Beyond Words: Dyslexia & Innovation

Through the lens that there is a cultural educational void surrounding understanding the strengths of being neurodivergent. As an educator and dyslexic, together with a group of like-minded individuals we founded a national symposium that spotlights the strengths of the dyslexic mind. With the understanding that neurodivergent thinkers view the world differently and that can be a powerful asset when it comes to problem-solving and creativity.

This emerging conference, now in its 7th year, focuses on harnessing the power of dyslexic thinking that includes greater spatial awareness, peripheral vision, pattern recognition, big picture thinking, complex problem solving, formulation of grit and tenacity, in addition to taking more risks: physical, emotional and financial. It has grown from 300 registered participants in its inaugural in-person event, to 600 registered online participants during the pandemic reaching 6 countries, 41 states, and 61 communities, most recently offered in a hybrid format with nearly 900 registered participants.

At the core of the discussion is systemic change with far-reaching goals that include best practices for neurodivergent students, embracing new curriculum development, implementation of adaptive technology, and breaking down the regimented silos between accommodation requests and universal design. Also, challenging norms and redefining how we perceive strengths and weaknesses in the classroom and the profession, fostering a more inclusive learning environment, and creating administrative buy-in to support a transformative future.