The Origins of Assistive Technology and Entrepreneurship with Martin McKay

When a life changing moment spawned a desire to understand herself more and figure out why she struggled with spelling and reading, our guest in this episode, Usha Patel, put aside all her years of training and experience as an Architect, and retrained as a Neurocognitive Therapist. After setting up her own therapy practice in London in 2008, Usha has helped countless children and parents with dyslexia, dyspraxia, and ADHD. Because everyone is different and each brain works differently, Usha introduces unique and bespoke solutions for each child.In Usha’s therapy sessions, she discovers how each child learns through the process of play. Using play as an ice breaker and a way to connect with children on their level, Usha gains their trust and finds a much deeper understanding of how their brain works.One method which is not widely used in the UK but has found much success with Usha is the Infinity walk Method. Developed in the 1980s by clinical psychologist Deborah Sunbeck. Infinity Walk is a therapeutic method for progressively developing coordination. It strives to improve the sensorimotor functioning of those who practise it. If you are a parent of a child with Dyslexia or ADHD, this episode is for you! Find Usha At:WebsiteCase StudiesKey Topics:What is Neurocognitive Therapy,How Neurocognitive Therapy could help you or your child,The Infinity Walk method, Reading techniques, andDyslexic challenges in the workplace.-Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmes.For more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter

What is it like working in the government? What is it like working in the front bench of the government? What is it like leading a major government department through a deadly pandemic? What is it like doing all that, with Dyslexia? Well, that was the job of the well known and proud dyslexic, Matt Hancock.Most people in the UK will know Matt Hancock as the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and he became a very familiar face during the COVID -19 pandemic.What most people may not know is that Matt Hancock is a very proud dyslexic person. In this episode of the podcast, Matt tells us about how his dyslexic strengths helped him to reach a senior level in government, in particular, Big Picture thinking, and Communication.Now as a backbencher in government, Matt remains a big advocate for the dyslexic community and ensures that their needs are being heard by the very top, through the introduction of the “Dyslexia Screening and Teacher Training Bill” to parliament.In this episode you will hear what led to Matt receiving a late diagnosis of dyslexia at the age of 18, while studying at Oxford University and the help that he then experienced which in turn, has supported him throughout his life.Recorded in person at The Dyslexia Show 2024 on 15th March 2024. Find Matt at:WebsiteAccessible Learning FoundationKey Topics:What is it like working in UK Politics as someone with dyslexia?UK GovernmentCOVID -19  The Dyslexia Screening and Teacher Training BillThe formation of the Accessible Learning Foundation-Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmesFor more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter

Do you find that, because of your dyslexia, you are interested in loads of different things which seemingly don't go together!? Our host is an Automotive Engineer turned Dyslexic Podcaster, not an obvious link.Well, this is the theme of this podcast.This is a truly amazing life story of navigating dyslexia, travelling around Europe, writing, teaching and Eating Psychology Coaching! In this episode we meet an amazing person, Kathy Elkind! Kathy has lived a full and exciting life all while navigating the challenges of dyslexia.I think you can agree that, on the face of it, writing a book, planning for a 3 month expedition around Europe, training to be a coach and coaching people in Eating Psychology, and teaching don’t all naturally link together. But when you throw a Dyslexic mind into that mix. Suddenly it starts to make sense.Kathy's story demonstrates how many dyslexic people are multi-interests people. Not only that, when we find something we’re passionate about we go ALL IN! However, people with dyslexia can often feel guilty for having multiple interests which don't seem to marry together. When you listen to this episode you will feel inspired and empowered to keep up with all of your interests.Kathy’s Book “To Walk it is to See it”Key Topics:What is an Eating Psychology Coach?Teacher’s approach to Dyslexia through the decades,Taking an Adult Gap Year to go Travelling,How to support children with dyslexia or suspected dyslexia, Writing a book,Discovering ways to feel positive about your dyslexia!-Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmesFor more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter

