The aim of this module is to equip students with the necessary skills, competencies and insights to practise as safe and autonomous Intermediaries within the Irish Justice System. The module will provide students will the opportunity to develop advanced skills in the assessment of speech, language and communication needs with diverse populations across the lifespan. The module is designed to support students to develop their ability to appraise and select the most effective methods of supporting communication in relation to the individual needs of their cases and in the context of their work as an Intermediary. Students will also have the opportunity to develop specialist oral and written communication skills appropriate to the context of their work, such as during police interviews and court proceedings. The module will include training in how to intervene effectively during court proceedings in order to advise on appropriate communication methods and techniques to enable the full participation of individuals with speech, language and communication needs. Students will have the opportunity to develop their reflective skills as required for successful engagement in professional supervision. On completion of the module, students will also be able to identify their own learning needs and develop strategies to meet these needs in preparation for work as an Intermediary in the Irish Justice System.

Topics will include; methods of assessment of speech, language and communication, augmentative and alternative methods of supporting communication, assisting in police interviewing, legal report writing, communicating effectively in court, continuing professional development.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1. Appraise and make critical choices in the selection of assessment approaches to produce robust recommendations for individuals with speech, language and communication needs in the Irish Justice System. 2. Appraise and synthesise information from a range of diverse sources to make recommendations for individual cases engaged in the judicial process. 3. Identify and justify communication strategies that may assist individuals to provide best evidence. 4. Demonstrate and reflect on own communication skills in the context of advising and intervening in legal proceedings. 5. Reflect critically on the scope of the role and remit of the Intermediary in optimising equitable participation in the Irish Justice System.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1. Acknowledge conflicts that arise between personal beliefs and ethical considerations when working in the role of Intermediary. 2. Value the importance of engaging in reflective supervision as a means of maintaining safe and equitable practice.

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 learning opportunities. During this module, participants will work independently and proactively through course materials and readings online (Graduate Attributes: Proactive and Knowledge). Face-to-face teaching comprising small group work will be facilitated to support students to develop their skills in assessing different profiles of communication needs. Students will be supported to engage in individual and peer-to-peer feedback activities to advance their written and oral communication skills (Graduate Attributes: Articulate and Collaborative). Simulated learning opportunities to develop skills in intervening during court proceedings will be delivered in the Moot court in the School of Law with specialist Barrister trainers. This blended approach combines educational methods that encourage self-directed learning, reflective practice and critical thinking as recommended in international best practice guidelines for Intermediary training programmes (Cooper and Wurtzel 2004) (Graduate Attributes: Responsible). Students will be supported to reflect on their learning journey throughout the module using explicit reflective models. Such learning opportunities will ensure students have the expert knowledge and insight to work autonomously and proactively as Intermediaries to ensure the full participation of individuals with speech, language and communication needs in legal proceedings in Ireland.