Skill Swap

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!

Empowering Dyslexic Students: Dyslexia Advocacy and Support Strategies

In this milestone 100th episode, Matt sits down with Michelle Catterson, a trailblazer in dyslexia advocacy, specialist education, and inclusive education policies. As the Executive Headteacher of Moon Hall School, Michelle has transformed the institution into a beacon of support for dyslexic students, doubling its size and earning national recognition. Beyond Moon Hall, Michelle leads as Chair of the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) and collaborates with policymakers in Parliament to shape better education and workplace inclusion for individuals with dyslexia and Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Michelle shares her inspiring journey from scientific research to education, exploring:

The unique challenges dyslexic students face in mainstream schools.

The transformative power of assistive technology for learning.

The importance of teacher training to unlock student potential.

How inclusive policy changes can drive nationwide impact.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or employer, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you better support dyslexic individuals in education, work, and beyond. Michelle’s work is a compelling reminder that meaningful change begins with understanding and leadership.

Don’t miss out! Tune in to discover ground breaking strategies for creating inclusive environments and championing dyslexia advocacy.