When words and writing are a struggle: Understanding Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) & dysgraphia + live Q & A

Join us for a webinar with speech and language pathologist and accredited Orton-Gillingham Practitioner and Trainer, Linda McKillop, as she explores Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and dysgraphia, and their impact on communication, literacy, learning and academic achievement. 

Linda is a passionate educator committed to supporting children with dyslexia and other language-based learning difficulties. Drawing on extensive professional training and years of experience, she will share evidence-based insights and practical strategies to help parents, educators and allied health professionals better understand and support young people with language and writing difficulties. 

Topics include: 

• Understanding Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and dysgraphia

• How these difficulties affect communication, learning and everyday life

• The impact on literacy development and academic achievement

• Evidence-based intervention and support strategies

• Practical approaches for home, school and the wider community

• Live Q & A with Linda 

Who should attend?
Teachers, school leaders, education professionals, allied health professionals, home schoolers, parents and carers of children and young people with language, literacy and writing difficulties. 

About Linda
Linda McKillop is certified speech and language pathologist, an Accredited Orton-Gillingham Practitioner and Trainer, and serves as the Australian Dyslexia Association's Tasmanian Advisor. Linda is passionate about helping educators and families understand how best to support all learners. 

Ella Blackburn and Jessica Scurry are the Square Pegs Education & Engagement Officers.

Ella and Jessica both bring strong teaching backgrounds, deep expertise, and lived experience with dyslexia. Their shared passion for inclusive education and community connection makes them a wonderful addition to Square Pegs and a powerful asset to the communities we support.

Ella is a dyslexic and autistic primary school teacher from Tasmania with a deep commitment to inclusive and empowering education. She holds an undergraduate degree in Behavioural Science, a Master of Teaching, and a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy. Ella has also completed Orton–Gillingham training and the Science of Reading short course at La Trobe University. She has worked across a range of schools in greater Hobart and currently teaches Gifted and Highly Able students with DECYP.

Ella was diagnosed with Specific Learning Disabilities, including dyslexia, in late primary school after years of challenges with reading, spelling, writing, and maths.

Jessica brings her own unique experience, passion, and expertise to the role. She is an experienced educator with specialist expertise in literacy intervention and learning diversity. Jessica holds a Master of Learning Intervention (Specific Learning Difficulties) and a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (IB Diploma) from the University of Melbourne, a Master of Arts (English) from the University of Sydney, as well as a Diploma of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science.

Jessica has worked as an Intervention Teacher across upper primary and secondary settings since 2015 and previously held roles as a Learning Diversity Coordinator and English/Humanities teacher for Years 7–12. She has also operated her own literacy tutoring service and worked as a literacy consultant and early childhood literacy teacher.