When Nathan was diagnosed with dyslexia at 35, he couldn’t believe that this is what he had battelling with all through school and university and then in the workplace. And then finally with the diagnosis of dyslexia was able to access the support needed to thrive in work. Later, Nathan set-up as a coach to help others with neurodiveristies like dyslexia and ADHD so that they too can thrive in the workplace.In this episode of the podcast, Nathan shares with Matthew Head his journey with Dyslexia and gives insights of techniques he uses with his coaching clients to help them find solutions on their own. Nathan is a coach, trainer and facilitator who has been focusing on 'neurodiversity in the workplace' since 2015. Nathan supports teams and individuals to help them amplify their strengths and manage the things they find difficult.Nathan has worked across the technology, engineering, commercial and non-profit sectors in leadership roles. In addition to Nathan's experience in the workplace, he also has personal experience within the family of neurodiversity, shaping his innovative approach to supporting individuals and teams to be their most effective.Nathan is accredited with the British Dyslexia Association as a workplace needs assessor, in addition to holding qualifications in coaching from the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) and the international coaching federation (ICF).Key Topics:Coaching,Finding you have Dyslexia later in life,Dyslexia, ADHD and Autism.Find Nathan at:LinkedInWebsite-Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmesFor more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter

What is Dyscalculia? Dyscalculia is a specific and persistent difficulty in understanding numbers which can lead to a diverse range of difficulties with mathematics. It will be unexpected in relation to age, level of education and experience and occurs across all ages and abilities. (BDA Guidance on Dyscalculia) In this episode of the podcast, Matt Head speaks with the founder of the Dyslexia Show, Arran Smith ahead of the 2024 event which brings Dyscalculia into the show to help raise awareness and help people find the support they need in this area of neurodiversity not often discussed. March 3rd 2024 is Dyscalculia Awareness Day so it makes sense to raise awareness about it on this podcast this week.The Dyslexia Show, the foremost exhibition in the UK devoted to dyslexia and neurodiversity, aims primarily to empower and provide understanding to those affected by dyslexia and neurodiversity. It endeavours to cultivate a more profound insight into the diverse ways in which education, parents, the workplace, and individuals themselves can extend support and awareness.Arran shared with us how the Dyslexia Show Started and how it’s growing and the aspirations of the Dyslexia Show in years to come.This is Arran’s third appearance on the podcast. If you want to listen to more from Arran then you can listen to Episode 17 and 45!Key Topics:Dyslexia ShowDyscalculia ShowFind Arran, Dyslexia Show and Dyscalculia Show atArran's LinkedInDyslexia ShowDyscalculia ShowKeywords:Dyslexia, Dyslexic, Dyslexia Show, Dyscalculia -Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmesFor more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter

It's a topic not often talked about, the pressure  fathers feel to be both successful at work or as an entrepreneur AND be a great dad. For fathers, it can often feel like you get pulled in opposite directions by others but also by themselves to want to be a great dad and a successful career.Historically, fathers have been the bread winners whose role it is to financially support their family by bringing in a secure income to protect the family. Today it is also common that fathers should (and want to) be more involved at home with the children.This can often be a conflict between the two and often feel like as you succeed in one area you start to fail in the other.In this week's episode, our host, Matthew Head is joined by entrepreneur and coach Lee Eldridge who specialises in coach Dads who wants to balance work and being a Dad better. Lee discovered he was Dyslexic at University in his 20’s and today he believes that his unique dyslexic strengths makes him the effective coach he is today.Lee wants to help dads that struggle to focus and have a lack of energy to be able to engage with their children and become better leaders!Key Topics:Discovering have dyslexia in your 20’s,Being a natural coach because of dyslexic strengths,Sports coaching,Being a dad whilst juggling having a successful career.Find Lee at:Thriving Business DadYouTube ChannelLinkedIn-Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmesFor more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter

Back in the 1990’s dyslexia was not seen in the same way it is today!A lot has changed in the past 30 years (outside dial up internet, mobile phones, wide screen TVs, DVD’s, and interesting haircuts) the way dyslexia is seen in schools and workplace has changed significantly. But there is still more to do!This episode’s guest Donna Stevenson tells us how, today companies want to learn more about dyslexia and other neurodiversities and even appoint more into roles within their organisation. Donna tells us that this wasn’t quite the case in the 90’s when she started working with the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) after a short career break from teaching.Donna Stevenson started her career as a Nursery Nurse and a Primary School teacher, where she developed a passion for supporting those learners with dyslexia. At this time, the training for teachers to all children with ‘specific learning difficulties’, which included dyslexia, was crammed into an afternoon. Feeling like it wasn’t enough and wanting to do more, Donna decided to pursue her passion to help people with dyslexia.Over the years at the BDA she worked with children and adults with dyslexia;  working within education and workplaces to raise awareness and champion the Dyslexia Friendly approach.  Her passion in the latter part of her career is now supporting adults in the workplace through delivering training and as a Workplace Needs Assessor.   She has recently joined the Success With Dyslexia (SWD) team as Head of Training and Assessment, utilising her years of experience to create a global service. In this episode Donna tells us how sharing lived experience is invaluable to better understanding dyslexia and educating people on how to succeed with dyslexia. Donna pulls for my own lived experience with her father having had dyslexia.Key Topics:Seeing children with dyslexia as a ‘write off’ and wanting to do more to help people with dyslexia learn.Pursuing a passion to help dyslexic people at school and in the workplace.How dyslexia was seen in the 90s, but there is still more to do!-Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmesFor more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter

