in the Eastern Region from King’s Lynn and Peterborugh to St Neots and Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket with an administrative base in Ely, Cambridgeshire. Therapists are available to work in a clinic base, schools or clients homes. Janet O’Keefe is available for assessment  and attendance in Court or SENDIST as an expert witness nationwide. We have special interests in hearing impairment, autistic spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia and language disorder and feminisation of transgender voice.
 
We have a new logo and a new website.  Do have a look and let us know what you think.
 
WW comm strap w 300x51 What is Wordswell?

share save 120 16 What is Wordswell?

]]> http://janetokeefe.co.uk/2011/08/13/what-is-wordswell/feed/ 0 Why I’m organising this conference and why I think it’s important to you as a parent or professional http://janetokeefe.co.uk/2011/08/13/why-i%e2%80%99m-organising-this-conference-and-why-i-think-it%e2%80%99s-important-to-you-as-a-parent-or-professional/ http://janetokeefe.co.uk/2011/08/13/why-i%e2%80%99m-organising-this-conference-and-why-i-think-it%e2%80%99s-important-to-you-as-a-parent-or-professional/#comments Sat, 13 Aug 2011 00:03:01 +0000 Janet http://janetokeefe.co.uk/?p=35

Why I’m organising this conference and why I think it’s important to you as a parent or professional

After 12 years working in the NHS as a Speech and Language Therapist, I started Wordswell, an independent speech and language therapy clinic, in 1997 and have met many inspirational families and children. Every one of whom has taught me about individual differences, how children learn, and how to communicate better.

Inspiration for my book and this conference have come from my work as an Expert Speech and Language Therapy Witness but also the carer of a child with a life-threatening medical condition and special educational needs.

Governments monitor the outcomes of the processes but not the emotional impact, or the stress, or even the educational outcome. This conference will focus on what we know works and how this can continue to work whatever the future political or legal system we find ourselves under in the coming months and years.

The Big Society is a mind shift for many of us but by working together and networking we can continue to make a positive difference to all those we come into contact with on a daily basis.

share save 120 16 Why I’m organising this conference and why I think it’s important to you as a parent or professional

]]> http://janetokeefe.co.uk/2011/08/13/why-i%e2%80%99m-organising-this-conference-and-why-i-think-it%e2%80%99s-important-to-you-as-a-parent-or-professional/feed/ 0 Medico-Legal Study Day for Parents and Professionals http://janetokeefe.co.uk/2009/07/15/medico-legal-study-day-for-parents-and-professionals/ http://janetokeefe.co.uk/2009/07/15/medico-legal-study-day-for-parents-and-professionals/#comments Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:22:31 +0000 Janet http://janetokeefe.co.uk/?p=21 One of my key roles at Wordswell is my work as an Independent Speech and Language Therapy Expert Witness appearing, usually with the parents of children with special educational needs, or commissioned by a specialist solicitor, at SENDIST or the High Court. 
 
Over the last 12 years I have worked with some excellent legal teams and am delighted to be speaking at this forthcoming study day. 
 
We would welcome parents or professionals to attend and share our experiences of the new regulations which came into being in November 2008.

“Update on Special Educational Needs and DISability Tribunal Regulations”

28th July 2009 at 9.30am – 4pm

Location: Anthony Collins Solicitors, 134 Edmund Street, Birmingham, B3 2ES, (within walking distance of New Street Train Station)

Speaking will be:

images1 Medico Legal Study Day for Parents and ProfessionalsJohn Friel, Barrister of Hardwicke Building

“…good technical knowledge.” – Chambers UK (2009)

“…achieves success in cases that may not appear so strong on paper.” – The Legal 500 (2008)

John is featured in Legal 500 and Chambers UK as an Education Law specialist.

Inez Medico Legal Study Day for Parents and Professionals

Inez Brown, Solicitor of Anthony Collins

Inez leads on the educational support for individuals. She has vast experience in educational matters providing support on statutory assessment of children with special educational needs and admission/exclusion issues arising from maintained schools.

melinda1 Medico Legal Study Day for Parents and ProfessionalsMelinda Nettleton, Solicitor of SEN Legal

Melinda qualified as a solicitor in 1980 working initially for a local authority and then for the Crown Prosecution Service. She specialized in litigation (evidence and advocacy).  Melinda has three children, one of whom has dyslexia, dyspraxia, and a severe language disorder.

Janet Medico Legal Study Day for Parents and Professionals

Janet O’Keefe, Speech and Language Therapist, Wordswell Ltd and Chair of the MLSIG

 Janet has specialised in working with children and adults with hearing impairment, autistic spectrum disorder and dyslexia.

 

If you would like to attend, please email MLSIG@wordswell.co.uk to register your interest.

  You can pay in advance by posting a cheque for £25, made payable to “MLSIG” to Wordswell, 82 Cannon Street, Little Downham, Ely, Cambs, CB6 2SS.

For further information, please do not hesitate to get in contact.

share save 120 16 Medico Legal Study Day for Parents and Professionals

]]> http://janetokeefe.co.uk/2009/07/15/medico-legal-study-day-for-parents-and-professionals/feed/ 0