This module aims to introduce students to the professional, legal and ethical context of Intermediary practice within the context of the Irish Justice System. Students will consider the components of speech, language and communication, and the different profiles of speech, language and communication needs that can occur across the lifespan. Students will also gain an in-depth understanding of the roles of the different agencies and professionals with whom they will collaborate in their role as Intermediary. Students will learn about the principles of inclusive communication and trauma-informed care and how they apply to the role of the Intermediary. Students will develop their ability to analyse communicative interactions in the context of justice proceedings and to identify potential barriers to participation for individuals with speech, language and communication needs. Students will become familiar with relevant special measures available to support individuals with communication needs to provide best evidence. On completion of the module, students will have developed an understanding of their role as an Intermediary, the principles of inclusive communication and trauma-informed practice, and will be familiar with the roles and responsibilities of different practitioners in the Irish Justice System.

Topics include; roles and responsibilities of the Intermediary in the Irish Justice System, speech, language and communication needs across the lifespan, the principles of inclusive communication and trauma-informed practice, reflective practice, and special measures in the Irish Courts.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1.Explain different speech, language and communication needs as they present across the lifespan. 2.Describe the principles of inclusive communication and trauma-informed practice and their application to the role of the Intermediary working in the Irish Justice System. 3.Analyse potential communication barriers and facilitators that may influence an individual's ability to participate in the Irish Justice System. 4.Evaluate the appropriacy of special measures and accommodations for individuals with speech, language and communication needs within the Irish Justice System. 5.Differentiate the roles and responsibilities of different practitioners within the judicial process. 6.Reflect critically on the scope of the role of the Intermediary working within the Irish Justice System.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1.Acknowledge the influence of own attitudes and values in the development of effective relationships when working within the Irish Justice System as an Intermediary. 2.Appreciate the importance of effective multi-disciplinary working in the context of the Irish Justice System.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: n/a

The module will be delivered through a combination of online and face-to-face teaching as recommended by international best practice guidelines developed by Cooper and Wurtzel (2004). During this module, students will work through course materials and readings and undertake directed learning activities online (Graduate Attributes: Proactive and Responsible). Face-to-face teaching will include interactive lectures and case-based small group work to allow participants to reflect on and consolidate their understanding of inclusive communication and trauma-informed care in the context of the Irish Justice System (Graduate Attributes: Articulate and Collaborative). Students will be presented with practice dilemmas in order to develop their reasoning skills in relation to professional conduct & ethical issues which may arise within the role of Intermediary (Graduate Attributes: Knowledge). This blended approach combines educational methods that encourage self-directed learning, reflection on personal experience, collaborative working, and critical thinking in relation to the role of the Intermediary.