Inaugural lecture: I raise my eyes to say yes

MEDIA RELEASE

18 June 2013

Inaugural lecture: I raise my eyes to say yes

The lifelong impact of not being able to communicate through speech will be the focus of Professor Susan Balandin’s inaugural professorial lecture at Victoria University on Tuesday 25 June.

“We take speech for granted and yet, for some people, speech is not an option,” says Professor Balandin.

During her talk, Professor Balandin will discuss some of the key issues facing people who have little or no functional speech and suggest how communities can better help support them.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Pat Walsh says Victoria University’s inaugural lecture series is an opportunity for professors to share insights into their specialist areas of study with family, friends, colleagues and the wider community.

“Inaugural lectures are also an excellent way for the University to celebrate and acknowledge our valued professors,” says Professor Walsh.

Professor Balandin is an expert in the field of communicative interactions of people with lifelong disability.

She moved to New Zealand last year to take up the role of Director at Victoria’s Jessie Hetherington Centre for Educational Research, and Professor of Research in the University’s Faculty of Education.

During her career, Professor Balandin has made a substantial contribution to the body of knowledge and clinical practice relating to people with lifelong disability and little or no functional speech.

In addition to her role at Victoria, Professor Balandin has been recognised with the title of Honorary Professor at the University of Sydney, Edith Cowan University Western Australia, and the University of Helsinki.

Inaugural lecture–Professor Susan Balandin
‘I raise my eyes to say yes’: negotiating conversations with little or no functional speech
Tuesday 25 June 2013, 6pm
Hunter Council Chamber, Level 2, Hunter Building, Gate 1 or 2, Kelburn Parade, Wellington.

RSVP by Friday 21 June. Phone 04-472 1000 or email rsvp@vuw.ac.nz with ‘Balandin’ in the subject line.

Victoria University of Wellington: New Zealand’s most research-intensive university.

ENDS

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