Written with input from 60+ multidisciplinary scholars and stakeholders at a scientific meeting in Leiden, the ATLAS #ThinkLanguageFirst Manifesto has been endorsed by over 55 organizations, including the British linguistics associations LAGB, BAAL and BACL, Speech and Language UK, Autistica, the Down Syndrome Association, and the Association of Youth Offending Team Managers. 
The manifesto highlights that over 10% of the world population face different language challenges and calls for timely assessments, broad recognition of the significant impact of unmet language needs on behavioural issues, educational exclusion, and a higher likelihood of unemployment and criminal activities. The panel speakers addressed the crucial topic of language skills as the gateway to lifelong wellbeing and educational attainment.
The full programme is available here.
Professor Maria Arche said:
“I am very happy to see that the ATLAS-Leiden Manifesto has brought together such a strong and diverse array of experts and organizations, all in agreement that language development must be put at the forefront to help children and young people reach their potential.”
Speakers at the launch included Lord Boateng, Professor Karen Bryan, Mr Steve Jamieson, Professor María J Arche and a panel consisting of:
- Dr Alexandra Perovic (UCL), chair
- Professor Joao Costa, Linguist and Minister of Education from Portugal
- Mr Diz Minnitt, SEND and Speech and Language Lead for Association of YOT Managers (AYM), Head of Youth Justice and Support Service, Milton Keynes
- Ms Carol-Ann Murray, Associate Director - Learning Disability and Autism at NHS South East London
- Ms Sara Pennington, HM Inspectorate of Prisons
- Ms Louisa Reeves, Speech and Language UK
- Ms Sharon Gray, Youth Justice Board
- Justice Renate Winter, President of UN Committee of the Rights of the Child
- Dr Lana Peto, President of council for juveniles on High Criminal Court of Republic Croatia
- Professor George Tsoulas, President of the Linguistics Association of Great Britain
Find out more about the ATLAS team and endorsing the manifesto by visiting the ATLAS website.
Pictured L-R: Dr Alexandra Perovic (UCL), Prof Tracey Reynolds (University of Greenwich), Prof Maria Arche (University of Greenwich), Lord Boateng, Professor Jane Harrington (University of Greenwich)