In this episode, we step beyond dyslexia and dive into the psychology of humans and how we’re born with characteristics and how experiences shape how we approach life. You will remember that we spoke with Lee Povey in episode 58 as Lee discussed with host Matthew Head; Men's Mental Health, Dyslexia, Athletics, and the Journey to Self-Acceptance. In this episode, we discuss coaching and human psychology and how that shapes who we are and how we respond to situations. When you layer dyslexia over human psychology, it is easy to see how experiences in younger life affects how adults with dyslexia perform in the workplace. Lee’s background is in Sports and specifically cycling, but his life experiences and battle with his own mental health has grown Lee to a phenomenal coach for athletes and business leaders. In this episode Lee explains how these past experiences and our learnt responses to them, is what is affecting our ability to success and often what Lee does with his clients is identify what is holding them back and show them how to take notice of the emotions, take a step back to evaluate the situation, and grow from a renewed perspective.Lee tells us that, before you can help others you need to help yourself and understand yourself. For people with dyslexia, this is particularly important, as dyslexia is so unique and different for everyone from distinct challenges, to amazing strengths. And understanding our own dyslexia strengths and challenges is the first step to succeeding with and because of dyslexia!If you want to understand yourself better and what you can do to be successful by changing your mindset, this is the episode you need to hear! Key Topics:CoachingHuman Psychology Understanding yourself moreHow to peel back the layers of past experience to understand your response to situations,How to notice your emotions, and adjust your response to deal with the context of the situation and not just the content.Find Lee at:Lee's pervious episode LinkedIn  Instagram  -Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmesFor more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter

Technology which helps many dyslexic people throughout the world started life in a place you might not expect!In this episode we meet the CEO and founder of texthelp whose aim is to help everyone to understand and be understood! texthelp creates assistive technologies software to help people with dyslexia in many computer applications. A life of assistive technology started out with Martin writing code to help his father communicate after suffering a stroke leaving him unable to talk.Today Martin, winner of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2022 award, is committed to helping dyslexic people in their workplace and helping employers support their dyslexic colleagues. What has happened is that this assistive technology is not just helpful for dyslexic people to level the playing field, but also helps other, more neurotypical, colleagues become more productive.With the advancements of assistive technology, the typical dyslexic challenges will not hold back dyslexic people in using their dyslexic strengths! Key Topics:Strokes.Computer software.Assistive Technology.Supporting dyslexic people in the workplace.Find Martin at:texthelp websitetexthelp LinkedIn-Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmesFor more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter

Last Episode of 2023!To finish off this incredible year full of amazing insights from equally amazing guests, we’re changing from our usual format for a one-off episode with our host Matthew Head answering some of your burning questions! Join Matthew for a coffee (tea or other hot beverages also allowed) to discuss Matthew’s thoughts in an unscripted Q&A session!Hear Matthew’s thoughts on hiring and retaining dyslexic people in the workplace, what dyslexic strengths Matthew has and uses in his work as a Engineer, what are employer’s most undervalued dyslexic strengths, and many more!If you have enjoyed listening to Dyslexia Life Hacks throughout 2023, why not drop us a message on social media or our website and tells what episode you enjoyed most!We hope you have enjoyed another year of dyslexia life hacks and we hope you have a great break over Christmas and New Year. We look forward to bringing you even more insights, perspectives, and dyslexia hacks in 2024! Key Topics:Hiring and retaining dyslexic people in the workplaceCommon Dyslexia strengths,Hacks for improving your efficiency on work,Common undervalued dyslexic strengths -Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmesFor more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter