You’ve got a friend in me!

In this episode, we explore how mind mapping assists individuals with dyslexia in organizing their ideas. Dyslexic individuals often have brilliant ideas but struggle to structure them coherently. Mind mapping helps visualize these thoughts, making it easier to organize them into text or presentations. Assistive technology has evolved from basic PC tools to advanced AI-driven solutions, offering limitless possibilities for mind mapping.

Host Matthew Head is joined by Chris Collier, Director of Assistive Technology at OpenGenius. Chris’s journey began as an English teacher in South Africa, where he encountered neurodiverse students and learned about Dyslexia. He became an expert in Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) and assistive technology, eventually leading him to his current role at OpenGenius. Chris shares insights on how AI-powered mind mapping, through tools like Ayoa, is revolutionizing education and workplace productivity for everyone.

Join us for the final episode of 2023! Host Matthew Head deviates from the usual format for a special Q&A session, addressing burning questions from listeners. Sip your coffee, tea, or preferred hot beverage as Matthew shares unscripted insights. Topics include hiring and retaining dyslexic individuals in the workplace, Matthew’s dyslexic strengths as an engineer, and underrated strengths of dyslexic employees. Explore hacks for boosting work efficiency and common dyslexia strengths. If you’ve enjoyed Dyslexia Life Hacks in 2023, share your favourite episode on social media or our website. As the year comes to a close, we wish you a fantastic Christmas and New Year break. Anticipate more dyslexia insights, perspectives, and hacks in 2024!

In this podcast episode, Dr. Martin Bloomfield challenges common perceptions of dyslexia. Despite being labeled as ‘lazy’ and a ‘class clown’ during his childhood due to dyslexia, Martin went on to earn a Doctorate in Philosophy and become a strong advocate for people with dyslexia. He sheds light on how dyslexia is perceived in various cultures and countries, highlighting that it’s not universally assessed the same way.

During a captivating conversation with host Matthew, Martin delves into his personal journey, discussing his school experiences, the discovery of his dyslexia at the age of 30, and the diverse strategies he has used to navigate dyslexia’s challenges. He also explores different types of dyslexia and shares insights into achieving a Doctorate despite the condition.

As an active advocate, Martin discusses his work in developing resources for individuals with dyslexia, including creating a global map of dyslexic specialist schools on Google Earth. This episode offers valuable insights into achieving academic success with dyslexia, discovering dyslexia later in life, international perspectives on dyslexia assessment, and innovative strategies for overcoming dyslexia-related obstacles. Don’t miss out on this enlightening discussion!